“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”

- Anatole France

Our homestead includes many different types of pets that children will be able to interact with while attending our program. It’s a bit like a mini science center here! We strive to keep our habitats as natural/bioactive as possible by using only natural materials, substrates and also live plants whenever possible.

We feel strongly that by exposing children to animals, the animals can:

  • Help develop responsible behavior in the children who care for them.

  • Provide lessons about life (including reproduction, birth, illnesses, accidents, death, and even bereavement.)

  • Be safe recipients of private thoughts--children often talk to their pets, like they do to their stuffed animals

  • Provide a connection to nature.

  • Teach children respect for other living things.

  • Help with developing non-verbal communication, compassion, and empathy.

Our Pets

  • Small Mixed Breed Dog: 'Lola'

    Lola is a spunky, high energy, happy girl who loves to follow me around the yard. She is an exceptional listener, safe off leash (and with the ducks) and loves to cuddle on the couch.

  • Guinea Pig: 'Oreo'

    Oreo loves nothing more than eating and being pet! He is very friendly and he’s got a good squeaker on him when he realizes it’s snack time! His favorite treats are red bell pepper, carrots and romaine lettuce.

  • Indian Runner Ducks - 'Steve, Ninja & Batman'

    Our three rescue boys have free range of the garden and backyard during the day where they quietly roam around eating bugs, slugs and other things. They are hilarious to watch and have been a wonderful addition to our homestead.

  • Miniature Pig - 'Lilah'

    Lilah is the oldest of the pigs. This year she will celebrate her 12th birthday! She spent her first three years living in the house with me. Lilah is very bonded with me but can be a bit snippy with other people.

  • Miniature Pig - 'Penelope'

    Penelope is 6 years old is a very sweet and laid back girl who loves just about everyone. She is mostly gray with whitish hair tips.

  • Miniature Pig - 'Lui'

    Lui is the biggest of the three pigs and also “the boss” of the herd. With humans though, he is extremely hand shy and timid. He is all black with white legs and has visible tusks.

  • Bearded Dragon - 'Nova'

    Nova’s favorite thing to do is bask under her heat lamp during the day (and also eat all her live plants planted in her habitat…::insert eyeroll:::). She’s frequently watching whatever is going on in room around her and loves begging for snacks while we are eating our dinner!

  • Leopard Gecko - 'Sienna'

    Sienna is a bit of a spicy girl who is VERY food driven. Wiggle your finger the right way and she will try to grab it! (Don’t worry, it doesn’t actually hurt!) She is very interactive and nearly always pokes her head out to say hello when you pass by her habitat!

  • Crested Gecko - 'Pixel'

    You may not see him much during the day, but come nightfall, Pixel can be seen stealthily climbing around his habitat in search of tasty bugs to eat- He’s like a quiet little ninja!

  • Russian Tortoise - 'Mille'

    Mille is the newest addition to the family here. We aren’t sure of her actual age but she’s full grown. Her favorite food is calendula flowers and dandelion greens, both from our garden. She’s very friendly and inquisitive.

  • Hedgehog: 'Gerald'

    Gerald is a shy, spikey little ball of sass! We took him in as a rehome and he’s been slowly adjusting to his new environment since. We think he’s cute despite his prickly personality!

  • Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches

    We never named them all because they are so hard to tell apart! They are really neat to watch and hold (if you’re willing and brave enough to!) They are pretty calm and interesting to learn about.

  • Blue Death Feigning Beetles - 'Harry, Ron & Hermione'

    These cool little blue beetles fake their own death if spooked! They are fun to hold and great for helping children overcome a fear of insects. We think they are a bit adorable.

  • Isopods

    We have a growing colony of wild caught isopods that live in with the hissing cockroaches. We use them as clean up crew in our many bioactive animal enclosures.