Conversations with Jen Sale
Article in VoyageLA Magazine, published 1 April, 2024.
Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Sale. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Jen Sale’s journey to establishing the Sale Ranch Animal Sanctuary is a story of unexpected turns and compassionate responses. It all started with a dream of creating a horse rescue—a passion project for Jen, who has always been captivated by the grace and beauty of these beautiful creatures. However, fate had a different plan in store. When Jen was approached to help two newborn goats abandoned at a local livestock auction, her heart and mind opened up to a new calling.
As a Licensed Vocational Nurse with specialized training in heart care and telemetry, Jen found her medical expertise crucial in the early stages of the sanctuary. Her ability to remain calm and collected in critical medical situations was invaluable, not just for the goats that set her on this path but for all the animals that would soon find refuge at Sale Ranch.
In a blend of medical experience and boundless empathy, Jen, alongside a team of devoted vets, staff, and volunteers, ensures that the sanctuary’s residents—each with their unique personality and needs—are closely monitored and lovingly cared for. This hands-on approach to healing and nurturing is a core value of the sanctuary, reflected in the daily operations and the overall atmosphere of compassion that fills this special space.
Jen’s story is a powerful reminder that one person’s change of heart can lead to a world of difference for many. With her at the helm, Sale Ranch Animal Sanctuary has become a living testament to the philosophy that #KindnessLivesHere, and that every life—be it hoofed, feathered, or with hair—deserves high level care and a chance to thrive in safety and love.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Embarking on the journey of establishing Sale Ranch Animal Sanctuary was no leisurely stroll through the countryside. Jen Sale speaks with candid honesty about the rugged terrain of these early days, marked by a dedication to not just survive but to thrive in the face of challenge.
“It was really about starting from the ground up,” Jen says. “When Sale Ranch finally landed on our current, permanent property, the first ten months involved a lot of roughing it—hauling water, relying on headlamps when the sunset, and finding resilience we didn’t know we had.” This resilience has been the foundation upon which the sanctuary has been built, and it’s the same spirit that has allowed the sanctuary to grow responsibly and mindfully.
With a mission to provide lifelong care, Jen emphasizes the necessity of expanding in a sustainable manner. “Each new rescue is a lifetime commitment,” she explains, “which means we grow at a pace that ensures we can provide ongoing quality care.” This deliberate, thoughtful growth extends to every aspect of the sanctuary, including the development of their regenerative garden.
What started as a basic setup of a few garden beds has blossomed into an impressive 30,000 sqft of lush gardens that feed the sanctuary’s animals with fresh, clean produce seven days a week. “But it doesn’t end there,” Jen adds. The garden’s abundance also supports the local community, with regular donations to a local food pantry to help feed families facing food insecurity. It also nurtures the local ecosystem, providing a sanctuary for pollinators and birds amidst the blossoms and greenery.
The story of Sale Ranch is peppered with challenges, from financial constraints to the heart-wrenching decisions about which animals can be saved. “We’ve had to learn to balance our hearts with our heads,” Jen reflects. “We must ensure we don’t overstretch our resources so we can keep our promise to the animals who depend on us.”
Through it all, Sale Ranch has stood steadfast in its commitment to kindness and responsible care. “It’s about honoring the trust these animals place in us,” Jen says. “And our garden is a symbol of that—of life, community, and the cycles of nature that we’re proud to be a part of.” It’s clear that through determination, resourcefulness, and an unwavering dedication to their mission, Sale Ranch has cultivated a haven were indeed, #KindnessLivesHere.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At Sale Ranch Animal Sanctuary, our guiding principle acknowledges that animals have voices; it’s just that too often, those voices go unheard by humans. Recognizing this, our essential mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and provide elevated medical care and lifelong homes to animals who have been overlooked or discarded by the food industry. Everything we do is anchored in this commitment.
Rescue and rehabilitation are the cornerstones of our daily endeavors. We provide a forever sanctuary for these animals, offering them a second chance at a life where they are not just seen but heard and understood. From those in medical crisis to elderly equines that have faced years of neglect, each resident is welcomed into the Sale Ranch family and given the individualized care they need to thrive.
