​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:
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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!
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​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. 
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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.