The blind pigs are losing weight and hopefully will soon regain their vision
For years while Stutzman's Nursery operated on village-owned land just north of town on US-68, Gary Stutzman took in rescue animals of all kinds, from farm animals to house pets to exotic reptiles and birds. Many of them were free to roam the property, others were fenced in along the north end and at the rear of the 20 acre lot.
In the last few years, before Stutzman's lost it's lease with the village, Stuzman had an arrangement with Nick Ormes to care for the the animals. Ormes was on the property every day. When the village evicted the nursery, it was left to Ormes to remove all but two pigs from the lot. The pigs were allowed to stay because they were blind and difficult to move. For the two years the lot was vacant, Ormes was allowed onto the land by the village to care for the pigs. The rest of the animals were scattered around the area from Beavercreek to Troy on farmland where kind folks allowed Ormes to keep them. Everyday, he would make the rounds feeding them and being sure they were properly cared for.
When the village took RFPs for the lease of the land, Ormes was right there, eager to reopen the animal rescue, which he was now operating as a nonprofit with the name of the Ranch Menagerie Animal Sanctuary. The organization's assets are with the Greene County Community Foundation as Ormes works toward IRS 501 (c)(3) determination. In a stroke of genius, Ormes partnered with Mitch George of Village Greenery who wanted to start up a nursery called Yellow Springs Botanicals. The village granted a lease in February and Ranch Menagerie subleases the rear of the property. In short, the place is starting to look a lot like it did, with one exception: for insurance reasons, animals will not be allowed to roam free.
The Blog and Blog Dog Suki paid Ormes a visit last week. Suki loves it up there. Ormes has two dogs that follow him around all day and Suki falls right in with them. When a couple of young goats got loose, she immediately started herding them. We made the rounds as we usually do, with Ormes pointing out what animals have been moved where and how they are doing. Yours truly even volunteered some labor a few weeks ago, when Ormes needed to move a flock of bantam chickens to a place where they would be safe from raccoons. We spent an afternoon moving fence and building a new area close to a dog enclosure.
Ducks are more fun than a barrel of monkeys
As the animals are being brought back onto the property, the Ranch Menagerie Animal Sanctuary needs all the volunteers it can get. Currently, there are pigs, turkeys, ducks, chickens, cats and dogs, additionally there are sheep and goats being boarded in the field at the back of the lot. It is anticipated that most of the animals housed there will be farm animals. In addition to volunteer labor they will need feed and hardware, such as fencing.
Nick's wish list:
- Dry dog and cat food
- Clumping cat litter
- Unscented bleach
- Cracked or shelled corn
- Gift cards for Tractor Supply
- Fencing and posts
- Chicken wire
- Hardware cloth
- Hog and livestock panels
- Campers and construction trailers
- Cash
Donations of hard goods may be made directly to the Ranch Menagerie Animal Sanctuary. You can make small cash donations at U.S. Bank. Just let the teller know you want to deposit to The Ranch Menagerie Animal Sanctuary's account. Or you can give to The Ranch Menagerie Animal Sanctuary Fund at the Greene County Community Foundation (GCCF). In order to receive a tax deduction, it is suggested that your gifts go through GCCF account.
Volunteer labor is needed for deconstruction of some of the sheds on the property, building new enclosures and sheds, help with electrical and plumbing work and a variety of other tasks that can be matched to your skills. Ormes can be reached at 937.231.1046 or PO Box 123, Yellow Springs, OH 45387. For more information go to theranchmenagerie.org.
Even pigs love a good belly rub and Ormes obliges
Those seeking help with rescue animals are reminded: Do not leave any animals at the front gate or on the property. When animals are left like that they can be hit by cars or attacked by predators. Ormes will only be taking farm animals, including livestock, poultry and working dogs. If you have an animal that needs rescue, telephone ahead. If you have an animal that does not fit one of the above categories, Ormes may be able to redirect you.
The sanctuary is not yet open to casual visitors. It will be awhile before it will be able to handle people who want to come to see the animals. Ormes is still in the process of getting the old herd back onto the farm.
Post Stutzman's Nick Ormes is still caring for the animals
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2 comments:
I only wish to suggest people request a report from Greene County Community Foundation (Greene Giving) for the finance information they hold on any organization under their umbrella before making a donation. The report is legally obligated to be provided upon request thanks to Public Disclosure Requirements. This is a smart request to make before donating to any non-profit be they 501(c)3 or not.
Suki looks a right good herder.
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