Our 5th Thanksliving fundraiser was wonderful! The weather held up just long enough for everyone to gather, connect, and share in a sweet celebration with the animals who make JP their home.

We were so grateful to have our delicious feast catered by Amy Lovett of Love It Vegan. Amy brought her magic, as always comforting dishes that made everyone smile and reminded us how good compassionate food can truly taste. Her kindness shines through her cooking, and it set the perfect tone for the day.

We were also lucky to have Chris Kerin and Tabitha Logan with us, sharing the spirit of CT Vegan Center and Compassionfest. Their words, and just their presence, added a warm sense of community. They’ve built such a supportive space for vegans and the veg-curious throughout Connecticut, and hearing their message was a great reminder that we’re all part of something bigger than ourselves.

The animals, of course, were the stars. Ronnie, the Turkey, popped out for a quick hello—just long enough to make everyone excited—before heading back inside his home. The pigs stretched out for belly rubs, the chickens milled around delighted by all the company, and the cows and steers soaked up the attention. Watching our guests connect so gently and inquisitively with them was one of the best parts of the whole day.

As the day wrapped up, we felt deeply grateful for this community.

But what touched us most was the generosity of everyone who showed up in presence. You came with open hearts, ready to celebrate in a way that honors life, kindness, and the animals who teach us so much. That energy is what makes Thanksliving so great.

As the day wrapped up, we felt deeply grateful for this community. Thank you for sharing your time, your compassion, and your good moods with us.

If you missed it but still want to share in the Thanksliving spirit, there is still time to sponsor Ronnie the Turkey for $35 or Participate or share the Online Auction & Raffle that is full of fantastic offerings - The drawing will be held on Sunday, 11/16 at 9pm EST while Donations will be open-ended. All proceeds will go to Ferdinand’s braces, Ellie May’s Wheelchair and ongoing care, JP’s annual Hay delivery and the completion of the New Barn and Fencing. See details in the fundraiser 👇

With thankfulness,
❤️ The JP Family

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As the leaves turn golden and the air fills with the warmth of autumn, we’re thrilled to host our 5th Annual Thanksliving Fundraiser at JP Farm Animal Sanctuary — a celebration of gratitude, compassion, and connection with the incredible beings who call our sanctuary home.

Unlike traditional Thanksgiving gatherings, Thanksliving flips the script. Instead of serving animals, we celebrate them. Our residents — from our sweet cows and steers and playful pigs to our curious chickens and our beloved turkey, Ronnie — will be treated to a festive feast of apples, pumpkins, and other favorite treats. Watching them enjoy their feast is the heart of this day — a joyful reminder of why we do what we do.

And since Ronnie is always the star of the day, here are 5 fun facts about turkeys that might make you smile:

1. They have amazing memories — turkeys can recognize over 100 faces and voices.
   
2. They purr when they’re happy (yes, just like cats!).
   
3. They love to dance — fluffing their feathers and strutting proudly when excited.
   
4. They blush! Their heads can turn from red to blue depending on how they feel.
5. They’re quick and agile, able to run up to 20 mph and even fly short distances at 55 mph!

A glimpse from last year's ThanksLiving Fundraiser

After the animals enjoy their treats, we humans will gather for delicious vegan bites prepared by local vegan chef Amy Lovett from ‘Love It Vegan’. It’s always a beautiful afternoon of community — sharing delicious food, stories, and laughter surrounded by the peaceful energy of our sanctuary.

This event is not only a celebration, but also an important fundraiser to support our ongoing mission. Proceeds will help complete our new barn and fencing, fund Ferdinand’s custom braces, Ellie May’s new wheelchair, and provide essential medical care for all of our residents. Our online silent auction and raffle are another fun way to get involved and help make a lasting difference for the animals.

Thanksliving is our way of expressing gratitude — for the lives we’ve been able to rescue/adopt, for those we continue to care for, and for the compassionate community that makes it all possible. Together, we celebrate life, kindness, and the hope for a more compassionate world.

Get your tickets here and hurry as we have limited tickets on a first come, first served basis.

🧡 Join us in giving thanks!

With loads of gratitude,
The JP Family

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As we celebrate Mother’s Day, we want to share a heartwarming story that embodies love, resilience, and the beautiful bonds that can flourish even after the most difficult circumstances. At JP Farm Animal Sanctuary, our dear Allie, a 16-year-old rescued dairy cow, and her beloved companion Ferdinand, a sweet 10 month old steer with his own challenges, remind us of the true spirit of motherhood and the power of connection.

For 12 years, Allie was part of the dairy industry, where she gave birth to 10 calves.

Allie arrived at our sanctuary four years ago, a gentle soul who had endured unimaginable hardship throughout her life. For 12 years, she was part of the dairy industry, where she gave birth to 10 calves, only to have each one taken from her almost immediately. Denied the chance to nurture or bond with her own babies, and having all of her milk taken for the industry, Allie came to us bearing the weight of loss and heartache. Yet, despite her past, she continues to share a spirit filled with kindness and grace.

