September 09, 2017

SALDF Volunteers at Out to Pasture Sanctuary

The Student Animal Legal Defense Fund (SALDF) at Lewis & Clark Law School held its 2017 Fall Work Retreat at Out to Pasture Sanctuary in Estacada, Oregon. Out to Pasture is home to dozens of animals, all of whom have been rescued from situations involving abuse, neglect, or abandonment. 

The Student Animal Legal Defense Fund (SALDF) at Lewis & Clark Law School held its 2017 Fall Work Retreat at Out to Pasture Sanctuary in Estacada, Oregon. Out to Pasture is home to dozens of animals, all of whom have been rescued from situations involving abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Species at Out to Pasture include chickens, pigeons, llamas, donkeys, rabbits, pot-bellied pigs, goats, cats, and dogs. 

While some SALDF members are regular volunteers at various animal shelters and sanctuaries, for many this was their first in-person experience with farm animals. Attendees appeared to be particularly taken with Out to Pasture’s resident miniature donkey, Val, who gently nudged anyone she could reach for an apple. Val came to Out to Pasture after her caretaker became disabled and was unable to care for her. She is thriving at Out to Pasture and even has a best friend: fellow donkey, Sergio.

Founders John and Kit Collins were on hand to provide information on the animals who live at Out to Pasture as well as work guidance to the attendees. Tasks included laying mulch, picking up and sorting apples, trimming blackberry bushes, and setting up tents and tables for the Boho Beautiful yoga fundraiser the following day. After a few hours of work, attendees were treated to an all vegan barbecue, made possible by a generous grant from the Animal Legal Defense Fund and cooked up by the “SALDF Husbands” – the husbands of three board members who never fail to lend a hand for SALDF events. 

SALDF Member Emma Therrien reflects on her day at Out to Pasture:

On Saturday, September 9th, Lewis and Clark Student Animal Legal Defense Fund (SALDF) held our annual Fall Work Retreat at Out to Pasture Animal Sanctuary in Escatada, Oregon. It was a beautiful sunny day, and we all came ready to work hard. We spent the day raking, mucking, clearing the lawns, and of course, giving love to the rescued farm animals. Out to Pasture rescues and cares for pigs, donkeys, llamas, goats, sheep, chickens, rabbits, and more! After the work was done, we enjoyed a fully vegan lunch of veggie burgers with all sorts of delicious side dishes. We had a great day filled with meaningful work, tasty food, and the good company of professors and friends. We’re already looking forward to next year’s SALDF retreat!