​​Wendell's special spirit inspires us all...

About Wendell
Wendell came to us as a chick who was going to be destroyed due to neurological issues. We named the chick Wendy after our friend sought sanctuary for this special chick. As Wendy grew, her neurological issues didn’t improve. Our vet found her to be in good health otherwise. Of course, as time went on, we found out "Wendy" was actually a handsome rooster--so we started calling him Wendell. 

An Interview with Wendell the Rooster

Q1:  Why do you move your head around so strangely?
A1:   I was born with neurological issues that cause that, but it doesn't keep me from enjoying the simple pleasures in life, like the sun on my feathers, and hugs and petting from the River's Wish volunteers. 

Q2:  Who is your best friend at River's Wish?
A2:   I actually have two! My best buds are Mr. McBeevee Theo Hawkeye Roo (I just call him Theo) and Belle. They are both awesome. 

Q3:  What is your favorite thing to do?
A3.  I love being held and taking dust baths. You might think it's odd that a rooster loves being held, but it's pretty common. We love being pet and snuggled, just like any other animal. 

Q4:  What is one thing that people don't know about you?
A4:   I have been the subject of several works of art. I don’t want to brag or anything, but people find me ridiculously good looking. I really can’t argue…

Q5:  What do you want people to know about roosters?
A5. Roosters are one of the most misunderstood and discarded animals. It's sad. Every summer River's Wish receives multiple calls asking us to take in someone's rooster from their backyard flock of chicks they purchased at the feed store. When they learn that one or more of the chicks is a rooster, they often find that they are not zoned for roosters or that they don't want roosters. This is one of the saddest aspects of backyard flocks. The boys are unwanted.

In the egg industry, they are treated even worse. It's a disturbing and terrible fact, but millions of male chicks are ground alive on their first day of life. Females live out a bleak existence, often kept in cramped, polluted quarters to produce eggs. They are then replaced at about two years old. The majority of the hens who have outgrown their use are then killed.

But what can we do?
It can feel overwhelming and hopeless sometimes, but there are steps you can take to make a difference. Here are some suggestions:

• Adopt, don’t shop. This mantra has been true with cats and dogs for years, but chickens, rabbits, pigs, goats, horses and more are no different. Local animal sanctuaries and shelters often have chickens available for adoption.
• If you aren’t already vegan, consider this lifestyle change. Or, start small by trying a “Meatless Monday”. There are many vegan chicken-flavored products that are tasty and healthy alternatives to meat. 
• Support local sanctuaries and animals shelters. Your donation, no matter how small, allows these organizations to continue their work with your support. 
• Visit me at River's Wish! Over the coming months, we'll be having some small, safe, and socially distanced events at the sanctuary, and you can meet me! You'll see how amazing I am. Keep your eye on our Facebook Events page. 

In our society, birds have the least amount of protection and are exploited at an increasingly rapid pace. If you’d like to learn more about this cruel industry, read more here. Thanks for reading my interview and caring about me and all my friends at River's Wish! 

If you'd like to sponsor Wendell or one of his friends at River's Wish, click the button below to find out more. 

 Dear Friends of the Animals,

We hope you are all enjoying the beginnings of warmer weather. We know the animals are. We have been busy at the Sanctuary, cleaning up after a long winter, caring for our friends, completing some amazing adoptions, and sadly, saying goodbye to some of our residents. This is the sad part of what we do, and while we are glad we are able to provide love and care during their lifetime, it's always hard to say goodbye. 

We also have some news about some events happening on site! We are excited to start welcoming visitors back (masked, socially distanced, and in small groups, of course). 

Read on to get up to date with us!

​As the weather improves, and COVID-19 phases for Washington State open up opportunity for more in-person activities, we're busy planning for ways to create small events focused around our mission statement. You can keep up to date with our public visitation events on our Facebook events calendar. 

Just a few events in the works:

• Art and Animals Workshops with Spokane Art School
• Spokane Public Schools Express Programs visits
• Donor Celebration Event
• Public small group tours 

 
Art for the Animals Auction
Because we still won't be able to have large group events, our 11th Annual Art for the Animals Auction will be online again this year. Stay tuned for more information, including how to donate and register for our most popular event. 

​Ennis entered our lives in February of 2010 and left his tired old body on March 20.
Our friend Lori from Cle Elum told us about a 3 year old pig whose people were going to shoot him, because he was knocking things in their shop. Without hesitation we said yes, and he was transported to us on a cold February day. We felt certain that Delilah would welcome this poor boy, but we didn't realize how territorial pigs were.

