New sanctuary provides shelter & care for abused animals
New Rockford, N.D. — It sounds a little like a real-life version of the famous children’s book “Charlotte’s Web.”
But the backstories of these animal characters are very different, and much sadder, than the ones in the E.B. White novel.
The new sanctuary, Hawkes Homestead, operating in the New Rockford area, gives shelter and care for surrendered, abandoned, neglected and abused farm and other domesticated animals in our region.
Hawkes Homestead calls itself “an animal sanctuary that does not discriminate.”
They estimate they have about one hundred fifty animals currently, including a donkey and a llama, horses, goats, pigs, sheep, chinchillas, assorted chickens and waterfowl, and of course, cats and dogs.
Some are adoptable, and many others are permanent residents.
The animals sometimes come from rural residents who need to relocate to cities and towns where they can’t bring the animals.
Others are victims of owner abandonment, or turned up as strays.
Hawkes Homestead is going through the process of getting federally recognized 501c3 status, and holding a fundraiser to help with operations and expansion.
A twenty-plus dollar donation gets you a Star Wars-themed pet food bowl, as well as bragging rights that you supported an animal welfare effort.
Hawkes Homestead’s Ryal Keel joined the Morning Show, along with his rescue dog Winston the Great Pyrenees, to talk about the many creatures on the property, why there are so many that need sanctuary, and what it takes to make sure they all get the care they need.
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