Lola - Royal Palm Turkey

Apparently, 2023 is turning up to be the 'Year of the Turkey' for us. Just days into the new year,  we took in Jasmine,  a young Royal Palm turkey from Napa, California. And now in March, we now have another turkey and she also happens to be a Royal Palm Turkey! Her name is Lola and she's about 6 to 8 weeks old.  Her previous owner bought her from a breeder,  when she was about 2 weeks old. He noticed that out of the bunch that he had purchased, there was one who stumbled and walked with a limp.  He decided to rehome her and listed her for free on a FB page.   We answered the post and set up a plan to retrieve her with the help of our Ranch friends in Los Angeles. Lola definitely has something wrong with her legs,  but she is able to walk. We're looking forward to taking her to the vet and we'll see if we can help Lola!

Sponsor Lola

Edgar - German Shepherd

With the sudden passing of Eddy in September 2022,  we wanted to honor his memory by rescuing another 'big' dog. We found Edgar,  a 10 year old German Shepherd who had been at the shelter for 56 days. He was 97 pounds when he got to the shelter and when we rescued him he was 78 pounds. While at the shelter, he caught a severe doggy cold and developed blood in his urine (urinary tract infection).  All those days pent up in a small kennel created an unhealthy condition for Edgar.  He is literally a walking skeleton who slept on hard concrete flooring. Edgar will get veterinary care via our holistic vet and be fed a raw meat diet with lots of supplements. He is now a  Lucky One and will live out the rest of his life with us.  Be a apart of his journey and consider sponsoring this boy.

Sponsor Edgar

Chloe - Arabian

She is an 18 year old flea bitten grey (white with speckles) Arabian who was abandoned last Fall in Oregon. She has been in rehabilitation and training and recently was transferred to Arabian Horse Rescue & Education, Inc in Oregon. Her name was ‘Cleopatra' but now she’s ‘Chloe', as a remembrance to Clover.  She also has an arthritic front left knee (not as bad) just like Revlon .  And.....  this same rescue organization saved our late Clover at a horse auction 5 years ago. A big thank you to AHRE and its Founder Dusty for rescuing so many Arabian horses!

Sponsor Chloe

Bocelli AKA Bochy - Cattledog

The latest Lucky One will arrive In less than one week!   Not, of-course, without a proper journey to the Lucky Ones Ranch included.   We’ll be officially introducing him to you all once we have him in our arms later this week!    This boy was found wandering the streets with two red and bulging eyes. However, despite being in pain and completely blind,  he wagged his tail at the lady who saved him from being hit by a car in traffic.  Who would dump a dog in that condition?!😡 Amazingly, the shelter was willing to do the eye removal surgery,  despite not having an adopter or rescue lined up.  Once we saw the FB post of this boy, we knew he needed us, and we agreed with the shelter to make him our newest Lucky One and give him his well deserved forever home. We will be flying out of state very soon to pick him up and drive him home ❤️.   We can't wait to introduce him to you all!

Sponsor Bocelli AKA Bochy

Chowder AKA Chow’Da - CorgChowLab

At 10 years old,  Chowder,  a Chow mix somehow ended up the Pima Animal Care Center in Tucson, Arizona. It breaks our hearts to know that he spent Christmas at the shelter with over 300 other dogs.  We saw his face on the shelter website and made an inquiry about him.  His ears reminded us dogs that had previously passed.   His face and ears reminded us of Teddy.  His big yellow body reminded us of Kovi.  His huge elbow calluses reminded us of Chicharron. And 17 year old Cattle Dog,  Rocky had also came from PACC. We made the decision to pull Chowder for many reasons but mainly because he had a mass the size of a large orange hanging from his abdomen.  The shelter did not plan on removing the mass unless Chowder had an adopter or foster in line.  Unfortunately, Chowder had already been at the shelter for over a month, and with no home in his future, Chowder's surgery would not happen.   When we told the shelter we wanted to rescue Chowder, they removed the huge mass.  But as it turns out, Chowder has some other health issues that need to be addressed,  including rotten teeth, a yeast infection and a possum-like tail (no hair).  We knew the likelihood of anyone interested in a dog like this would be slim to none... which made him to be the perfect candidate to become the newest Lucky One!    Taking in senior dogs like Chowder is not cheap or easy work.  Please consider being his monthly sponsor and help us make a difference in his life!

