On the Lam with 2 Lambs!

Last month, I offered to adopt a little Navajo-churro lamb named Nizhoni. She was born at Garry and Ming Adams' ranch in Cortez, Colorado where I vacation every year with my Bear Medicine Lodge Sisters. To my delight, Garry and Ming said Yes! so I started making plans.


I immediately contacted Sami to see if my animal-loving friend was up for an adventure to bring Nizhoni home. To my utter delight, she was! Sami and I planned out various routes, thought about vehicle tune-ups and cargo carriers (where do we keep the spare hay in a Kia Soul?), and wondered where on earth we were going to stay overnight with a sheep? We still don't have that last question *quite* figured out!

It's important to note that dear Nizhoni cannot walk. The cause is unknown at this time. Sometimes, this happens because of a parasitic infection (now treated); sometimes it's a birth injury; sometimes, a wee one gets stepped on; sometimes...well, who knows?  

When I heard this news, it wasn't really even a question that I would bring her to Charlie's Place where I live with my partner Curt and care for 28 animals. The fact that she is d
isabled also didn't phase me -- I've spent the better part of my career advocating for and supporting people with disabilities, so I know we'll figure out how to create a happy life for Nizhoni.  (Note: Charlie's Place has long been a dream of mine...but I'll save that for another time.)

But wait, there's more! While our plans were in motion, the Universe had another surprise in store for us. Last Thursday, I heard from Ming and Garry that they found a newborn lamb in one of their pastures on Mother's Day, no mom in sight.

      Would you like a friend for Nizhoni?

      Would I? Um, yes!!

Zorro looks like a tiny black and white cow. He and Nizhoni already love each other.

We leave/left Wed, May 23 with the support of family, friends, and my wonderful workplace, Torchlight. It's a bit over 2,000 miles out there and we should arrive on Saturday, May 26. We plan to head back with Nizhoni and Zorro in the back of Sami's car (seats down, of course!) on Memorial Day. Then, we will hit Chicago on the way back so I can attend an important meeting for work before landing back in North Brookfield on Friday, June 1.  

My ask? First of all, prayers and good vibes for the journey! Then, if you are feeling aligned at all with this mission, we'd all be grateful for your donation (it's tax-deductible) to help defray travel, vet, and other costs associated with getting Nizhoni and Zorro home and set up. You can donate here or you can choose something from the Charlie's Place Healing Sanctuary Amazon Wish List (also tax-deductible). And if you are in the area and want to come help with bottle-feeding or physical therapy or some other task, be in touch (not tax-deductible, but loads of fun!). 

Follow the journey on instagram at ThisIsCharliesPlace or on Facebook at our Charlie's Place Healing Sanctuary page. Finally, learn more about the Charlie's Place vision at www.fjrfoundation.org/CharliesPlace.

Sending you all blessings and heartfelt thanks!

Carolyn, Curt, Nizhoni, Zorro, and the rest of the crew.

P.S. A huge shout-out to Sami for going on this crazy trip with me.

P.P.S. Big gratitude to Curt and to Sherry (Sami's wonderful spouse and my friend, too!) for their unwavering support and willingness to hold down the fort. The trip isn't possible without them.

P.P.P.S. Thanks to Ming and Garry, too! They have gone to extreme lengths on their end to support this trip. You might want to spend some time at their Guest Ranch at Canyon of the Ancients in Cortez, Colorado. This will be my fourth trip there. You will be amazed at what's in store for you.