Big Sky Ranch Barn of Hope

Our Story:
In 2002, Big Sky Ranch Animal Sanctuary was just another hobby farm located near Kemptville, Ontario.  The Sanctuary's Founder, Andy Parent, spotted an advertisement in the local Penny Saver newspaper, and thought the property would make a nice weekend retreat for his family. He purchased the 26-acre farm and then two horses for his sons, Andrew and Kurtis. 

Initially Andy lived the life of a commuter, and he enjoyed travelling to Kemptville from his home in Ottawa to renovate the farm property.  His plan of keeping the farm as a hobby was short-lived, however. After a few short weeks, Andy received a call that changed the course of his life forever.  

It started with Bear.  Andy was asked if he could offer the neglected dog a home at the farm. Andy agreed, and Bear became the first of many animals that Andy would provide a home and care for over the next several years.  Bear was followed quickly by My Little Pony, who arrived at the farm unannounced in the company of a young girl and her mother. The pony was blind in one eye, and the family could no longer care for her. Andy agreed to give the pony a home.  

Shortly after My Little Pony, Arnold arrived.  A full size commercial pig mistakenly labelled as a potbelly pig, Arnold had outgrown his space and needed a new home.  He found it with Andy.

And so it went; a stream of animals needing a home, love and attention began arriving at Andy's door.  It wasn't long before he realized his farm was no longer just a hobby, and that he could provide refuge for many more animals if he devoted himself to the farm full-time.  With this goal in mind, Andy sold his home in Ottawa and relocated to the farm permanently.

For the first few years, Andy funded the farm and looked after the animals himself, with the help of his sons. But as more unwanted animals arrived, Andy turned to the help of volunteers and donations from the public to keep the facility running. In 2006, the farm became a registered charity known as Big Sky Ranch Animal Sanctuary.  

Big Sky Ranch provides refuge for unwanted, abandoned and abused animals. We are the only non-kill sanctuary of our kind in Eastern and Southern Ontario, because we don't limit the kind of animals we provide refuge for. The organization is operated by volunteers, and is 100% donation based.  We receive no government funding.  Our goal is to find permanent new homes for the animals that come into our care. We also provide a permanent home to animals unsuited for adoption, or for whom appropriate new homes have not been found. To date, Big Sky Ranch Animal Sanctuary has placed over 1800 animals in new homes. 

In addition to providing sanctuary for our animal friends, Big Sky Ranch is active in our community.  We support our local Community Living Association, the Elizabeth Fry Society, and the Children's Aid Society. We offer an opportunity for youth to meet the requirements of their school curriculum by completing their volunteer hours with us, and we provide a place where youth and adults can complete court ordered community service hours. 

Our success as a sanctuary has led to recognition from a variety of sources. We have been featured on television shows such as W5 and Regional Contact. We have appeared in newspaper articles, been the subject of college documentaries, and have been interviewed for radio programs numerous times over the years. Generous support from our public and volunteers has made Big Sky Ranch  an example for sanctuaries everywhere.   

What We Need:
Big Sky Ranch helps as many animals as we can, but we would like to do so much more.  Every day we receive calls about animals needing help, but we are currently limited by our shelter space.  Canadian winters are harsh, and this reality is factored into every decision the Ranch makes.  Without additional warm and secure shelter, there is no possibility of providing care for additonal animals in need. We need to build an addition to our existing barn. 

The addition, nicknamed "The Barn of Hope", is crucial if we plan to continue accepting animals into our care. Every day we are faced with the knowledge that we may soon have to begin turning animals away, due to lack of space. A larger barn would enable us to double shelter space for animals in the winter by 100%, thereby allowing us to respond effectively to the increasing numbers of calls we receive about animals in distress.  

Big Sky Ranch needs your support to achieve our goal, and we are asking you to open your heart (and yes, your wallet too) to help us. Every amount counts, whether it is $5 or $5000.  Please give what you can, and help us spread the word about our campaign. Share us with your friends and colleagues. Post us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and any other social media you follow.  Together we can make a difference to the animals who need our help so much.