Sponsor Chowder AKA Chow’Da

Lucky 8 (pigs) - Pot-Bellied Pigs

The Lucky 8 are eight pigs who lived in Grass Valley, California. Their elderly owner no longer adequately cared for them after the death of her husband.  Basic care like feeding them a well rounded diet and having their hooves trimmed did not happen for these pigs. They were left to forage for acorns which made them incredibly obese.  Over the years,  the pigs became 'fat blind'... rolls of fat covered their eyes,  essentially blinding them. They further became disabled due to their long hooves.  When they stepped forward their long hooves gouged into their rotund bellies. We had come on New Year's Day 2022 to rescue one duck, 'Betty'.  But we returned a few weeks later with Solano CART which assisted us in removing the pigs and transporting them to us.  Your monthly support will help us cover the costs of their hoof trims which cost $100 per pig, and of course, pay for any medical costs and their daily ration of pig pellets!

Sponsor Lucky 8 (pigs)

Rosette - cattle dog

Many of our sanctuary animals are connected in one way or another.  We often rescue one and then rescue another to keep the first one company.  Or, we rescue one in memory of another animal that has passed on.  On April 22, 2022 we lost Cozette to kidney failure. Our quirky cat food carrying girl was gone and our hearts were broken. But not broken enough to keep us from making a difference in the life of another shelter dog. Then we saw her.. a dog who had an uncanny resemblance to Cozette was listed at the Riverside County Animal Services website.  We made an inquiry about her and hoped to get medical and behavioral notes for her.  Their response was that she's got a "laceration and tapeworms".  So,  with only that information to go on,  we decided to pull her from the overflowing high kill shelter.  Our new girl came home on April 13, 2022 and she reminds us so much of Cozette... from the way she looks to the way she sleeps on her front paws.  After Cozette passed away on Earth Day,  we planted an "Angel Face" rose bush in her memory.  And our new sanctuary dog's name is Rosette.  And within a week, our new girl already knows her name and it's like she's been with us from the beginning..

Sponsor Rosette

Fonzie - Cattledog

I'm special in many ways.  I was born with a condition called 'Cerebellar Hypoplasia' which in English means, I can have difficulty walking like normal dogs walk.  This condition does not make my heart any smaller, as a matter of fact,  I LOVE a lot of things... especially living with why family at the Lucky Ones Ranch.  Fun facts about me:  I've been to the Chicago Bean, Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone National Park (old faithful) see my video's here.  #operationFONZIE

Sponsor Fonzie

B.A.D. Ducks ( Betty / Alle / Daisy ) - American Pekin Ducks

Our trio of ducks came from 3 totally separate areas in California in 2022. On the first of January,  we made the 2 hour drive to a snowed in area of Grass Valley.  We had been alerted to a flock of ducks that had been killed off by predators, except for one lone survivor.   With the owner's blessing,  we captured the Crested Pekin after a brief chase in 2 feet of snow.  The duck had sought refuge with a pot belly pig and huddled with her for safety.   In memory of the actress Betty White,  we named the duck Betty...we later discovered that he was a boy, but we kept his name.  On March 4th,  we acquired two more Pekin Ducks to keep Betty company.  The first one was from the high kill Los Angeles shelter,  Baldwin Park.  We named her Alle  (after Allen Ludden, Betty White's late husband).  And the third duck to complete the trio was Daisy.  She was abandoned the year before at a small man-made lake.  Unfortunately she was savagely attacked by raccoons and needed emergency surgery for her wounds. The good Samaritan decided that Daisy needed a better and safer home with other ducks and she surrendered Daisy to us.  All 3 ducks love each other as if they have lived their whole lives together.  They will spend the rest of their lives living at the Lucky Ones Ranch! 

