We have loved animals our entire lives. As a couple, our lives together with animals began back in 2008. We got our first puppy when our 17 year old was just a newborn. Then came additional dogs and a cat. Chickens came next, and the rest was history. In 2020, we moved to the country and bought what has since become the High Desert Homestead--our 23 acres of the world that we call home. We now have six kids, a farm full of creatures great and small, and a rich life filled with all of the ups and downs that come with parenting children and stewarding animals. Here are a few of the core values that we build our homestead--and our lives--on:
Health. We want to live long, healthy lives. And we want the same for our animals. We are always learning how to improve the health of our animals so they can live better, longer. When we use our animals for food, we take comfort in knowing that they were always given the healthy, dignified lives they deserve.
Harmony. We don't control nature, but we can choose to live in harmony with it. All of our choices on the homestead are guided, at least in part, by one question: "Will this bring harmony to the homestead and to our lives?".
Learning. We are both educators by trade, and we are curious by nature. And we love to teach people about animals--how they improve our lives and how we can improve theirs. We love educating during farm tours. We love sharing wisdom on our Facebook page. And we love learning how to help ourselves and our animals live healthier, happier lives.
Therapy. Spending time with animals can heal us and bring us peace, anchoring us when we feel adrift. We treasure any chance we get to share our farm and animals with those who have special needs. Our youngest has special needs.
Restoration. We are passionate about helping to restore rare breeds that are at risk of extinction, including Shire horses, New Mexico Dahl sheep, Red Wattle Hogs, and the Drentsche Patrijshond. Together with other experts in these breeds, we make deliberate breeding decisions to optimize genetic diversity, improve health, and increase population numbers so that these wonderful animals can be enjoyed for generations to come.
Work. Work is good, and meaningful work is best. Our kids are learning how to work (whether they like it or not). And we work alongside them. We love the satisfaction that comes from working hard toward shared goals that bring purpose to our lives.