Vet Care?

We have been asked “Why so many vet visits?” “Why do you often have sick residents?” “Why do you drive so far to go to the vet?” 

Unfortunately, animals produced for food are born into a system wholly focused on making the greatest profit possible, in the shortest amount of time. Farmed animals usually only live a fraction of their natural lifespan because the animal farming industry has manipulated their species to grow at an unnatural rate, reaching full maturity (maximum weight for profit) in a fraction of the time they would have more naturally grown. The incredible demand created by humans for animals and animal by-products, has led to a system that produces animals without any consideration for the life that nature intended... 

Animals fortunate enough to be rescued from this system and provided Sanctuary have the opportunity to live a more natural life, but seldom without the detrimental health effects caused by the system that bred them. Animals born into our modern animal agricultural system provide 95-98% of all the animal products and by-products that we consume. And while some small backyard farms may allow some animals to breed more naturally, have more appropriate space or healthy food to eat, many still follow similar larger production facility protocols and practices. They still choose to maximize the size of the animal and the age at which they are sold or slaughtered for consumption. And while breeding animals might live a bit longer life, once they can no longer produce babies, they are sold for slaughter. 

There is quite a difference between surviving and thriving. Most animals used in farming are mostly just surviving; they may be sick, have crippling ailments and be in pain for a variety of reasons. If necessary they might receive antibiotics or some other type of treatment, but they are often left to suffer and eventually die. In a Sanctuary setting, the goal is to provide adequate space, care, and companionship. We want to give our residents  a chance to finally thrive - and to live the best life possible. Routine health checks, medical maintenance, medical recordings and much more are carefully attended and any sign of injury or illness is closely monitored and cared for to the highest extent possible. 

Sanctuary life also allows an animal the opportunity to live longer than they would have within the farming industry - so they have the opportunity, to reach ages that many animals of their species never will. And like humans, dogs and cats, with age comes more health complications. In addition, unlike our companion animals, most animals used for food production have not had the benefit of regular and compassionate healthcare.. . So in comparison,  we know very little about the long-term healthcare of animals manipulated for production farming. This can make it quite challenging to find a knowledgeable and compassionate veterinarian that can provide the best care for our sanctuary residents.

Humans, as a species, have been conditioned to believe that some animal life is less deserving than others… But at Ridge 2 River, we believe that each life is as deserving as any other. We all have an instinct for survival and a desire to live as naturally and fully as possible. We do our best to provide this to all the residents in our care, out of respect for their individual lives…