Sponsor B.A.D. Ducks ( Betty / Alle / Daisy )

Little Ethel - Mule

In 2019, 3 Mules acquired Little Ethel from Arizona.   For 3 years,  she served as a pack mule for Monk. Little Ethel followed Little Girl, his other mule,  and the three of them happily trekked up and down the California roads.   The 3 of them even rested for several days at LOR in September 2021.  Unfortunately,  Little Girl developed health issues and passed away.  Little Ethel no longer wanted to continue the journey without her best friend. Monk reached out to us and asked if we would take Little Ethel in. And of course, we said yes. At the end of March,  we had Little Ethel transported from Moorpark, CA to the ranch.  She is now retired and she will live out the rest of her life with our herd of rescue horses.  

Sponsor Little Ethel

Maggie the Sheep - Babydoll Sheep

In 2022, at 8 years old,  Maggie gave birth to her last lamb. She no longer wanted to be a momma and rejected her baby.  Her owner had to bottle feed the little one and then decided that Maggie needed to be retired out. We had just lost Maggie, our senior Cattle Dog at 16 years old  and just by chance saw the Facebook post about a senior sheep also named Maggie.   Despite Maggie being in Colorado,  we felt compelled to rescue her and hired a transport company to haul her to California.  Maggie came to us about 25 pounds underweight and with copious amounts of nasal discharge.  Within a couple of weeks,   Maggie gained weight but her persistent snotty nose remained.  Maggie's test results came back negative and our vet believes Maggie is just one of those sheep with a snotty nose.  Otherwise, she is healthy and every day,  we give our cute little Babydoll sheep a good nose wiping and send her off to graze and enjoy her newly retired life with us.

Sponsor Maggie the Sheep

In memory of Betty White - one of the best EVER

Betty White’s birthday is on January 17th.   A challenge sweeping social media (#BettyWhiteChallenge) encourages people to donate to a local rescue or animal shelter in Betty White’s name to celebrate what would have been her 100th birthday. When the ‘Golden Girls’ star wasn't on screen, she could be found bonding with animals of every kind — and fighting for their wellness. Ms. Betty White told TV guide,“ I’m the luckiest person in the world — my life is divided in absolute half: half animals, half show business.” On New Years Day 2022, we went to Grass Valley California to rescue a duck. Our dear friend Jim told us that his neighbor's flock of ducks had all been eaten and perhaps there was one remaining survivor. The recent snow storm prevented the elderly neighbor from going out into the snow to check on the duck.  Upon our arrival, we found one Pekin duck resting near one of the eight pot bellied pigs. The pigs are also in need of rescue, as they are extremely obsese and are in desperate need of hoof care.  For the time being, we rescued the duck as planned and brought him home to the ranch.  He has a condition called Angel wing, where his wing sticks out awkwardly, but otherwise, he appears to be in good health. Last year, Betty White had mentioned that she would be celebrating her 99th birthday by feeding "the two ducks who come to visit me every day".  So in honor of Betty White's love for animals and her life's work..even though he's a boy, we are naming our newest duck rescue, "Betty".

Sponsor In memory of Betty White

Julia - Turkey

At 29 pounds,  Julia is a big girl. She is a Broad Breasted Bronze Turkey and she was purchased from a feed store when she was a small chick in 2018.   As she grew and grew,  Julia became too large for her owner's backyard and she was subsequently relinquished to us.  We named her Julia,  after our friend/ talented ranch artist, Julia Roberts. Our artist friend is scared to death of turkeys, so as a joke,  we named our newest turkey after her.  Julia is very friendly and will make all sorts of pretty vocalizations. You can have a full conversation with her and she will chirp as you talk to her.  Along with talking, she also loves to eat.  Julia's breed is known to be fast growing and one of the largest and heaviest of turkeys.  So, we have to be careful that she does not over eat. Julia is a big hit at the local senior homes.  Since she is so large,  we use a wagon to wheel her around for the seniors to see her.  In Thanksgiving Day 2021, she made a special appearance at Pacifica Senior Living in Vacaville.   It was so fun to watch the expressions of the memory care residents, as Julia made her rounds!    Julia makes a great turkey ambassador and we look forward to showing more people how wonderful turkeys can be! 

Sponsor Julia

Tommy - Cattledog Pittbull Mix

Tommy is 11 years old and is deaf.  In August 2021, he was one of 76 dogs seized in a hoarding case in Winchester,  California. For the past 4 years,  he lived in a makeshift outdoor kennel. He was fed spaghetti and had no veterinary care.   He is not neutered and his teeth are covered in black plaque.   The shelter named him ‘Gramps’ due to his age and arthritic gait. We are naming him 'Tommy' after the inventer Thomas Edison.  We hope to be the light for this senior boy who definitely deserves a second chance of happiness, and a new home where he will feel love.

Sponsor Tommy

Crouton - Holstein

Crouton is a 1 year old red Holstein bull.  His original owners raised him from 2 days old and had plans to butcher him when he got older.  He lived in a small backyard with goats as his companions. Luckily for Crouton, the family's residence was not zoned for livestock and the family was ordered to remove him immediately.  We discovered Crouton's story on a Craigslist AD and jumped at the chance to rescue him.  Mason, our original Holstein steer had just passed away a few days before and we were so heartbroken over the loss. Mason loved all sorts of bread.  Because of his gigantic size, we would often say that entire loaves of bread were just actually "croutons" to Mason. So in Mason's memory, we named our newest Holstein - Crouton.

Sponsor Crouton

Baaxter - Sheep

Baaxter came to us unexpectedly on March 12, 2021.  Our livestock vet, Dr. Varga was at another nearby ranch and observed a small 10 day old black lamb mixed in with a bunch of goats.  She scooped up the little boy and knew exactly where to take him. Baaxter was covered head to toe, in dried feces and recently had diarrhea.  We are not sure how he was left to be so filthy, but we welcomed him home with a bath and a warm bottle of formula.  He is sweet little lamb and we look forward to integrating him in with the B Team Sheep.    

Sponsor Baaxter

Chicharron’s Memorial - Akita

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Stevie the Wonder Dog - Cattledog

In early 2018, I was rescued by Helping Herders Rescue (HRR) in Southern California.... HHR  helped with my eye surgery and I came to the Lucky Ones Ranch as a foster.  I loved it so much here that I was able to convince them to keep me through my incessant cuteness and continual acts of endearment.  I love sleeping in cars, and I love to poop on things when it's time to potty.

Sponsor Stevie the Wonder Dog

Nacho - Cat

Sponsor Nacho

Ciabatta - Holstein

We were heartbroken after Mason's sudden passing.  His empty pasture was too painful to look at.  We had found a red Holstein bull (Crouton) to rescue, but we also wanted a black and white Holstein that looked like Mason. We found an ad on Craigslist for a 1 year old Holstein/Jersey mix and we picked her up from a traditional cattle ranch in Acampo, CA.  She was fearful of people and quite skittish.  She had never been brushed and she had been roughly handled. Luckily, her love of all things bread has helped us bond with her.  We named her "Ciabatta", after Mason's love for bread and it suits her perfectly.  Within 2 weeks, she knows her name and comes running up to see us.  She is still reluctant to let us brush her, but she already knows how to give kisses on command! Ciabatta is so sweet.  She has the most soulful eyes and she even has a heart on her forehead.

Sponsor Ciabatta

Mason’s Memorial - Holstein

Sponsor Mason’s Memorial

Buttons - Suffolk Sheep

This lil' Button came to us by way of our Ranch Veterinarian.  Apparently, Button's mother rammed after she was only a week old.  The incident left her unable to stand and walk on her own.   Dr. Varga did not have the heart to put her down and contacted us to see if we would give her a chance. How could we refuse?  We immediately took her to Loomis Basin Veterinary Hospital and she had a full workup including xrays, a spinal tap and bloodwork completed.  Buttons had an infection in her spine and liver and the xrays showed no fracture.  After 5 days in hospital, Buttons was healthy enough to come home. Button's is still being monitored for potential neurological issues.  Your donations will insure that she receives the best veterinary care possible.

