I shared my dream of Sentient Sanctuary in Planning for Everything. A couple years later, we moved to Virginia and bought a farm. Ever since, I’ve been learning to care for goats, chickens, cows, and horses on 48 acres of field and forest while writing a novel. It’s idyllic. I feel blessed. But I want to do more. And to do that, I will need help.

So, I quit. I am officially out to pasture. And my daughter and I are founding a 501c3 think tank and animal sanctuary. We are starting by talking with founders of existing sanctuaries. Next we’ll work with a lawyer, form a board, incorporate, hire a designer, recruit volunteers, organize goat walks and farm yoga, plan fundraisers, adopt animals (donkeys, I hope), and the river runs on. Like whitewater kayaking, it’s exhilarating.

What is Sentient Sanctuary? I don’t know. Our goal is more happiness and less suffering for all sentient beings (including humans). But how? My touchpoint is the starfish story. I want to save individual starfish, and I want to make gentle change. I’ve given this enough thought to see thinking isn’t enough. To realise sanctuary, to make it real, I must walk the pasture of forking paths. And I can’t walk alone. I’ll need you.

So, join the journey by following us on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram. We’ll be sharing stories, posting cute animal pics, and asking for help. See you in the pasture!