As he lay next to the house shaking, I thought of the millions of pigs on factory farms whose lives must cause them to tremble often. We set up a cozy pen for Ennis in our warm shop. Ennis spent his first winter here, in a warm shop, where he was welcomed, loved, and cared for. 

Over the next eleven years Ennis was a presence of love, fun, laughter and pure appreciation for who he was. He loved having his belly rubbed and receiving spa treatments. He cruised throughout the yards and chose his own spot to sleep each night. He is remembered for blocking a doorway now and then, locking volunteers in the Bunny Barn while they cleaned, or for interrupting the blessing during our Thanksgiving of Compassion events. Ennis wasn't about to wait on that to get his treats. He was always an independent sort.

For the last few years Ennis has had the warmth of the bunny house in the winter and the companionship of Dwin the pig. Even though she could be really rude about taking his food, they had a bond. They seemed to work it out and were often snuggling.

In January 2020 we thought we were going to have to say goodbye to Ennis. He was nearly immobile. We received wonderful life saving advice from Richard at the Pig Preserve (thank you Richard!) and we worked with our veterinarian Dr. O'Bannan. This gave Ennis another 14 months.

When Ennis began a recent decline, we knew he would not recover this time. Without question, it was time. While he was still eating, we increased his pain medication and surrounded him with extra soft hay. Dwin, in her usual fashion, still tried to steal his food.

Dr. O'Bannan came to the sanctuary and helped us say goodbye to this precious boy who we are so grateful to have had come into our lives. The euthanasia was very gentle and his passing was peaceful. Thank you so much Dr. O'Bannan, for your extremely kind and gentle ways. 

Ennis will always be a part of our lives out here. He taught us so much. Sadly, pigs are given up, abandoned, and killed when they are no longer cute little piglets, when they have grown too large, when demonstrate their curiosity by investigating where they shouldn't, and when they are simply no longer wanted. They are very smart and sensitive. They, like any animal, require commitment. There are no magic homes lining up to adopt the thousands of pigs, whose novelty has worn off, whose size has become a factor, whose very presence is no longer appreciated. 

Ennis was that pig who showed us this truth, but he also showed us his truth and it truly was beautiful. He will be dearly missed.

​This handsome bun is looking for his forever home!
 
About Colonel Potter
Colonel Potter came to us a couple months ago, after we were contacted by a kind person who let us know about his situation. This poor lovely rabbit was found in an empty apartment after his owners moved and left him behind. Of course, we couldn't say no, especially when one of our volunteers took him in as a foster bunny. Learn more about C. Potter below:

 Our initial goal was to double our monthly sponsorships from $885/month to $1,770/month. And you did it! We are now at $2,055! THANK YOU!!

Monthly sponsorships help us plan for special animal care procedures, schedule ongoing care, and complete small improvement projects around the sanctuary. We currently have 55 monthly sponsors and 11 are new this quarter! We are so grateful. 

Recently, we were able to rescue little Diego, an 8 year old goat that had been living in a car. Because he wasn't receiving adequate food or care, he had pneumonia and needed surgery for urinary blockage. Between our local vet and the WSU Veterinary Hospital, the bills for Diego's initial care were more than $1,600. But we didn't have to think twice because of you.

We're hoping to wrap up this month strong by getting to $2,500/month in monthly sponsors. Please join us! 

For as little as $5/month, you can be part of a group of dedicated monthly supporters that allow us to do this work. 

Thank you for helping us get there! We have been so amazed at all the people from across the country who have joined us in meeting our mission of rescue, care, and advocacy for our residents.

As a reminder, from now until March 31, there are two ways to win:​

1. Existing monthly sponsors: just to say thanks for for your ongoing support. There's nothing you need to do! Thanks for being YOU!
   
2. New monthly sponsors: simply sign up to be a new monthly sponsor, starting at just $5/month. We appreciate you!

We will reach out to all our sponsors in early April with results and winners!
 

River's Wish is now accredited by GFAS!
Accreditation signifies RWAS meets rigorous standards
​
We are so excited to announce that we’ve been accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries! Accreditation signifies that River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary meets GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed farmed animal care standards that are confirmed by a site visit and has also demonstrated adherence to standards addressing the sustainability of the organization, ethical principles, finances, staffing, education outreach, security, safety, and other operational aspects. The Accreditation status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors, and grantors to recognize River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary as an exceptional organization.

“We are excited to announce the recent Accreditation of River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary,” said Daryl Tropea, Ph.D., GFAS Program Director. “We are always encouraged by organizations that complete the Verification process and then, with determination, continue on to meet the requirements of Accreditation. This is clearly the mark of an organization that is committed to best practices and dedicated to providing the highest quality of care for their 140 resident animals which include rabbits, equines, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, birds, dogs, and cats.”

