Sponsor Ava

AVA 🐐
Special Needs Goat Resident

Ava’s story is one rooted in both heartbreak and compassion.

She came to us after tragedy struck another sanctuary. The founders of that sanctuary were killed in a car accident, leaving their animals in the care of their two late-teen children. In the midst of unimaginable grief, those young caretakers made the incredibly difficult decision to find safe homes for all of the sanctuary animals. They worked quickly to ensure everyone was placed, but three goats were especially close to their hearts.

Ava and her two friends all live with spinal deformities. In most cases the condition doesn’t slow them down or affect their quality of life, but it did make placing them a little more complicated. These three goats had been farm favorites, and letting them go was one of the most emotional decisions the family had to make. When the children reached out to us, we were honored to say yes.

Today, Ava lives safely at Virginia Farm Animal Sanctuary and the lifelong care and stability every sanctuary animal deserves. Her spinal condition rarely holds her back — she enjoys her days grazing, lounging in the sun, and spending time with her two longtime friends who made the journey with her. Their bond remains strong, and keeping them together was one of the most important parts of welcoming them here.

Animals like Ava remind us that sanctuary is about more than just providing food and shelter. It’s about ensuring that animals who are deeply loved — even in the face of tragedy — will always have a place to call home.

💚 You can help support Ava’s lifelong care by becoming her sponsor.