!!!Our Holiday Ho-Ho-Hoedowns on the 9th and 16th are canceled and Shoofly Farm is now closed for the season!!!
Please read the letter of explanation below.

A letter from the owner:

To our beautiful community. Making the decision to close our farm early and therefore canceling our remaining Holiday Hoedown events was difficult and came with a great deal of sadness but it has become very clear it is the right decision.

Last week Shoofly was the the victim of a defamation campaign and doxing, fueled by incorrect information and venom, for what reason, we still do not know, we can’t truly know someone's motive for something like this. The false claims incited fear and rage in some which resulted in online harassment, libel, bullying, and threats to inflict harm to this farm and myself.

Hate is often born from hurt and misunderstanding. I have found that those who inflict hurt are usually in a state of hurt within themselves. The ironic thing is this is one of Shoofly’s missions, to take the broken and hurting hearts in our community, and invite them to this very special place so they can feel the beautiful healing the land and animals freely offer. I believe the individuals who took part in this wrongful attack against Shoofly would greatly benefit from the healing it can offer their hearts. This mission is why our regular farm visits are always free.

I do not like to refer to myself as the owner. In fact, many visitors don’t realize they are speaking with the owner when they interact with me during visits, they assume I’m another staff member and I like it that way. Sometimes people will ask “Are you the owner?” My response is always, “I am one of them.” I think people assume I’m referencing a business partner. I suppose maybe I am but that partner is no individual, it is the collective many who dedicate themselves to this place both now and in the past. My belief is I am simply the caretaker or custodian. Shoofly does not belong to any one or two individuals, her purpose is far greater than this, her mission too broad. I let the spirit of this place dictate to me its needs and desires and then it is simply my job to work at making it happen, all while protecting her resources and honoring the gift this place bestows on so many.

What started as a mission to simply heal my family grew to helping other families with chronically ill or disabled children which then became helping anyone in our community who has the time and desire to visit this place. It organically grew to include animal rescue work and we love playing a small part in healing both human and animal’s bodies, minds and souls. It has been one of my greatest joys in life witnessing the smiles, laughter, and healing of those who visit Shoofly.

The only thing that takes priority for me over offering Shoofly to my community is the health, well-being, and safety of my family and the animals who call this place home. With the way things have escalated, there is a major threat to that safety and well-being and thus the need to close down.

Not only is this a sad decision because of the loss of joy and memories our events create in this community, but it could also have devastating effects for Shoofly as we enter our off-season. During the thick of winter, we are closed which means very little revenue coming in but added feed and bedding expenses to keep all the animals healthy and warm. Our Holiday Hoedown is the last of our public events and one of its intentions is to fill Shoofly’s coffers so we have the money needed to make it until we open again in March.

Running an animal sanctuary and rescue has astronomical and often surprising costs. Many small sanctuaries and rescues like ours are only one bad event or hiccup away from having to shut down permanently. Smaller sanctuaries are fueled by the pure determination, long hours, and the blood, sweat, tears, and sheer will of its volunteers while relying heavily on generous donors who also catch sight of the vision and mission. I have always been honest about Shoofly’s finances, I have never and will never take a paycheck from its earnings. In fact, my husband and I remain Shoofly’s largest benefactor. I want to reassure those who love Shoofly I will not abandon this mission and I’m determined to ensure this place makes it through the winter despite this huge loss of revenue. We will find a way, Shoofly always does.

I will miss seeing our visitors and sharing in the joy of this Holiday Season with you. I would encourage all to remember this … It costs us nothing to choose kindness but the payout from choosing it is abundant. During this holiday season and always I hope when we feel anger and hate build within us and we assure ourselves we have facts to justify that anger we stop, realize we most likely only have a fraction of the truth and regardless of any of that simply choose kindness. The most charitable thing we can ever do for others is be charitable with our thoughts towards them and give them the benefit of the doubt, pass no judgment, and recognize the most helpful thing we can do is offer love.

May all of you have a merry, joyful, and beautiful Holiday Season. We are looking forward to seeing all of you in 2024 for a magical and blessed year.

Happy Trails,

Brianna Ranshaw