When SCRAPS (Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Services) seized 25 starving, boney horses in 2013, SFCC jewelry instructor Peter Jagoda and his wife Kit took in 23 of them.
The Jagoda’s live on a 65 acre nonprofit farm called River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary, where they provide a safe and loving environment for abused and abandoned animals. River’s Wish houses almost any pet that lives in the Inland Northwest.
“There are cats, rabbits, chickens, roosters, geese, ducks, turkeys, pot belly and Yorkshire pigs, mini horses, regular horses, donkeys, cows, sheep, goats and dogs,” Sue Anderson, a nonprofit consultant who volunteers at River’s Wish, said.
Unlike some of the previous owners of the animals, River’s Wish is able to accommodate, feed and take care of a large number of animals.
“We’ve seen a lot of abuse and people hoarding,” Peter said. “We’re careful to keep the number manageable.”
The Jagoda’s get a lot of help caring for the animals through volunteers, donations, sponsorships, fundraisers and grants.
“I now work as a volunteer at River’s Wish close to full time or greater,” Nancy Mueller said. “Right now, I am reading dozens of grants and choosing ones that are a good match. Sue Anderson is busily finding grants and sending them to me much faster than I can read.”
There are many options for people who want to volunteer at the sanctuary.
“The most important volunteer positions that need to be filled are for professionals who want to become involved,” Mueller said. “Grant writers, attorneys, veterinarians, IT people, graphic designers, landscape architects, any and all experts in designing sustainable housing and campuses, architects, designers and builders of straw bale structures, master gardeners, HR professionals and many others.”
For people who aren’t professionals, or want to work directly with the animals, there is plenty of hands on work to do as well.
“They can’t be scared of getting dirty and need to be willing to learn about the animals,” Peter said of volunteers.
River’s Wish hosts many events throughout the year.
“We try to come up with something on the third Saturday of each month,” Anderson said .
Events include “Tea with Tucker” which is held in the barn. People are served tea and get to spend time with the animals.
“Our big fundraiser of the year is Art for the Animals: a starry night celebration with the animals of River’s Wish on July 11th,” Kit said. “There’s art, music, vegan food catered by a new vegan pizzeria and cafe called “Allies,” and beer and wine.”
Art for Animals is an art auction hosted to raise money for the sanctuary with art from local artists.
There are many more plans in the process to improve the campus and involve the community more.
According to Mueller, they would like to add a community space that includes a community garden, greenhouses, an art and education center, and a memorial garden where people can freely grieve the loss of their animals.
They hope to make the process as green as possible.
“We would like to add solar and wind where possible, and also use gray water and capture other water or waste that can be recycled, “Mueller said.
Although tours of the facility are not offered during the winter, a virtual tour can be seen on the website riverswishanimalsanctuary.org.