Enter Ferdinand, a sweet steer who joined us 4 months ago after being rescued from a meat farm. Born as a twin, he faced tragedy early on when his sibling didn't survive birth. The challenges he faced didn’t stop there; Ferdinand was born with deformities that are seemingly hard to fix, causing him to struggle getting up and walking a normal gait. But rather than allowing these challenges to define him, Ferdinand embraces life with a gentle, playful, and affectionate heart.

From the moment they met, Allie and Ferdinand formed an extraordinary bond. They have become inseparable.

Allie, who never had the opportunity to nurture her own calves, embraced Ferdinand with a motherly affection that is both touching and profound. In her, he found a nurturing spirit, and in him, she discovered a second chance to be the mother she was always meant to be.

Their relationship is vivid and heartwarming. Allie can often be found lovingly grooming Ferdinand, nudging him with her big, soft nose, as they share quiet moments in the sanctuary’s pastures. In return, Ferdinand brings joy to Allie, encouraging her to take care of him and savor the feeling of family that both have longed for in their previous lives. Their interactions are a living testament to the healing power of love, showcasing how connection can help mend the past.

As we honor mothers, whether they are human or animal, we reflect on the lessons of compassion and love they impart. May all moms and children be given the chance to be together.

With moms in mind,
The JP Family
❤️❤️❤️

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We had the honor and great fortune to host Gene Baur, co-founder and president of Farm Sanctuary — often referred to as “the conscience of the food movement” by Time magazine — as he embarked on a heartfelt speaking tour through Connecticut. His talks endeavored to inspire compassionate living and raise awareness about the ethical, environmental, and health impacts of our food choices. His work has paved the way for JP and so many other Farm Animal Sanctuaries around the world.

Gene's heartfelt speaking tour across Connecticut

University of New Haven: Changing Hearts and Minds

On April 9, Gene spoke to students and faculty at the University of New Haven, hosted by Virginia Maxwell. His talk, “Changing Hearts and Minds about Animals and Food,” explored how our dietary choices shape the world around us — from animal welfare to climate change. The event sparked meaningful discussions and planted seeds of thought that will undoubtedly grow.

Wesleyan University: Changing Hearts and Minds

Then the next day it was off to Wesleyan University, hosted by Elan Abrell, where Gene continued spreading the message of ethical eating and sustainability. We arrived in Middletown early enough to stop at ION Restaurant: Vegan and Organic for great cookies and coffee - the perfect fuel to continue the talks at Wesleyan where he offered different perspectives on the way we think about food, showing how plant-based choices can help us protect animals and the planet — and inspired a lot of curious minds to explore those ideas more deeply.

Kara’s Cures on Channel 3: How to Eat Better for the World

During his visit, Gene also appeared on WFSB’s Kara’s Cures, where he spoke about how eating more mindfully not only improves our health but also has ripple effects across the planet. His conversation helped bring Farm Sanctuary’s message to a broader audience across Connecticut, highlighting his two books: Changing Hearts and Minds about Animals and Food and Living the Farm Sanctuary Life: How to Eat Healthier, Live Longer, and Feel Better Every Day.

A reminder that change is possible, and compassion is contagious.

Aroy Thai Garden Vegan Restaurant Hosted by CT Vegan Center: Dining with Purpose

That evening, supporters gathered at Aroy Thai Garden Vegan Restaurant for a special buffet dinner with Gene. The event was a celebration of plant-based cuisine and a space for like-minded individuals to connect and reflect on shared values. The atmosphere was vibrant, warm, and full of hope after Gene spoke which aligns with CT Vegan Center’s mission is to inspire people to treat animals with respect and kindness, and live vegan. 

JP Farm Animal Sanctuary: Compassion in Action

Gene wrapped up the tour with a visit to JP Farm Animal Sanctuary, where he shared the history of Farm Sanctuary, its mission as well as animal advocacy accompanied with legislative wins for animal rights. Here, he celebrated the power of compassion in action. The sanctuary was the perfect setting to close the tour with our community and new friends — a living example of what kindness and advocacy can build. After the talk with lively Q&A and book signing, our guests enjoyed connecting with the JP animal residents and the delicious vegan catered food!

Gratitude to Our Community

None of this would have been possible without the generous support of our community. We are deeply thankful for all the volunteers, donors, and organizers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring these events to life.

Special thanks to our wonderful plant-based caterers who nourished attendees and added so much flavor to the experience:

• G-Monkey Mobile – for bringing their award winning, delicious, and sustainable vegan street food to the table

• Ayla’s Bagels & Coffee – for their incredible support and yummy plant-based treats

• Love It Vegan – for the comfort food that everyone loves

The Journey Continues

Gene Baur’s time in Connecticut was more than a speaking tour — it was a reminder that change is possible, and compassion is contagious. Through education, connection, and delicious food, we took steps forward together.

