A Supporter's Story: Love Truly Does Live Here
/By Mary MacKay
Nearly three years ago, I was having coffee with a friend and she said, "You may think I'm crazy but I watch the adventures of a pig named, Esther on Facebook. Esther makes me laugh and she is so cute". That awoke a hazy memory of a CBC News clip about 2 guys living with a 650 lb. pig in their home. And so, I found Esther the Wonder Pig on Facebook in all her charm, with her green or purple hair, cupcake sunglasses, and fashion statement outfits. One of her many siblings was a big white turkey named, Cornelius who lived in the house too! I was enchanted and checked Esther's page at least three times a day.
Making the Connection
A few weeks into my discovery of Esther, I pulled a food product out of my freezer to cook for dinner. I stared at it and was shocked to realize this could have been Esther! I threw it out and all the other NOT Esther Approved food in my home. I began an Esther Approved eating plan the next day and never looked back. I would go hungry before eating that stuff as I would not be able to swallow it. I share that I fell in love with a pig and became Esther-approved for emotional reasons. There are areas of the grocery store I'm unable to walk past because of my love for all animals.
Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary is part of my life. I get all my updates from the HEFFS Facebook page at the same time as Esther's. My Monday is arranged to sit down with my lunch at 1:00 p.m. and watch The Barn Side Chat. Derek, Steve, and all the residents have become part of my life. I could talk for hours about HEEFS if anyone would let me! What I have learned about farmed animals, especially their care and personalities, is amazing.
When Nancy got his own vehicle and went on a Valentine's Day Date with Mary is a stand out for me. Seeing Nancy and Andrea go for drives in the truck or quad, or drive through the “Farm Drive Thru” for fruit smoothies makes me laugh. Nancy loves to ride in vehicles almost as much as he loves Andrea! Watching Captain Dan trot by carrying an empty food bowl back to the barn with his big beautiful pink ears flopping up and down it a sight like no other.
Countless Joys
I'm a monthly donor to HEEFS. My income is, shall we say... limited, but it is important to me to support what gives me so much love and joy. How could I not? I donate to all fundraisers and shop at both the Esther and the HEEFS stores. I likened it to tithing to your spiritual home. It makes sense that I give back to a place that gives me so much joy. When I wear my, “Always be Kind” Esther the Wonder Pig face mask, a stranger will tell me they like it. It makes them smile. If the moment is right, I'll share that it is from an animal sanctuary called Happily Ever Esther only an hour away from my home in Dundas, Ontario.
Last fall, I had a profound moment watching the Barnside Chat. Steve and Derek were sitting in chairs on the porch of Dolly's House in a gentle rain. Steve whistled for Phil (handsome dog that he is). Steve explained Phil does not like the rain. Phil came bounding over and Derek got up out of his chair and Phil jumped into it and settled down. Derek continued chatting standing behind the chair for the rest of the video. Up to that moment, I'd never witnessed such an act of giving. Phil gets the chair and the human stands - really !?! Not the life I had lived. I can't explain how that moment changed my understanding of selfless love and kindness.
I see the world differently now. Something inside me shifted and softened. I had the opportunity to share my story with the two Dad's during a July 2022 Farm Tour. Steve just looked at me and explained Phil doesn't like to sit on the floor. Steve sees it as no big deal. Derek just shrugged his shoulders because that is what he does for all animals. Their love and compassion just shine out of their faces. The farm is MAGIC. I experienced it that day. All of the volunteers went out of their way to be sure us visitors were having a good time, enjoying ourselves, and had all our questions answered. Phil is his own welcoming committee to each and every person. Bless his loving heart. Phil and all the HEEFS residents radiate the love they feel in their lives.