Our off-grid way of life is integral to our values, mirroring our pledge to be kind to the earth that sustains us. It’s a life that respects our planet’s resources, using solar energy and other sustainable practices to maintain our independence from public utilities. This not only supports the well-being of our animal residents but also aligns with our philosophy of leaving a gentle footprint on the world.
The regenerative garden at the sanctuary serves multiple roles—it’s a source of fresh and nutritious food for our animals, a contributor to the local ecosystem supporting pollinators and birds, and a symbol of our commitment to sustainable living. It’s a living classroom that showcases the benefits of compassionate stewardship of the land.
Our remarkable team, a force of about 60 individuals, embodies the sanctuary’s spirit of service. They pour their dedication into every task, ensuring our mission thrives. It’s through their collective efforts that we’re able to maintain a sanctuary where every animal’s needs are met with love and expertise.
What truly distinguishes Sale Ranch is our unwavering dedication to listening to and advocating for the animals in our care. We pride ourselves on the sanctuary we’ve cultivated, a place where the sounds of nature are cherished melodies, and every life is afforded the respect and dignity it deserves. We are a testament to what can be achieved when kindness is at the forefront, celebrating a shared existence where every creature’s voice is acknowledged and valued. #KindnessLivesHere at Sale Ranch, not just as a hashtag but as a living, breathing reality.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
At Sale Ranch Animal Sanctuary, we are always eager to welcome new individuals into our community who are looking to make a positive impact and support our mission of caring for animals with compassion and promoting a sustainable lifestyle.
Volunteering Opportunities:
We offer a variety of ways for volunteers to get involved, tailored to accommodate different interests and skill sets:
• Hands-On Care: For those who are ready to roll up their sleeves, we have hands-on opportunities such as “poop scooping” and general animal care. These positions are essential to our daily operations and require a commitment of one 3-hour shift per week for a minimum of three months. It’s a chance to form a bond with the animals and play a direct role in their well-being.
• Administrative Assistance: If organization is your strength, administrative volunteers are invaluable in helping us maintain order and efficiency behind the scenes.
• Event Participation: For those who enjoy community interaction, we have roles in planning and running our events, providing an opportunity to advocate for our cause and connect with like-minded individuals.
• Marketing Support: And if you have a talent for marketing, your creativity can aid in amplifying our presence online and within the local community, spreading awareness of our work and values.
Financial Support and Engagement:
• Donations: We welcome one-time gifts and encourage supporters to become monthly donors, which we fondly refer to as our ‘Superheroes.’ These contributions are vital to sustaining our operations and ensuring ongoing care for our animals.
• Corporate Sponsorship: The Sale Ranch Corporate Sponsorship Program offers companies a chance to showcase their commitment to animal welfare and cruelty-free practices while associating their brand with compassion and community support through a range of engaging activities and benefits.
• Events: Keep an eye on our events page for opportunities to participate in fun and meaningful gatherings that support the sanctuary. – https://saleranch.org/events/
• Stay Informed: By signing up for our monthly newsletter, you’ll receive updates, upcoming event notifications, and plant-based lifestyle tips. Subscribe here – https://saleranch.org/join-our-mailing-list/.
Merchandise and Social Media:
• Shop: Show your support in style by purchasing from our range of Sale Ranch merchandise at our online store – https://saleranch.org/shop/.
• Follow and Share: Engage with us on Instagram and Facebook, where sharing our stories helps to grow our community and spread our message of kindness and sustainability – https://www.facebook.com/SaleRanchSanctuary and https://www.instagram.com/sale_ranch_animal_sanctuary/
We deeply appreciate every form of support, whether it’s the precious time our volunteers commit, the financial support from our donors, or the widespread advocacy from our followers. It’s through your help that Sale Ranch continues to be a sanctuary where compassion is nurtured and lives are transformed.
Pricing:
- Seasonal Open Ranches – starting at $20
- Seasonal Suppers in the Garden – starting at $140
- 90-minute Private Tours – starting at a $225
- Seasonal Workshops – starting at $65
Contact Info:
