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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! A Day in the Sanctuary Life While it can be warm and fuzzy, it's also hard work, often full of surprises...
If you'd like to support us, we have lots of ways you can help, from becoming a monthly sponsor, to one-time donations, or even purchasing items from our Amazon Wish List.
Our Mission Statement River's Wish Animal Sanctuary saves lives through rescue, education and advocacy. By treating animals as individuals and expressing both their wonder and plight through art, we foster empathy and understanding that leads to compassionate life choices.  Spring and Summer bring in-person events back to River's Wish 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 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. Farewell to our faithful and entertaining friend Ennis 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.  If you'd like to donate to our other pigs, we welcome your support, in honor of Ennis.
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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:  An Interview with The Colonel Q1: What is your favorite thing to do? A1: Receive love. I love my ears gently pet, my nose, cheeks, hips, each individual ear. I love being loved. Q2: What's your favorite snack? A2: I have so many favorites! I love green leaf lettuce, radish, a little carrot, celery, parsely, and even cilantro. I also love timothy hay. When I feel like just doing some chewing, I really enjoy my wood chew toys. Q3: What kind of a home are you looking for? A3: I would love to find a home with someone who would really like companionship. I am a big guy so someone strong who can hold me correctly and safely would be good as well. I have a lot of love to give and am really looking for someone to bond with and share my life. Rabbits are the third most common animal at shelters. We are commonly abandoned or found as strays in neighborhoods. Q4: What was your life like before River's Wish and foster care? A4: It was sad really. At one point I had a family, and enjoyed my life. But one day, I noticed a lot of activity around me, and then everything was gone and I was all alone. I waited for someone to come back and take care of me, but that didn't happen. I was very scared, and also very sad. I was so glad to find someone to take care of me until I can find my very own family. Q5: What do you want people to know about rabbits? A5. I know Easter is coming up, so I would really like people to know we aren't toys or gifts. We are loving, feeling animals. We also make great pets, but need and deserve a life long commitment. Rabbits are the third most common animal at shelters. We are commonly abandoned or found as strays in neighborhoods. Because we are not generally spayed and neutered, and because we have a short gestational cycle, overpopulation is a problem. We need to be spayed and neutered, for health and population reasons. I found out that River's Wish is contacted daily by people who have rabbits they no longer want, rabbits they found, or rabbits who have become inconvenient. There is only so much they can do to help and cannot help all the rabbits in need. I was one of the lucky ones. I was able to go to a loving foster home until I am adopted. To learn more about the plight of rabbits, read more here. River's Wish works to educate and encourage people to keep their rabbits and other animals. I'd really like people to do their research at rabbit.org and learn all about how to care for and keep a rabbit as a house pet. We are really wonderful, loving house pets, and what many don't know is having us in your home can be similar to having a cat or dog. We have very distinct personalities. We can be be silly, fun, territorial, and loving. Just like your other pets, we have moods, need exercise, a proper diet, and we need to be kept safe. If you'd like to apply to adopt Colonel Potter or one of our other rabbits, please visit our Pet Finder's page! Sponsor Colonel Potter or one of his sanctuary friends If you'd like to sponsor one of our rabbits, or one our other animals, you can do so for a month, or more!
Celebrating our Pig Residents Pigs are curious, intelligent, and sensitive beings Monday, March 1 was National Pig Day. And while this might not be a Hallmark card kind of holiday, for us, there's always a reason to celebrate our pig friends. River's Wish is home to 12 pigs--3 large pigs (Virgil, Vegan, and Vinny) and 9 small pigs (Lil Pig, Alice, SweetPea, Nigel, Dwin, Ennis, Sawtooth Stanley, Donna Lou Parsley Pickle Pig and Blitzen--Hazel was just adopted!). Whether they were saved from slaughter or came to us because they grew too big for their home, or any other number of reasons, we love and enjoy them all so much. According to the Food Empowerment Project, "Domestic pigs come from an ancient lineage of wild ancestors who evolved to live in harmony with their environment. They are curious, intelligent animals with strong instincts and a resourceful nature. Numerous researchers have concluded that pigs are more intelligent and have better memories than most dogs. Capable of living over 20 years, their lives are stimulating and complex." If you'd like to learn more about pigs and the plight they face as food animals, we've included a link below. You can also sign up to sponsor one of our pig residents--we offer one-time on or ongoing sponsorships. Meet the Boer Bros: Mason, Sven, and Chubs These three friendly fellas recently arrived at River’s Wish, where they will get to live in peace after avoiding having their lives cut short. Mason, Sven, and Chubs (the names they came with) are members of the Boer goat breed, and were bred for meat by a youth in the 4-H program before being rescued by a caring couple who were unable to keep them long term. Now they’re getting a fresh start at River’s Wish. We don’t know the exact story, but it’s quite likely the youth raising them through 4-H had a change of heart when it came time to sell the goats to market. Animal sanctuaries in the U.S. are full of such stories. The Boer goat industry association in the U.S. registers 45,000 of these fast-growing animals every year. We’re thankful these happy boys did not meet the same fate as many of their kind, and they can now act as ambassadors for their species at River’s Wish.  Monthly Sponsorships Update 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:
Visit the Sanctuary Store!
