Kelley volunteers with the farm animals at Pasado’s Safe Haven and she’s had the opportunity to get to know some of our residents very well.

“I was surprised to see how social turkeys are! They all come running up to greet me. They have distinct personalities, and they’re all so peaceful. If I sit on the ground in the Turkey Barn, they just gather and sit near me or wander nearby and gobble. They just want to be close to you.”

Kelley enjoys participating in Pasado’s activities. “Rescues are definitely my favorite,” she said.

“My first rescue was of the Six Little Miracles. I really didn't think I'd be able to cut it, seeing animals in horrible conditions. It was intense and heart- breaking and probably one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. The minute Angel, Pasado's Cruelty Investigator, brought one of the dogs out, I knew there was no room for fear, doubt, or sadness. These animals depended on me. When I went home, I felt this incredible sense of accomplishment and a shift in priorities. Six dogs were free from their prison, free from living in mats and garbage. I had a small part in that, and that’s all that mattered. I learned so much about love and living in the moment from those dogs. When I saw them a few days later, I broke down. They were all so beautiful, loving, and happy to be with people. The joy that I felt and the pride that I felt for the people of Pasado’s…that joy continues to carry me."

Lynda has been a volunteer sanctuary caretaker for more than 8 years. She comes religiously to feed all of the farm animals and then puts them to bed in their stalls and barns. She knows every animal, and trust us, every animal knows her! She brings kernel corn for the chickens and you can watch the hens and rooster run to her when she arrives! Babs and Chester, our donkey and blind pony, adore her. Every animal does. We are so moved to know amazing people like Lynda with truly generous souls.

“In late 2001, I learned of Pasado's Safe Haven and their mission to rescue and rehabilitate abused farm animals. It sparked my interest, and I began volunteering each week, spending several hours socializing with the farm animals before I put them to bed at night. I did not realize then what a wonderful and rewarding journey this would be – this amazing journey continues today.”
 

“Because of the loving care of staff and volunteers, these extremely abused animals come to trust their new human friends and begin seeking out their attention. Quite often, I come just to spend time with the farm animals, enjoying "play days on the farm." They love the extra attention, and I love my interactions with them. Throughout the years, I have developed some special bonds, especially with Babs and Chester, the donkey and the blind miniature pony. They enjoy going on walks around the sanctuary as much as I enjoy taking them. The chickens are a riot, too; I love observing their little society. They love kernel corn, and when I'm spotted coming down the hill, they all run to the gate awaiting their treat. All of the farm animals, each with their own distinct personality, love the attention that we humans bestow upon them. Every volunteer and employee makes a positive impact in the lives of these incredible beings. I cannot imagine life without my Pasado's farm animal friends in it.”

WAYS TO VOLUNTEER We count on the volunteers who come out one day a week to help out – and so do the animals! If you’d like to help animals, don’t mind rolling up your sleeves and getting dirty, and would enjoy spending a morning or afternoon on the farm, then consider applying as a sanctuary volunteer. Our animals rely upon our volunteers for food, enrichment, and human TLC, so please make sure that you can make a long-term, 3-month commitment. We come to rely on your help, rain or shine, and the animals come to know you so well. Email our Volunteer Manager and apply to become a Pasado Volunteer!
	Put Together a Work Party! Trade the cubicle or computer for boots, shovels, and smiles! Our work parties are one-of-a-kind opportunities to bond with coworkers, friends, and some truly amazing animals. Recent participants in our work parties have worked on landscaping, fence mending, inventorying Pasado’s products, organizing our supplies, and giving our animals some much-appreciated TLC. If your company would enjoy donating their time and services at the sanctuary, then consider participating in a volunteer work party.
	Become a Kitty City Volunteer If you love cats, then this is YOUR position! Our dedicated Kitty City and barn cat caretakers come to the sanctuary every week to care for, clean up after, feed, and love the cats who call Pasado’s Safe Haven their home. You'll work inside Kitty City, tending to our senior cats or working on a project like planting catnip in the securely fenced woods where our rescued cats roam. Our cats will run to you when you arrive: they really look forward to seeing their caretakers and spending quality time with them. You'll be well-rewarded for your efforts!
	Become a Dog Towne Volunteer If you are a dog lover, this is the gig for you! Our happy hounds enjoy living on large, semi-forested hillsides with heated cabins and plenty of canine companionship. But what they need – and want – is extra human TLC. All of our deserving dogs love to be walked around the sanctuary, and it’s a great way for you to reconnect with nature and get some great exercise, too. If you have a few hours a week to spare, please consider volunteering at Dog Towne. The time you spend here will warm your heart all week long.
	Become a Farm Animal Volunteer Imagine starting your week by going out to the country, passing down a long, wooded drive, and hearing the sounds of chickens, dogs, goats, sheep, cows, and hundreds of animals who are all welcoming you. Our animals look forward to seeing our caretakers, and your duties will vary based upon whether you help in the morning or in the afternoon. Our morning farm volunteers open the animal barns and houses. They feed the cows, chickens, pigs, goats, and other farm animals, giving them their first hugs of the day and cleaning up after them afterward. If you help in the afternoon, your work could range from scrubbing a water trough to bathing a donkey. Afternoon caretakers stay to put our animals to bed, as well, and the evening routine becomes warm and familiar for everyone. As a farm volunteer, you need to love all animals and you can't mind getting dirty or working hard. It takes a good 3-4 hours to care for our rescued crew, but every minute is time well-spent. A solid 3-month commitment is required as this position requires detailed training.
	Kids Can Help Too! Are you a parent or teacher whose children would like to help Pasado’s Safe Haven? Children have contributed to Pasado’s by creating fundraisers or giving donations to Pasado’s in lieu of Christmas or birthday presents. Creative fundraising teaches children valuable lessons about rescue, compassion, project creation, and helping those who have the greatest need. Children’s projects are feel-good ways for them to be the change that they want to see in the world.
OTHER WAYS TO VOLUNTEER Would you like to donate your time to the animals in other ways? You can volunteer in the “People Barn” writing thank you cards and helping out with other administrative duties. And if you can’t drive out to the sanctuary, we can always use help picking up or delivering our rescued animals to their veterinary or grooming appointments. You can also join us at adoption events around the Puget Sound or tabling at community events close to home. You could also assist with the “Pasado Posse,” working with our cruelty investigator by responding to neglect and abuse calls. There are many ways to help the animals.   Email our Volunteer Manager and make a difference today! Fill out an application here!