Meet the Critters

	Jacques Great Pyrenees Jacques was a true Livestock Guardian Dog (LGD). He guarded alpacas and lived outdoors full time before he came to live at Sparrows Rest. Shortly after his arrival, Jacques was diagnosed with colon cancer. After an arduous surgery, Jacques has had a miraculous recovery (thanks to John Rethman, DVM and the staff at Animal Medical Center of Warrenton). Jacques enjoys his patrol duties at Sparrows Rest and his companionship with both his 2 and 4 legged families. Jacques is a gentle but mighty soul.
	Splash Appendix Quarter horse gelding Splash was a donation to Sparrows Rest when his beloved owner retired. Splash has an inspirational story of healing that has been helpful in breaking the ice with the youth in our equine assisted therapy program. Splash is a handsome boy who loves to swim (so we are told). Splash’s maternal great-grandfather is the acclaimed racehorse Secretariat.
	Tinkerbelle Pony Tinkerbelle is affectionately known as our “Disney” pony, as she is quite the belle of the herd. She has a sweet, inquisitive personality and is a wonderful addition to our equine therapy program.
	Demitasse Miniature Horse “Demi” had been a favorite part of a children’s equestrian camp and still donned the sparkly pink paint on her hooves when she was adopted. Demi is a sweet girl with a sassy streak. She loves to chase Jacques out of the paddock and enjoys kicking up her heels and getting the other horses to run and buck with her.
	Charlotte aka “Miss Piggy” – Vietnamese pot belly pig Charlotte is “some pig!” She was acquired when she was just 13 days old and was fed with a bottle for 6 weeks. Bo became her surrogate mother during this time and the two bonded enormously (check out the video on our Facebook Group page). Charlotte is a sweet girl and will quickly become your friend if you bring her a treat. Dog biscuits and apples are her favorite! Charlotte is a happy girl and will always be found with her little tail a’ wagging.
	Wee Willie Vietnamese pot belly pig Willie was donated after his owner sadly lost his battle with cancer. Willie was a spoiled lap pig when he arrived, demanding to sit on the couch and loveseat. He once held Catherine’s father hostage on the couch, refusing to allow him to get up to go to the dinner table. Willie joined Charlotte and the other farm critters out in the barnyard soon thereafter. The children enjoy chasing Willie and giving him belly rubs.
	Esther Miniature Nubian Goat Esther is our Nubian princess. When she first came to live at the farm she reminded us of the “Flying Nun,” as her long, white ears stuck straight out and flopped up and down when she ran. Esther has blue eyes and uses a very unique sound when she tells us “Nooooooooo…” She is very curious and mischievous and has been known to sneak in and out of her pen in search of adventures.
	Elijah Miniature Nubian Goat “Eli” was born at our neighbors and came to live at Sparrows Rest when he was weaned. He is a playful and rambunctious boy, who loves to jump on the backs of people and pigs. He loves the playground the children built, running from obstacle to obstacle and frolicking in between. He absolutely loves attention and will show off to get it.
	Genesis Miniature Jerusalem Donkey Genesis was transported to Sparrows Rest in the back of a cargo van. At the first traffic light, she let out a loud bray, startling Catherine and individuals in neighboring cars. We suspected that Genesis was pregnant, however, it was not confirmed until after her arrival at the farm. Genesis gave birth to a beautiful colt on August 18, 2014, which was captured on video. Genesis and her foal wear the amazing sign of the cross on their backs. We look forward to opportunities to share the donkeys on Psalm Sunday and nativity scene events.
	Shrek Miniature Jerusalem Donkey Shrek was born at Sparrows Rest on August 18, 2014. He is a spunky and bold youngster, who loves to scoot under fences and race around the farm. He is curious and mischievous and will be a wonderful addition to our equine therapy program. In addition, we look forward to training him to pull Merrylegs’ cart.
	Hens (3) Rhode Island Red Hens
	Miriam Sheep Miriam (formerly known as “Flower”) was adopted from the Middleburg Humane Society. She was orphaned at a young age and bottle fed for many weeks before she came to Sparrows Rest. Miriam is a hair sheep and has beautiful white markings against her black coat. She enjoys the companionship of Esther and Charlotte and eating gingersnaps for a treat.

Those who have crossed the “Rainbow Bridge“

	Boaz (2009-2015) Great Pyrenees Boaz was a sweet, beautiful boy who stocially battled aggressive osteosarcoma. He was diagnosed with this terrible disease (which is not uncommon in large breed dogs) just before his fifth birthday and survived for six months after his hind leg amputation. Bo was extremely loving and affectionate and was so gentle with the children and other farm animals. He was very playful and always made us laugh. We are so grateful for the time we shared with our beau, Bo.
	Smokey aged adult male, cat Smokey adopted Catherine when he was left behind by his former owners (or so Catherine suspects). Smokey was found wandering the perimeter of Catherine’s former property and she assumed he belonged to a neighbor. When Catherine called out a greeting, Smokey came running and gobbled up food and water like he had not had a meal in weeks. When Catherine brought Smokey to a farm one mile up the road to become a “barn cat,” Smokey returned to Catherine’s doorstep a week later begging to be let in the house. Smokey is blind in one eye and meows in the most unusual way. Smokey is a sweet cat and can often be found lounging on the children’s beds. Catherine recalls that when Smokey came to live with her, he lay on her chest and lovingly patted her cheek with his paw as if to say, “thank you.” Smokey passed away in November 2010 after battling kidney failure. Smokey, you will be missed!
	Calvin Pembroke Welsh Corgi, 1999-2012 “Callie” was a miracle dog. He was diagnosed with diabetes when he was 7 years of age and spent a week in the critical care hospital with ketoacidosis. He was not expected to survive, but he did indeed. Callie went to work with Catherine every day for 6 years so she could monitor his diabetes with a prescription diet and twice daily insulin injections. Callie was a fixture at the law firm of Walker Jones and is greatly missed!
	Merrylegs Miniature Horse, 2005-2014 Merrylegs was adopted from a rescue in North Carolina and traveled 5 ½ hours in the back of a minivan. Merrylegs pulled a cart, dressed as a clown and even performed a few tricks. For two consecutive years, Merrylegs was voted in the top 25 of WPER’s “perfect pet” contest. He competed at the Upperville Horse Show in the lead line division with one of our foster kids and was a favorite with the youth in our equine assisted therapy program. Merrylegs was truly one of a kind! God must have needed another angel in heaven. We were so blessed to have him in our lives, even though we wished it would have been longer.
	Moses Shetland Sheep, 2011-2014 Moses had an exciting first day at Sparrows Rest. He escaped from his stall and was “on the lamb” for several hours before Catherine finally caught him by diving into a manure pile. Moses had a beautiful fleece coat and had to be sheared twice each Spring. He was very vocal and loved to eat. Miriam and Esther competed for his affection. We miss you Moses!