Who We Are
"Not what we have but what we enjoy constitutes our abundance."- Epicurus
Tom & Krystal
Our English Shepherd dogs, Eoin and Greer, are another heritage breed in residence. English Shepherd's are working farmdogs (collies) descended from the old 'Shepherd's Dogs' of Scotland and Northern England, noted for being hard workers and loyal companions.
Just a few of the many interests between us include: gardening, music, our spiritual heritage, friends, an appreciation for fine wines, fishing. Family is very important- even though we're all scattered about we keep in touch with parents, siblings, our three daughters and two granddaughters. Our pets include Kiwi, a Peach-Faced Lovebird, and Chanel, a tortoise-shell calico cat.
We share a deep respect and love for all creation. We are gradually adding NW native plants and other elements needed to become a certified "Backyard Wildlife Habitiat" with the National Wildlife Federation and the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. We choose to welcome and share this bit of earth with all creatures, instead of displacing them as is the norm. To date we've identified 31 bird species and several mammal visitors. Recycling, conserving water and energy, and using only non-toxic products are steps we gladly take to minimize our impact on the environment.
In an effort to produce healthy food for our family, we grow heirloom vegetables in our Kitchen Garden, a few fruits, preserve a bit of the harvest, and raise rabbits for meat and show. We've used 100% natural sustainable methods on our 1/4 acre suburban lot for over five years.
Our English Shepherd dogs, Eoin and Greer, are another heritage breed in residence. English Shepherd's are working farmdogs (collies) descended from the old 'Shepherd's Dogs' of Scotland and Northern England, noted for being hard workers and loyal companions.
Just a few of the many interests between us include: gardening, music, our spiritual heritage, friends, an appreciation for fine wines, fishing. Family is very important- even though we're all scattered about we keep in touch with parents, siblings, our three daughters and two granddaughters. Our pets include Kiwi, a Peach-Faced Lovebird, and Chanel, a tortoise-shell calico cat.
We share a deep respect and love for all creation. We are gradually adding NW native plants and other elements needed to become a certified "Backyard Wildlife Habitiat" with the National Wildlife Federation and the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. We choose to welcome and share this bit of earth with all creatures, instead of displacing them as is the norm. To date we've identified 31 bird species and several mammal visitors. Recycling, conserving water and energy, and using only non-toxic products are steps we gladly take to minimize our impact on the environment.
Farm Animal Welfare:
The Five Freedoms
We practice and endorse Animal Welfare, not Animal Rights. We promote responsible breeding and pet ownership.
The Farm Animal Welfare Council in Britain developed a code that has been adopted internationally, by which we govern our homestead; it is as follows: The welfare of an animal includes its physical and mental state and we consider that good animal welfare implies both fitness and a sense of well-being. Any animal kept by man must, at least, be protected from unnecessary suffering. We believe that an animals welfare, whether on a farm, in transit, at market, or at place of slaughter, should be considered in terms of Five Freedoms. These Freedoms form a logical and comprehensive framework for analysis of welfare within any system together with the steps and compromises necessary to safeguard and improve welfare within the proper constraints of an effective livestock industry.
The Farm Animal Welfare Council in Britain developed a code that has been adopted internationally, by which we govern our homestead; it is as follows: The welfare of an animal includes its physical and mental state and we consider that good animal welfare implies both fitness and a sense of well-being. Any animal kept by man must, at least, be protected from unnecessary suffering. We believe that an animals welfare, whether on a farm, in transit, at market, or at place of slaughter, should be considered in terms of Five Freedoms. These Freedoms form a logical and comprehensive framework for analysis of welfare within any system together with the steps and compromises necessary to safeguard and improve welfare within the proper constraints of an effective livestock industry.
- Freedom from malnutrition- by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigor
- Freedom from discomfort- by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area
- Freedom from disease- by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment
- Freedom from fear or distress- by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animals own kind
- Freedom to express normal behavior- by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid metal suffering
In Gratitude
"I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all."-
Laura Ingalls Wilder
Laura Ingalls Wilder
We are forever thankful to: Judy Ozmer of MountainView Farms, for her unfailing support and beautiful Chocolate Satin stock.
To Jim Ramey and Robert McCroskey for being so generous in sharing their time and years of experience.
Gayle Gordon for sharing her precious American rabbits with us 'Yanks', and Helga Vierich-Drever for discovering what they had!
To the MeatRabbits list, and all the others we've come across in the rabbit 'community', and the Northwest Rare & Heritage Rabbit Breeders' Club for their efforts to promote and save the rare breeds.
Rare & Heritage Breeds
The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy (A.L.B.C.) is a non-profit membership organization founded in 1977. Through research, education and the help of breeders and farmers, they are working to protect over 150 historic breeds of livestock and poultry from extinction. In 2005, the A.L.B.C. included rabbits, due in part to the hard work of then A.R.B.A. President, Cindy Wickizer.
According to the A.L.B.C.'s Priority List, there are several breeds of domestic rabbit threatened with extinction. Following is a partial list. "Critical" means there is an estimated global population less than 2,000; "Threatened" means less than 5,000; and "Watch" means less than 10,000. The breeds in italics are of American origin:
According to the A.L.B.C.'s Priority List, there are several breeds of domestic rabbit threatened with extinction. Following is a partial list. "Critical" means there is an estimated global population less than 2,000; "Threatened" means less than 5,000; and "Watch" means less than 10,000. The breeds in italics are of American origin:
| Critical | Threatened | Watch |
| American | Blanc de Hotot | Creme d' Argent |
| American Chinchilla | Silver | Lilac |
| Silver Fox | Belgian Hare | Rhinelander |