About your donations River's Wish depends entirely on private funding from compassionate people who want to support a safe haven like ours. We are designated by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization. Your contributions are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law, and all donations support our charitable mission. Our federal tax ID is 20-1226268.
 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. Not too late to send a Valentine to your sweetheart! For as little as $5, we'll personalize a Valentine's Day certificate and give you a choice as to who to send to, if you want the donation amount to show, and any other personalization. This is a great way to support the sanctuary and spread a little love. See the button below! 
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:
Visit the Sanctuary Store
 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.
celebrate Valentine's Day with river's wishMake a donation to River's Wish in honor of a special friend or animal. You will receive a PERSONALIZED digital Valentine that you can print or email, or we can even send it right to your Valentine for you! Click the button below for details. Valentine's start at just $5!  Thank you for your Year end supportOur year end fundraiser was a great success, thanks to your generosity It's no secret that 2020 has been an unprecedented year, with so many unknowns. Thanks to you, we've been able to stay focused on caring for the residents at River's Wish and being there for people in the community that found themselves in challenging situations. We were also able to provide referrals, rehoming facilitations, and education for many other animals. This, combined with the ongoing care and feeding of the 140+ residents that call River's Wish home is only possible because you care. Our goal at year end was to raise $4,000. We are thrilled to report that you exceeded that goal: You donated a total of $9,337. WOW!  residents receiving medical care--thanks to you!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
Monthly sponsorship help-and you can win!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:
first snow at rivers wish
Become a sponsor! co-founder Pete Jagoda celebrates 75th birthdayFriends 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. Visit the sanctuary storeWe've been updating the online River's Wish Store and have recently added original prints of Executive Director Kit Jagoda's art work. Each piece is hand signed by the artist and comes unframed and matted. Rudy & Yula (shown below) is one of the prints available. In addition to art prints, we offer:
 About your donations River's Wish depends entirely on private funding from compassionate people who want to support a safe haven like ours. We are designated by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization. Your contributions are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law, and all donations support our charitable mission. Our federal tax ID is 20-1226268. follow us on social mediaFive 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. In memory of bumpIt 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. Shop our new online store
New communications cadenceStarting 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. August 3, 2020 (Spokane, WA) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary as of July 27, 2020. Verification means that River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary meets the criteria of a true farm animal sanctuary/rescue and is providing humane and responsible care of the animals. To be awarded Verified status, an organization must meet GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed animal care standards which are confirmed by a site visit and they must also adhere to a demanding set of ethical and operational principles. The Verification 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 Verification of River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary,” said Daryl Tropea, Ph.D., GFAS Program Director-Equine and Farm Animals. “Co-founders Kit and Peter Jagoda are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care for their 140 resident animals which include equines, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, birds, dogs and cats. The founders are artists and their love of animals is evident in their artwork. Though their central mission is to provide lifelong sanctuary for their residents, they do provide a special adoption program just for rabbits and occasionally other animals. River’s Wish has no intention of stopping with GFAS Verification but intend to apply for Accreditation as soon as possible. We fully expect them to be successful!” “Farmed animals frequently receive minimal regard or protection, thereby making GFAS even more vital in establishing and maintaining policies and standards of care,” said Kit Jagoda, Executive Director of River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary. “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.” 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.  |
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River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary advocates compassionate choices through vegan living.
Out of respect for the animals and the sanctuary’s mission, values, and vision, only plant based foods will be offered at our fundraising events, meetings, or other functions. The animals in our care represent millions of others who suffer in animal agriculture and other exploitative industries. We remember and honor them in our everyday actions and through our vegan menu policy.
We will never share or sell your contact information. View our full privacy policy.
©2021 River's Wish Animal Sanctuary. All Rights Reserved. | River's Wish EIN 20-1226268
Out of respect for the animals and the sanctuary’s mission, values, and vision, only plant based foods will be offered at our fundraising events, meetings, or other functions. The animals in our care represent millions of others who suffer in animal agriculture and other exploitative industries. We remember and honor them in our everyday actions and through our vegan menu policy.
We will never share or sell your contact information. View our full privacy policy.
©2021 River's Wish Animal Sanctuary. All Rights Reserved. | River's Wish EIN 20-1226268
Contact us at (509) 951-3650 or via e-mail.