As the peace-loving human that I am, naturally I follow many animal sanctuary accounts on Instagram. So of course, when asked to look up things to do in upstate New York, I immediately searched through all of the locations of the sanctuaries I love. Very lucky for me, Woodstock Farm Sanctuary happens to be close to the area that my boyfriend and I would be in for the weekend.

Woodstock Farm Sanctuary takes in "farm" animals who have suffered the abuse of the animal agriculture industry and gives them the home, medical care, and love that they deserve. They welcome visitors on the weekend during summer months and are often looking for volunteers throughout the year. During my visit, I was fortunate enough to go on a tour of the sanctuary led by two very knowledgeable volunteers.

Just when I thought I knew pretty much all of the horrors of the animal agriculture industry, I was taught a little bit more. For example, did you know that animal products labeled "humane" have relatively no enforcement and very little qualifications behind them? I also learned that turkeys like to cuddle, especially when you give them a rub underneath their wings. One man in my tour group inadvertently showcased this when as he was petting a turkey and she basically climbed into his lap to get closer.

It was so amazing to see all of these happy animals and happy people, it was like a dream come true to me. At the Woodstock Farm Sanctuary, the animals that lived there were given the same amount of respect as the people that worked and visited there. So many animals were living in harmony, the way it should and could be, I wanted to stay there forever.

Seeing this ideal I've been holding for the world actually being played out on a smaller scale and having it work gave me so much hope for the future. There are other people who care as much about animals, people, and the environment as me, and that makes me realize fully that I am not alone in my efforts. I may be one person who is not consuming animal products and who tries to be sustainable, but there are so many others that do the same and together we are making a difference.

Below are some pictures I took of a few of the animals at the sanctuary. Please enjoy! If you want to take a few of your own, check out the visiting hours and information here at the Woodstock Farm Sanctuary website.

1. A pretty hen girl living her best life

  

Struttin'!

2. Arrel the used-to-be feral

He followed our whole tour, very professional, 10/10.

3. Dillon, my personal favorite

Look at this majestic good boy!

4. Up close and personal with a beauty

Her sweet nature was so amazing for everything this poor girl went through. She had four babies taken away from her in her past, but now she's getting the care she deserves.

5. Precious Dillon

Dillon was a big boy who wanted all of the treats and all of the pets.

6. One-eyed wonder

Poor Dillon was neglected in his past and had untreated eye cancer. Once he arrived at Woodstock, they got him the treatment he needed so that it didn't spread. He's now both happy and healthy.

7. Getting and giving some love

Cows are like big, calm pups.

8. Smiling and sleeping is the way to be

Living his best life out here.

9. One of my favorite pictures from the day

Two happy, sweet boys.