We also want to thank our volunteers and our supporters, without whom we could not have accomplished this honor. Our supporters care deeply about all our residents, and our volunteers are both dedicated and compassionate. Thank you so much!

River’s Wish is passionate about compassion education and engagement. While COVID-19 has restricted our ability to allow visitors, we continue to offer education, outreach, and events virtually. We hope to start offering some onsite workshops and events with small groups, following necessary protocols later this year, such as our popular Art & Animals Workshops. 

Monthly sponsorships update
 Did you know you can sign up for a monthly sponsorship for as little as $5/month? Monthly sponsorships help us plan for special animal care procedures, schedule ongoing care, and complete small improvement projects around the sanctuary.

In January, we started a campaign to double our monthly sponsorships from $885/month to $1,770/month. So how are we doing?

We are so happy to report that we have already BEAT our monthly sponsorship goal and are up to $1,830/month. THANK YOU!

Your support will go toward animal care expenses like our rescue dog Maggie's upcoming eye surgery. Maggie was a street dog in Mexico who came to us a few years ago. She has a concerning growth on our eye that will be removed soon. The estimate for this procedure is more than $1,000. THANK YOU for allowing us to get this done for Maggie!

And the contest continues! Can we triple our monthly support? Can we get to $2,655? That's just $825 more per month. 

This could be about 8 people at $100/month, 16 people at $50, or 80 people at just $10/month. Thank you for helping us get there! We have been so amazed at all the people from across the country who have joined us in meeting our mission of rescue, care, and advocacy for our residents.

From now until March 31, there are two ways to win:​

1. Existing monthly sponsors: just to say thanks for for your ongoing support. There's nothing you need to do! Thanks for being YOU!
2. New monthly sponsors: simply sign up to be a new monthly sponsor, starting at just $5/month. We appreciate you!

River's Wish Animal Sanctuary in Spokane, Washington is now accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
February 2, 2021 (Spokane, WA) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary as of January 29, 2021.
​
River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary first achieved Verification status by GFAS July 27, 2020, meeting criteria for providing humane and responsible care to animals.  With dedication and commitment to demonstrating high levels of professionalism, River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary has now achieved Accredited status. Accreditation signifies that River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary meets GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed farmed animal care standards that are confirmed by a site visit and has also demonstrated adherence to standards addressing the sustainability of the organization, ethical principles, finances, staffing, education outreach, security, safety, and other operational aspects. The Accreditation status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors, and grantors to recognize River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary as an exceptional organization.

“We are excited to announce the recent Accreditation of River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary,” said Daryl Tropea, Ph.D., GFAS Program Director. “We are always encouraged by organizations that complete the Verification process and then, with determination, continue on to meet the requirements of Accreditation. This is clearly the mark of an organization that is committed to best practices and dedicated to providing the highest quality of care for their 160 resident animals which include equines, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, birds, dogs, and cats.”

“We are so proud to be recognized as an accredited organization by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries,” said Kit Jagoda, Executive Director of River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary. “It is not uncommon for farmed animals to receive minimal regard or protection, making GFAS even more vital in establishing and maintaining policies and standards of care. Our dedicated and compassionate volunteer community works hard to ensure the well-being of the animals and to provide them with a loving environment. We are committed to long term sustainability while meeting our mission of saving lives through rescue, education and advocacy. Working with the GFAS has been and will continue to be a central guiding factor for growth and sustainability.” Read the letter from Kit and Peter. 

About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries, rescues, and rehabilitation centers worldwide. The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting these animal care facilities is to ensure they are supported, honored, recognized and rewarded for meeting important criteria in providing care to the animals in residence. GFAS was founded in 2007 by animal protection leaders from a number of different organizations in response to virtually unchecked and often hidden exploitation of animals for human entertainment and financial profit. The GFAS Board of Directors guides the organization’s work in a collaborative manner. While the board includes those in top leadership at The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, and American Anti-Vivisection Society, all board members serve as individuals dedicated to animal sanctuaries. www.sanctuaryfederation.org.

About River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary
The mission of River's Wish Animal Sanctuary is to save lives through rescue, education and advocacy. River's Wish provides refuge to animals in need through rescue, rehabilitation, adoption, and lifelong sanctuary.  We offer Humane Education through Art and Animal workshops, Garden to Table workshops, Compassion for Animals and Compassionate Living workshops.  We are House Rabbit Society educators. River's Wish is home to equines, bovines, sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits, dogs, cats, chickens, turkeys, geese and ducks. River's Wish is the largest and oldest animal sanctuary in Eastern Washington. Located on 65 acres adjacent to Riverside State Park, we have been involved in rescue and sanctuary since 1994. For more information, please visit, www.riverswishanimalsanctuary.org/.

