PVAS Winter Busy Bee 2018

By Chris R.

On Sunday the 12^th of August the Sanctuary held it’s winter busy bee. The turn out was incredible, with over twenty people pitching in to help the animals.

Much to our excitement, a number of outstanding projects were completed on the beautifully clear winter’s day.

 

Projects included a large weather-proof shelter for the teenage lamb pen, fitting of a double door to bird aviary, construction of a brick pad for a new pre-release possum aviary and weeding of the Sanctuary’s memorial garden. In addition to all of these, the crew worked on getting through copious amounts of lamb laundry, cleaning sheep pens and starting the pre-summer tidy of the Sanctuary grounds.

This hard work was rewarded with an incredible pot-luck lunch, which included sweet potato soup, sushi, Mexican bake, scones with jam and coconut cream, poppy seed muffins and ‘cheese’ cake slice.

To finish off their day at PVAS, volunteers enjoyed a tour and meet and greet of the Sanctuary residents.

We are always so appreciative of the efforts of our amazing volunteers. They help enrich the lives of our animal residents greatly.

Coming Soon - Exciting PVAS Events

Spring in the Valley is going to be huge with these fun-filled PVAS fundraising events:

1   September - Goat & Lamb Yoga
8   September - Sound Meditation & No-sausage Sizzle
8   September - Goat & Lamb Yoga
16 September - PVAS Tour
16 September - Goat & Lamb Yoga

 
13 October - Flocktoberfest
20 October - Pizza in the Paddock
27 October - PVAS Tour
27 October - Goat & Lamb Yoga

10 November - Goat & Lamb Yoga
18 November - Splendour in the Valley
24 November - Goat & Lamb Yoga

For more information or to book tickets, visit our Facebook Events page: https://www.facebook.com/pg/possumvalleyanimalsanctuary/events/?ref=page_internal 

We will also be at the Vegan Spring Fair!

Come down to the Perth Vegan Spring Fair and say Hi! We have loads of new merchandise, including funky goat yoga tees and tanks, amazing hand made jewellery and gorgeous animal themed gifts. We will also be running a cruelty free sausage sizzle - with all funds helping over 160 animals in care - what more could you want!

Nellie's Story

Distance is no barrier to help an animal in need - our amazing volunteers are happy to go the miles to ensure a happy ending for our farm friends. This is Nellie’s story, an abandoned goat from Tom Price with nowhere to go. A huge thanks to everyone who supported her rescue in so many ways and to Erin from Littlehill Photography for her film work
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qBafQUM4gU

PVAS in the News

Fratantoni, Mahsa. The weird and wonderful yoga hybrids sprouting in Australian suburbs, The New Daily, 17 August 2018.

Goat (and lamb) yoga

Arguably the most quirky fusion is yoga with goats or lambs. These affectionate and playful farmyard animals wander about the paddock and often relax on the mat as yogis stretch and twist into poses.

Profits from goat yoga classes at the Possum Valley Animal Sanctuary go to rehabilitating and rehoming rescue animals. Photo: Possum Valley Animal Sanctuary/Facebook.

Getting into downward dog isn’t ewe-sually this difficult. Photo: Possum Valley Animal Sanctuary/Facebook.

Possum Valley Animal Sanctuary, in Mount Helena, Western Australia, started running the yoga classes in 2017, initially as a quirky way to raise money for the rescue farm animals.

“Many of Possum Valley’s goats have come to reside with us after being found orphaned, ill or injured or confiscated by authorities from less than ideal homes,” the rescue charity’s vice-president Mark Hayman said.

“Our volunteers and visitors care for them, show respect and kindness. In turn they begin to trust us and other people.” 

Not kidding: Even the most enthusiastic yogis deserve a break now and again. Photo: Possum Valley Animal Sanctuary/Facebook.

At the beginning of each session, participants are introduced to the goats and lambs, and instructors share some of the rescue stories.  

Ommmmm: Time for rescue goats and their human yogis to wind down after class. Photo: Possum Valley Animal Sanctuary/Facebook.

“The sequence incorporates a variety of yoga styles and finishes with savasana and meditation,” Mr Hayman said.

“On completion of the session, you will get to spend some time playing and cuddling with the goats and lambs.”