Let’s keep the momentum going — until compassion is the norm, and all beings are treated with the kindness they deserve.

With inspiration, motivation, and action,

The JP Family

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They're so easy to make and so tasty for your guests, friends and family ...

Ingredients:

• 1 Puff Pastry sheet
• 2 Tablespoons Just Egg (or 1 Tablespoon plant-based milk)
• 2 Cups roughly cut fresh baby spinach 
• 2 Tablespoons Vegan Feta Crumbles
• 2 Tablespoons Vegan Shredded Parmesan for inside the pinwheel
• Sprinkles of Vegan Shredded Parmesan for on top of each cut before going in oven
• ¼  teaspoon Ground Black Pepper (or to taste)
• ¼  teaspoon Hot Chili Flakes (or to taste)
• Flour for dusting
• Parchment paper
• Baking tray

Directions:

1. Thaw puff pastry for 15 min. 
2. Chop baby spinach.
3. Dust work space with flour so puff pastry doesn’t stick.
4. Open up puff pastry & brush Just Egg (or plant-based milk) over the whole pastry sheet.
5. Sprinkle feta on sheet except for ½ inch at the top.
6. Cover sheet with spinach except for ½ inch at the top.
7. Sprinkle Parmesan except for ½ inch at the top.
8. Sprinkle pepper & chili except for ½ inch at the top.
9. Roll tightly from the bottom, then cover with plastic wrap & put in the freezer. 
10. Let chill until firm (great for ahead of time party prep).
11. When ready, preheat oven to 400F, take out of freezer, take off plastic wrap & let thaw for about 5 min, then cut into desired thickness pinwheels (¼ or ½ an inch).
12. Place on a parchment paper lined baking tray.
13. Sprinkle Parmesan shreds on each roll.
14. Cook for approximately 20 minutes or until desired crispiness.

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If you asked me a few years ago if I could ever see myself as a Vegan, I would laugh, make an excuse, and say no - until 2023.

Veganism was something that would pop into my mind periodically any time I saw a video about animal neglect, abuse, and torture, but I would typically avert my eyes or keep scrolling to avoid seeing what happens to the animals that humans often treat poorly in the animal agriculture industry so that I wouldn’t allow the guilt to bother me, but a little bit would linger.

Thankfully my open-mindedness and her [Lauren's] lifestyle began to open more doors and more enlightenment for me...

In the Summer of 2022 I met my now-partner, Lauren who has been Vegan for almost 7 years to date. Thankfully my open-mindedness and her lifestyle began to open more doors and more enlightenment for me. Gradually we would go to Vegan restaurants and I would learn more about what goes on behind the closed doors of industries that exploit, harm, and kill animals that don’t need to experience these things, especially in a modern world.

If we fast-forward to August of 2023 (by now I have learned a lot about all the good that can come from being Vegan and all the burdens that come with knowing the immoral and unfair things that happen to our animal- friends), Lauren and I dabbled with the idea of visiting an animal sanctuary if there was one nearby. That is when we stumbled upon JP Farm Animal Sanctuary. Excitingly, I reached out so that I could try to visit ‘JP’ and soon after Britt got back to me and we arranged a visit.

"Please, visit the sanctuary when you can and you will not regret it."

The visit to the sanctuary was wonderful and incredibly eye-opening. We were greeted with open arms and infectious friendliness from the whole team. After we had some impressive, homemade, Vegan snacks and learned a lot about the sanctuary and its history we went out to meet the animals. Meeting them really connected some dots. I mean, it was like finding that lost puzzle piece that made its way under the sofa long after you put together every other piece. Lauren and I pet the cows and fed them cookies as they showed me a gentle nature. I held a rooster with beautiful colors and a curious look, showing me that animals have personalities. I pat the pigs as they sleep peacefully, not wanting any trouble - reminding me that animals too want to live their lives without compromise from humans. One of the pigs happily snorted as their human-dad, Oscar gave her belly rubs. She feels joy and comfort. We watched as the turkey would strut around with confidence and poise, once again expressing individuality that all animals have. Lightbulbs that have been flickering for the past year became illuminated. I had a revelation while at JP that animals are NOT commodities. Animals are beautiful, unique, and expressive beings that deserve to live their lives without humans trying to exploit them. Between having a loving relationship with a Vegan and visiting JP Sanctuary, I took up a mantle and became Vegan.

Please, visit the sanctuary when you can and you will not regret it. The visit helped me abandon my cognitive dissonance and realize that we do not need to harm the animals that we share this planet with. I sincerely believe that JP’s residents (and staff, of course) have inspired me to make that final push into a more peaceful, purposeful life as an advocate for the voiceless. Thank you to Oscar and Lynn for creating this beautiful place, giving these animals the life they deserve, and for helping people improve their own lives in so many ways. Thank you to the supportive team of volunteers and employees that ensure everyone there thrives, regardless of species. JP Farm Sanctuary is “inspiring compassionate living” and now I am too.

With compassion,
Brandon

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