About Salty & Pepper
Salty and Pepper are older sisters who arrived at River's Wish on Thanksgiving 2018 when their person was hospitalized and unable to care for them. Salty's rumen does not function normally and she stresses very easily. Pepper's front right leg is bent from falling off a porch years before coming to us. Apparently, she was wearing a collar at the time of the fall and her vocal chords were harmed. Pepper sounds like a kitten mewing. This very sweet pair are cherished and loved. They find so much comfort in the presence of one another.

An Interview with Salty & Pepper

Q1:  What is your favorite thing about River’s Wish?
A1:   When we arrived at River’s Wish we were nervous because we didn’t know anyone. Before long we felt safe and loved. The volunteers are so sweet and kind here. We love the care we receive, all the healthy foods, and quiet, safe environment. We feel happy.

Q2:  Besides each other, who are your favorite friends?
A2:   Well, Salty likes the boys—Philip, Thunder and Sky. But they aren’t my favorite. I don’t know why. They are really immature and they headbutt me. I prefer a quiet afternoon. 

Q3:  What do you like to eat most of all? 
A3.  We do love the yummy blend of organic hays and we also enjoy our mash snacks. We love black sunflower seeds, but we’re only allowed those in moderation, as we’re watching our girlish figures. 

Q4:  What do you want people to know about goats?
A4:  We all have different personalities. While the boys can be annoying, they really are pretty sweet and funny. We have a sense of humor and we are fun to be with. We are smart and independent, social and affectionate. We tend be curious and like to “help” you do projects in our area. That song by Cyndi Lauper really ought to be ‘Goats Just Wanna Have Fun’.

Q4:  What are you looking forward to in 2021?
A5. We are looking forward to the nice spring weather. True, we don’t like the rain (rain isn’t super popular with goats in general), but we love to lay in the sun. We just want to be with one another and enjoy our lives here at River’s Wish.  

​As a volunteer run organization, your donations go directly to the care and feeding of the animals. Because many of our residents are older, those care costs can increase over time, or come on suddenly. That's why we appreciate your support so much. 

These are just a few of residents benefitting from your most recent and ongoing donations:
​
Blitzen: You may remember Blitzen, the little pig who lived in a motel for 7 years that we recently told you about. Now that he has settled into sanctuary life, been evaluated by our local vet, and had his parasites treated, he'll be off to the Washington State University (WSU) Vet Clinic to be neutered and have his rather large tusks trimmed. 
Maggie: Making her home here for the last couple of years, Maggie was a street dog in Mexico who found her way to us through a volunteer who rescued her. She has an upcoming appointment at the Animal Eye Clinic of Spokane to evaluate a growth. When Maggie arrived she only had nubs for teeth, we think from chewing rocks. 
Paisley: One of our resident felines, age 16 1/2, Paisley was recently diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and started a new medication. Miss Paisley rooms with her lady buddy 

Did you know you can sign up for a monthly sponsorship for as little as $5/month? Monthly sponsorships help us count on donations so we're able to plan for special animal care procedures, schedule ongoing care, and complete small improvement projects around the sanctuary. 

Currently, we have about $885 in monthly sponsorships.
Our goal is to double this by March 31, 2021. Can you help us do this?

From now until March 31, there are two ways to win:

1. Existing monthly sponsors: just to say thanks for for your ongoing support, you'll be entered to win a print of Mother's Love: Caprine, signed by River's Wish co-founder Kit Jagoda. There's nothing you need to do! Thanks for being YOU! 
2. New monthly sponsors: simply sign up to be a new monthly sponsor, starting at just $5/month and you'll be entered to win a 25oz River's Wish branded canteen. We appreciate you!

Just click the link below to get signed up!

Friends gathered virtually via Zoom on Saturday, January 9 to celebrate River's Wish co-founder and Board President Pete Jagoda's 75th birthday. In total, about 30 friends and supporters "stopped by" to say hi on screen. ​

Five Questions with Moxie
Every month we'll be introducing you to one of our special residents.
 
