Happy Tales Animal Sanctuary: People Helping Animals Helping People
Frontenac County is blessed with picturesque country views, untamed wilderness, rugged Canadian Shield, and a myriad of lakes, rivers, and creeks. No wonder it’s the ideal haven for people and animals alike, and Carla Moore from Happy Tales Animal Sanctuary knows this better than most.
In 2013, Carla and her husband Harold relocated from Kingston to Harrowsmith, a small village in South Frontenac County. They were drawn to the quiet, rural setting for two reasons: to return to a country lifestyle reminiscent of their childhood, and because they required enough land to adopt farm animals. You see, providing a home to working animals beyond their prime – especially those who experienced abuse and neglect – was always the plan for the Moores.
After finding the perfect property, equipped with a barn and a charming farmhouse, the couple started their mission of rescuing animals. Word spread quickly, with farmers throughout South Eastern Ontario surrendering old or injured livestock and animals they refused to send to slaughter. This includes chickens and turkeys, sheep and goats, pigs, rabbits and even alpacas; of course, no farm is complete without a few barn cats and dogs.
Flash-forward to 2017, Happy Tales had grown in popularity and acquired plenty of residents, so Carla made the decision to register the farm as a non-profit charity. Now, it’s recognized as a sanctuary and rehabilitation centre for all animals, along with being a safe and inclusive educational environment for children with special needs and ill or injured Veterans.
“They [Veterans and children] come out here to work with the animals, and with all of our animals being surrendered to us or rescued from abuse, neglect and abandonment, there is a unique kinship between them. It’s people helping animals helping people.”
Happy Tales is dedicated to teaching others about the humane treatment of animals, the impacts of animal agriculture on the planet and the advantages of compassionate living. Their goal is to help the community understand the hardships of mistreated animals, while also improving the quality of life for their rescues and the people who visit the sanctuary.
Online Learning
In collaboration with a few business students from St. Lawrence College in Kingston, they revamped their website and added an online educational portal. The portal is a database of resources, tools, activities, and videos, and it’s a free space for children and adults to learn about plant-based lifestyles (including yummy meal recipes), how to be more environmentally conscious, and of course, the importance of treating animals with respect and dignity.
Carla also increased Happy Tales’ presence on social media. She updates the farm’s Facebook page regularly, sharing videos and pictures to keep nearly 15,750 followers informed and engaged. Happy Tales’ Instagram page is just as popular – if you need a smile, the cuteness on their feed is undeniable!
Explore the Beauty of South Eastern Ontario
Carla encourages everyone to get out and explore the beauty of South Eastern Ontario, especially within Frontenac County. There’s so much to see and do, and the sense of community is truly heartwarming. “People care about each other,” says Carla. “It’s really a special place. Everyone wants to help each other, and it’s full of people who want to keep this area beautiful.”
It’s a beauty you have to see for yourself. So next time you’re passing through the region, take a drive down Wilton Road in Harrowsmith and honk your horn as you go by Happy Tales Animal Sanctuary.
To learn more about Happy Tales follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Or visit their website at www.happytalesanimalsanctuary.ca.