Sponsor Buttons

Snoopy’s Memorial - Cattledog

Snoopy spent his last 18 months of life with us here a the ranch.  He was loved by many.  During his time, he learned to not use his teeth so much  with us 🙂  His dog tag we got for him said, "I'm blind.  I see with my heart".  We try to live like that every day, to see with our hearts. Snoopy's story: Snoopy is a 12 year old cattledog.  At 7 months old, he was adopted in Southern California.  Twelve years down the road, Snoopy lost his vision and his owner drop him off back at the exact same high-kill shelter.  Who would do that? Snoopy still had lots more love to give and life to live...  We were fortunate to be able to give him a forever home.

Sponsor Snoopy’s Memorial

Annie - Barbados Sheep

Sponsor Annie

Kovi’s Memorial - Chow Mix

If you've followed Kovi throughout her journey with us, you know just how much EVERYONE loved her.  Kovi made the trip over the rainbow bridge and is now running free... I'm sure with the other 'Lucky Ones'.  We love and miss you. Kovi's Story: Kovi was dumped Sept 24, 2019 at a noisy and scary Los Angeles animal shelter. By fate, 'Kovi' (the name she had) popped up on our FB feed. At 15 years old, Kovi should have been enjoying her twilight years being loved-on by her family members. But apparently she got "too old" for them and was surrendered at the shelter. I can't imagine how confused and lonely she must have felt. Kovi's name means "Holder of the heel; To follow; May God protect; Held by the heel". Kovi is not the typical type of dog that we tend to rescue, but in some crazy cosmic way, she's IS a 'heeler' and we will give her the love she should've had all along.

Sponsor Kovi’s Memorial

Sully - Dorset Sheep

Sully came to the ranch along with Doreen(recently crossed over the rainbow bridge) and Hudson.  The trio were from a local dog rescue that repeatedly allowed their own rescue dogs to attack them. Enough was enough and it was suggested to them that they relinquish the sheep to prevent them from being killed. When they first arrived at the ranch, they thought all of our dogs were out to get them. They learned how to trust again and we are happy to have them with us at the Lucky Ones Ranch.

Sponsor Sully

Maggie Maes’s Memorial - Cattledog Mix

Maggie's bestest friend for 14 years of her life was named Michael. When he died and his family members could not take her in, and Maggie found herself at a very scary and noisy place... the Stanislaus Animal Shelter. We rescued her and did not know that her entire life story would unfold in front of our eyes. Michael was a Vietnam War Veteran and he loved Maggie more than most things. Michael suffered from PTSD and Maggie provided him comfort and therapy. We were able to find out that Michael military funeral was upcoming and we brought Maggie to his memorial services so she could say bye. https://youtu.be/L8RELxq_fi4 Maggie crossed the rainbow bridge on January 22, 2022.  This girl will be missed.

Sponsor Maggie Maes’s Memorial

Rocky’s Memorial - Cattledog

On July 3rd,  2019,  Rocky's was relinquished to the Pima Animal Care Center in Tucson, Arizona and requested that he be euthanized.  After 17 years, the family that deserted Rocky told the shelter he had trouble with standing, incontinence, sensitive mouth and was just old.  Thankfully, the shelter declined the family's request to euthanize and took in Rocky so that he could have a chance at a new home.  We heard about this boy through social media... and we rescued him and brought to the LOR.  Rocky is working out his physical kinks and has a new renewed lease on life with us. Rocky spent 68 days with us at the LOR before crossing over the Rainbow Bridge. We would like to hope that after 17 years, Rocky lived his bestest life with us. Please consider making a donation to Rocky's Memorial. Memorial Funds will help us continue bringing love to animals in need. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqbcNsCCF-Q

Sponsor Rocky’s Memorial

Biscuit - Sheep

I was told my mom was sick and that my first owner wanted me to go to a home where I could live a long life.... like forever.  Dr. Varga from Gold Coast Veterinary Service immediately took me to the Lucky Ones Ranch where I was a surprise gift to both Thao & Vince.  I am forever indebted to Dr. Varga because my life at the Lucky Ones Ranch is going to be AWESOME.  I get to hang out and learn from my new older brother Baahnana, and walk around with all of my dog brothers and sisters.

