Barnside Chat- Headlamps, Fig Newtons and Thanksgiving

It’s Thanksgiving Monday at HEEFS. Today we’re welcoming Ivy and Juniper to the Barnside chat, sharing an important update on Alexandra Pumpkin, checking in with Zeke and Lambert, and officially entering headlamp season. Plus, we are remembering Esther as her third rainbow anniversary approaches, and reflecting on what it means to make the circle of kindness a little bit bigger. Happy Thanksgiving from Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary (HEEFS) in Ontario, Canada! 🍂🐷 This week on Barnside Chat, Derek shares the latest resident updates from the sanctuary, introduces Ivy and Juniper to the Barnside family, checks in on Alexandra Pumpkin, Zeke and Lambert, and takes us behind the scenes as HEEFS officially enters “headlamp season” and prepares for another Canadian winter. Alexandra Pumpkin had a difficult setback after attempting to return to her herd. We’ll share what happened, how her mobility has changed, and how her care plan is being adjusted while we work to keep her comfortable. Zeke has been recovering from a significant snout wound with the help of careful wound care, belly rubs and a strategically deployed Fig Newton or two. Lambert continues to keep his caretakers busy as we monitor his mobility, adjust his bedding and make sure his beloved teddy bear remains on active duty. We’re also very excited to properly introduce Barnside Chat viewers to Ivy and Juniper, two deeply bonded sheep who arrived at HEEFS together. After clearing quarantine and receiving veterinary care, their world at the sanctuary is slowly getting bigger, and their very different personalities are beginning to emerge. Around the sanctuary, fall is quickly giving way to winter preparation. Earlier sunsets mean headlamps, deeper straw beds, closing barns and cottages, preparing automatic waterers for freezing temperatures, servicing equipment and tackling the seemingly endless winter preparation list. Since today is Canadian Thanksgiving, we’re also reflecting on gratitude and what it means to extend our circle of kindness to farmed residents. This Sunday, October 18, marks three years since Esther the Wonder Pig crossed the Rainbow Bridge. A special place of remembrance is growing for Esther along Memorial Trail with trees, shrubs, wildflowers and summer bulbs planted in her honour. Her influence continues through every resident who finds safety at HEEFS and every person she encouraged to see farmed residents differently. Plus, we’ll reach into the Magic Rainbow Bagggg for your questions! 🎃 MONTHLY DONORS: VIRTUAL PUMPKIN SMASH Saturday, October 24, 2026 3:00 PM ET Kevin and Derek will be hosting live from the sanctuary. Monthly donors should have received RSVP information in the latest YES Report. 📅 BARNside CHAT SCHEDULE We’re taking next week off and will return Monday, October 26. Thank you for supporting Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary and for believing in the world Esther helped show us, one where kindness reaches farmed animals too. #HappilyEverEsther #HEEFS #EstherTheWonderPig #FarmSanctuary #AnimalSanctuary #BarnsideChat #FarmedAnimalSanctuary #PigSanctuary #AnimalRescue #SanctuaryLife #Vegan #Thanksgiving #CanadianThanksgiving #EstherTheWonderPig #PigRescue #SheepRescue #Ontario #OntarioCanada