About Moxie
Moxie was brought to River's Wish at one day old when a team of dedicated rescuers saved him from slaughter. He had been born a boy in the dairy industry where his only value would be veal flesh. Due to the conditions he was rescued from he was a very sick little calf. He and his companion Bob spent a week at WSU veterinary hospital where their lives were saved. He received a plasma transfusion and around the clock care. When speaking with the veterinarian overseeing his care she said that he is receiving all the necessary medical support and the rest was up to him and his will to live. We are so grateful to the team who initially rescued him and the WSU veterinary hospital. Today Moxie is a bright, adorable steer who is living his best life!

An Interview with Moxie
​Q1:  What is your favorite thing to do at River's Wish?
​A1:  My favorite thing to do at River's Wish is to climb into the hay feeder and take naps.

​Q2:  Who is your best friend at River's Wish?
A2:  My best friend is Bob. We've been together since we were 1 day old. 

​Q3:  What do you remember most about when you first arrived at River's Wish?
A3: When I was brought to River's Wish I was missing my mother horribly. I had just been born and the owner of the factory farm was sending me and my best friend, Bob, to slaughter. We were so afraid and traumatized. It was December 4, 2018 and there was a blizzard. The nice lady who rescued us drove us all the way from Seattle to Spokane, in a blizzard. We were tired and not feeling well. We were set up in the 'Bunny Barn' and it was warm. We were surrounded by five people who were very concerned about us. They had a doctor come see us and she said that we needed to go to a place called WSU veterinary hospital in order to save our lives! We spent a week at WSU where they gave us medicine and I even got a plasma transfusion. I guess they really did save our lives! It felt so good to be able to go back to our new home at River's Wish, where we made lots of friends and everyone loved us!
​
​Q4:  If you could share something important with people, what would it be?
A4:  I wish people would know that the reason Bob and I were taken from our moms was so her milk could be given to people. But that meant that we were not wanted and we were going to be killed. I guess they eat babies too and it's called Veal. I wish people would know that there are so many tasty milks made from nuts and they are way healthier too! I wish that people knew that cow's milk is for baby cows. Bob and I are the lucky ones. Most dairy calves don't get to live.

​Q4:  Besides hay, what do you like to eat most?
A5. I love to eat my hay and I love to lay on my hay and take naps! But I also like treats of apple and oats.​

It is with great sadness that we announce Bump's passing

Bump is with us in spirit now. His little body could not fight the illness that took over.

Bump came to us eight years ago as an adult silky banty rooster. During his life at River's Wish he was absolutely adored by so many. His personality was as big as any draft horse living here. 
Bump did so much during his life. From being part of a senior portrait for one of our volunteers, to attending 'Reading Night' at a local Montessori school, to a surprise birthday party where he made the birthday girl's heart burst with joy.

It was customary for visitors to hold Bump. He just melted in your arms. Bump helped people resolve their fear of roosters. Well, sometimes. He could also be mischievous and chase people, meeting up with their legs, and giving them a peck. In fact, his name came from how his pecks felt...just a sharp little Bump! Though his pecks were small, Bump was larger than life.

Over the past years Dr. McConnell at Animal Clinic of Spokane Inc. P.S. was his avian vet. We are so grateful to Dr. McConnell for his fondness and caring of Bump. In July, Bump had a small growth removed from his throat and sent to a lab. He was being treated for this, but this past weekend Bump took a very sudden turn for the worse. As prey animals, birds hide their illness. It is hard to believe that the somewhat perky Bump who meandered in the garden on Saturday is the same little guy who we had to say goodbye to on Tuesday. 
Bump was taken to the Washington State University (WSU) veterinary hospital on Sunday where they gave him fluids, antibiotics and placed him in an oxygen tank. Their plan was to remove the mass that was growing in his throat. They discovered that removing it would be unnecessary pain and lead to his death. If left alone he would basically suffocate. I was able to hold Bump in my arms and cry with him. I called Pete and we Facetimed so he could talk to Bump. It was so difficult knowing I would not be able to walk into the bunny barn and see him marching around or hold him in my arms or hand him to a friend to hold. 
Thank you Dr. Finch at WSU and thank you Dr. McConnell at Animal Clinic. And thank you to the volunteers who made Bump's life better and to everyone who loved this little rooster who made a huge impact in our lives.

We exist to care for precious souls like Bump. He brought so much joy to those who met him, and helped those unfamiliar with chickens and roosters learn more about their special personalities, deserving of love and care. 

We could not do what we do without your generous support. Thank you again.

Starting this month, you'll be getting two updates from us per month. The first update will provide information about events, happenings the shelter, and other news about River's Wish. 
​
The second update will be a profile about one of our residents, with pictures, and maybe even a video sometimes. We want you to get to know the special animals that call River's Wish home, especially during this time when we are closed to the public.