Sponsor Biscuit

Swiney Todd - Pig

Hi, my name is Swiney Todd and I came to the ranch in January 2019. I came from an isolated place in Oroville and didn't know much about living the pig life!. At the ranch, I gained a new BFF named QT Pie, who has been teaching me pig stuff like eating produce!

Sponsor Swiney Todd

Baahnana - Babydoll Sheep

I was rescued by the Lucky Ones Ranch from a wool farm just north of San Diego.  One of my first memories of coming to the ranch was when I ate a 'sheep-load of donated bananas'.  My tummy got upset and I had diarrhea for a week!  So, they decided to name me 'Baaahnana'.  I love Mrs. Pastures Cookies treats & helping the volunteers sort through food donations on Fridays.

Sponsor Baahnana

Henry - Golden Retriever

Sponsor Henry

Hudson - Sheep

Hudson came to the ranch along with Sully and Doreen (recently crossed the rainbow bridge).  The trio were from a local dog rescue that repeatedly allowed their own rescue dogs to attack them. Enough was enough and it was suggested to them that they relinquish the sheep to a more suitable home-life to prevent them from being killed. When they first arrived at the ranch, they thought all the LOR dogs were out to get them. It took time, but the soon learned how to trust again, and we are happy to have them with us at the Lucky Ones Ranch.

Sponsor Hudson

Ricky - Arabian

Sponsor Ricky

Teddy’s Memorial - Cattledog

Sponsor Teddy’s Memorial

Leyla - Cattledog

So folks, I'm Leyla, I'm kind of a big deal here now at the LOR ( I have them all fooled) ... my mom, Ella, was rescued by Helping Herders Rescue (HHR) in mid 2018.  Hours after I was born,  Thao & Vince picked me, my mom, and my 5 other litter mates and brought us to the Lucky Ones Ranch.  We learned basic life lessons at the LOR before 5 of my siblings and mom found their fur-ever homes.

Sponsor Leyla

Josephine ‘Sparkle Pants’ - Pony

Sponsor Josephine ‘Sparkle Pants’

Alyah - Kiger Mustang

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Leo (Napoleon) - Pony

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Gabriel - Cattledog

Sponsor Gabriel

Dylan - Kiger Mustang

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Marco & Polo - Tortoises

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Strider - Hanoverian

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Cozette’s Memorial - Cattledog

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Mariah - Cattledog

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Ziggy & Marley - Donkey

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Bentley - Cattledog

Sponsor Bentley

Honey’s Memorial - Cattledog

Not all dogs want to love on people and give endless kisses... but that doesn't mean they aren't capable of loving... We rescued Honey from the Martinez Animal Shelter when she was deemed to be unadoptable because of how she interacted with shelter staff. The Lucky Ones Ranch stepped up and gave her a forever home. As Honey's interaction with our volunteers improved, Honey was ultimately adored by many (from afar) and was respected by all of her brother and sister dogs at the Lucky Ones Ranch. If you've ever had a dog like Honey in your life, please consider making a donation to her Memorial. Memorial Funds will help us continue rescuing and bringing love to animals like Honey in need.

Sponsor Honey’s Memorial

Meatball - Pot-Bellied Pigs

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Dodger - Cattledog

Sponsor Dodger

QT Pie - Pot-Bellied Pigs

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Starsky - Nigerian Dwarf Goat

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Precious - Llama

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Hamlet - Pot-Bellied Pigs

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Hutch - Nigerian Dwarf Goat

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Portia - Pot-Bellied Pigs

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Phoebe - Pot-Bellied Pigs

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Pork Chop - Pot-Bellied Pigs

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Chorizo - Pot-Bellied Pigs

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Bangers - Pot-Bellied Pigs

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Dumpling - Pot-Bellied Pigs

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Squeak - Pot-Bellied Pigs

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Minnie - Cat

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Mickey - Cat

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Maggie - Cat

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Gina - Cat

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Simon - Cat

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TigerLily - Cat

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Larry, Mo, & Girlie - Duck

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Frankie, Isabelle, Sophia - Midget White Turkey

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