Special Bond - Jessica and Alexandra-Pumpkin

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Jessica became one our incredible volunteers by first coming to HEEFS for a tour…and never wanting to leave! She fell in love with the Sanctuary, our mission and our residents and, when she saw a call for volunteers on our Facebook page, she contacted us right away. Jessica has been volunteering with HEEFS since April of 2018 and loves that HEEFS is not just a sanctuary for the residents, but for the volunteers, as well. It’s her perfect escape from life’s stresses and we are so grateful to have Jessica as part of our team

Love at first sight

Many of our volunteers experience a strong and instant connection with one or more of our residents, for many reasons, and this is what happened between Jessica and Alexandra-Pumpkin (formerly a resident of Farm X). “I was starting my Sunday even feed shift and was told we had two visitors from Farm X who were at HEEFS while they recovered from their spaying,” remembers Jessica. “When I walked in and saw her, I immediately felt this strong connection to Alexandra-Pumpkin that I have never felt before.”

While she was initially timid, it didn’t take long for Alexandra-Pumpkin to feel the connection, too. “Over the course of my shift we were trying to see if she would eat some snacks. When she did end up taking some from my hand, I could see that she was a gentle soul. My love for her grew over the course of that evening and even the thought of her having to leave, and return to Farm X, was really hard to think about.”

Making herself at home

Alexandra-Pumpkin did return to Farm X but made a daring escape which resulted in us knowing that the safest place for her to be was right here at HEEFS. “Watching her blossom over the last month has been so heartwarming. It’s like she has been here forever! Whenever I walk by, she always makes sure to greet me at her gate with her cute snorts,” laughs Jessica. “I always make sure I spend time with her when I get to HEEFS and before I leave. And, when it’s allowed, I give her some of her favourite treats like watermelon, dates and Dad’s cookies.”

Jessica has fallen hard for our sweet Alexandra-Pumpkin in every possible way! “I even love her name! Pumpkin season has always been my favourite time of year!” We are so happy to have Alexandra-Pumpkin as a HEEFS resident   and we know she’s in for a world of belly rubs from her special bond, Jessica.