In February 2017, while most of us were adorning our homes with heart-shaped Valentine’s garland and planning intimate gestures of love, Leisa and her husband, John, were showing their love and compassion by purchasing a 32-acre, century old farm in Wainfleet, Ontario, so their now 41 rescued animals could have a safe and loving place to call home.
Back when they were touring the farm, Leisa and John noticed a little chicken. Sadly, she was the lone survivor of a horrific coyote attack due to the previous owner not securing the vulnerable flock at night, and she had no food, water or heat. This would be the beginning of Leisa opening her home to neglected, abandoned, and abused animals. So just before submitting their final purchase agreement, Leisa penned, “… and one chicken”, under the chattel to be included in the sale.
“That chicken is staying with us!” exclaimed Leisa to John.
Thankfully, from that day on, Chattel’s life would never be the same again. She is now a healthy and active girl whose life is full of joyful adventures.
Leisa, a lifelong animal lover, gained invaluable experience volunteering with dozens of species at animal sanctuaries around the world. Now, at her own nonprofit registered charity called, The Ass Menagerie Sanctuary (TAMS), Leisa continues to vow to treat all animals as sentient beings deserving of not only sustenance and shelter but also love, health care, enrichment, companionship, and peace of mind.
Every resident soul living at TAMS is a rescue animal. Most of them have experienced a difficult past and some of them still have ongoing challenges.
In March, 2017, dozens of animals were legally seized from a farm near Sarnia, Ontario, due to animal cruelty. From that horrific farm came Mummy, a beautiful goat with a soft white coat, and her two infant kids, Willow and Whisper. After finding sanctuary at TAMS, the family of 3 soon overcame their starvation, and Mummy nursed Willow and Whisper well.
“What a joy to see a mother with her wee babies by her side and to see them raised naturally by her!” described Leisa. “It makes my heart smile to know that because they have been given sanctuary, this little family will stay together!”
Later that summer, Fable, a grey and white miniature horse with an old soul, also came to TAMS from the same farm near Sarnia. Sadly, due to being mistreated, Fable is afraid of people, but when given her own space, she is calm and content in her safe forever home. And as if finding love and freedom at TAMS wasn’t enough; about a year and a half after having been separated, Fable was reunited with her son, Folklore. For Fable and Folklore, some stories do have a happy ending.
As time went on, Leisa’s deep concern and genuine empathy would open her doors for cats, a donkey, potbellied pigs, alpacas, a rooster, hens, ducks, pond turtles, additional goats, and Eligh, a Great Pyrenees Mountain dog. At only 10 months of age, Eligh was found tied to a tree in the woods and was left there for days without food or water.
“Eligh is our OG! He and our potbellied pigs, Bert and Ernie, were rescued at TAMS even before we officially moved to the farm. It was just me, a huge fluffy dog, two pigs, and an old mattress on the floor, living in the middle of nowhere!” laughed Leisa.
Since arriving at TAMS, Eligh has been working to protect the other animals, he plays with some of the animal residents, and he even interacts with passersby in his community on personal levels. The “Prince of the Menagerie”, Eligh has won the hearts of everyone around him. Local residents will even roll down their windows as they drive by shouting, “Hello, Eligh!”
In 2018, Abe, Juniper and their two amazing daughters, Alex and Victoria heard about TAMS, which is only 30 minutes from their house, and have been volunteering since.
“What better way is there to spend time with your family, volunteering, creating better citizens of your children, and doing something that matters? Whether domestic or farm, we see all animals as companions, not food, and not products,” said Juniper.
On their first day volunteering at TAMS, the family expected to muck stalls, spend a bit of time getting to know the animals, and fingers crossed, were hoping to offer some belly rubs! What they weren’t expecting was to find such a magical and heartwarming place.
“We didn’t want to leave!” confessed Juniper. “TAMS is set up so well and the days flow easily. With 41 residents, there was lots of straw, hay, shavings, and treats to be handed out, which was so much fun for our whole family! The gentle animals and their individual personalities… and Leisa, who clearly wears nothing but unconditional love for her residents on her sleeve. It felt so good just to be there!”
Abe and Juniper’s daughter, Alex added, “I am proud to be a part of something so important. The animals are very lucky to be in Leisa’s care.”
When she is not doing health checks, making breakfasts, making dinners, cleaning stalls, or providing enrichment activities, Leisa is attending her job as a nurse at a nearby hospital.
In 2018, TAMS’ donations totaled under $5,000, so almost all of Leisa’s nursing wages went toward providing veterinary care, food, water, heat, and comfort for her 41 rescued animals.
“It’s ironic that to start a charity is quite expensive. In 2019, I plan for donations to go toward barn improvements, windows, doors, building outdoor shelters and fencing, and another 4 acres of pasture,” said Leisa.
At The Ass Menagerie Sanctuary, physical work and funds are definitely fueled by compassion and kindness. The only thing that is unclear is whose joy is more apparent: the animal’s, the volunteers’, or Leisa’s.
“Welcoming volunteers or receiving generous donations will always be highly appreciated!” said Leisa. “Anyone who is willing to help makes me eternally grateful.”
Last month, volunteer Juniper reached out to 100 Animal Supporters Who Care (100ASWC), a nonprofit organization in Burlington, Ontario, and nominated Leisa and her lovely animal residents at The Ass Menagerie Sanctuary. Our goal at 100ASWC is for a minimum of 100 people to donate a minimum of $100 each, either as an individual or as a group of people, and donate directly to The Ass Menagerie Sanctuary. This is our goal, but any amount would also be greatly appreciated. For more information, please go to: www.100animalsupporterswhocare.com
This Valentine’s Day, let’s put our hearts together and show Leisa how much we admire her and the important work she does.
To make a donation of any amount or to make monthly donations of any amount, please contact TAMS at: www.assmenageriesanctuary.com TAMS is a registered charity, so your donations will be eligible for a tax receipt. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of animals and for those who protect them.
Be With Me 