UPDATE

F.Y.I.

The sanctuary "Landline Phone Log" from March thru October reflects 208 calls concerning animals in need (47 cats/kittens, 25 dogs/puppies, 1 horse, 1 mule, 1 cow, 8 goats, 7 pigs, 12 rabbits, 86 farm birds, 19 wildlife, 1 exotic pet). NOTE: This doesn't include cell phone calls and emails.

During this time we took in 1 pig, 1 goose, 4 chickens, 2 puppies and 2 bunnies PLUS found the owner for 1 lost dog. We also adopted out: 2 puppies, 5 geese and 2 hens.

Wall-E and Rose-E Need "Forever Loving Homes"

In May we took in 2 - 4 month old stray hound mix puppies. They have been spayed/neutered and are up to date on shots. Almost 1 year old, Rose-E and Wall-E are very loving and playful. they are available for adoption. For more information you can visit them on petfinder.com or call Ode: 386-325-8289 (leave message.) An application for adoption is available by clicking on ADOPT FORM.

Note: Congratulations and Thank You to Foster parents Louis and Jim Clark!

Both puppies "Sophie and Keiko" found exceptional homes. You're the best Louise and Jim!

Keeping you in the loop... new puppies will need great homes!

Friday, December 2nd, 3 desperate young people were at the sanctuary gate looking for someone to take 2 (approximately 10 week old) female puppies. Since we're a farm animal sanctuary (and we still need homes for Wall-E and Rose-E) I should have turned them away BUT - 2 sets of eyes peering out of the card board box in the back seat did me in. So, once again, our devoted foster parents "Louise and Jim Clark" stepped forward and took them home. These 2 - 13 pound Rotti mix pups will be named by the Clark family. While with their foster family they will receive socialization, balanced nutrition and medical care. Both will be vaccinated and spayed prior to being available for adoption. The pictures below were taken a few hours after arriving at the sanctuary following their bath. If you are interested in either or both of them, please fill out and submit an application.

Curious to see if an Antique Show could generate sanctuary income, the Spear's donated from their personal horde to sell at the Putnam County Historical Society's Antique Show (October 22 & 23) at the Armory. All proceeds benefited the farm.

We're happy to report the show generated a $400 income for the sanctuary! We believe a few shows each year would be great "mini-fundraisers". If you wish to donate appropriate items, they would be greatly appreciated.

Storage and labor is a problem so we couldn't accept large items. Most antique shows prefer merchandise from the 1950's or earlier however, there are exceptions. Please feel free to contact us with questions and/or if you wish to donate. We would give you a receipt since your donations would be tax deductible.

Deadly Drop-offs

Many farm birds have been unknowingly released at the sanctuary. This can be a danger to the birds and a financial burden for us.

Recently we found a Pekin duck floating in one of the pools, barely alive. We did a head count and discovered 2 new ducks had been dropped off. The injured duck died that night.

Since most of the animals are territorial, we typically introduce them carefully. Usually, they are penned up until the other animals "get used to their presence." Then, they are carefully released and observed.

If you should hear of anyone planning to drop an animal off, we would greatly appreciate you explaining our dilemma.

Q: Why are you called the "Useless Animal Farm Sanctuary"? No animal is useless!!

A: The Spear Family moved to Palatka, FL about 11 years ago. Acreage and farm animals were a novelty to them. About 6 years ago they named the property "Useless Animal Farm" describing the carefree pampered animal residents. 4 years ago they decided to become a sanctuary. Too late to change the name, they added the words "Good for nothing but love" to the literature... Please don't take offence to the name! The animals at the sanctuary are loved and appreciated. None are used for breeding, food or labor. Important Note: We offered an anonymous poll at our benefit and the majority wanted to keep the present name.

A: Unfortunately, we no longer offer farm tours. We originally had visions of the sanctuary being enjoyed by everyone. For the first 2 years we did offer tours. As we grew safety became an issue. Unlike a zoo, these animals are not accustomed to strangers. The required liability insurance plus the need for walkways etc. have convinced us to stop tours. However, we do have an Annual Patrons Tour of the Farm by invitation only. We usually schedule this event in February or March. If you would like to be added to our "snail mail" mailing list, please email us at uafarm@comcast.net or write us at: Useless Animal Farm Sanctuary Inc., 7451 Crill Avenue, Palatka, FL 32177. Sponsors and Patrons are automatically invited.

A: For the same reasons given above, question #2, our volunteers are not allowed to work with the animals. However, there is a huge need for volunteers: Soliciting for sponsors & donations, put together fundraisers (ex: our annual "Friends of the Farm Benefit"), speak at local groups and schools on our behalf, helping with special builds and demolitions at the farm etc. Please visit the HELP US page for more information

Rest in Peace, You Will be Missed!

These are animal residents have passed away between March-October, 2011

Rosie the bull dog - you were loved so much!

2 white bunnies (Bun Bun 1 & Bun Bun 2) - your lives did make a difference

Old Rosie pig - our 2nd pig, always sweet and kind

2 geese - victims of a playful baby donkey...we're sorry!

5 ducks - old age plus territorial issues...

5 turkeys - 3 giant white turkeys died of old age / 2 turkeys (from cockfighting raid) = cause unknown

4 hens & 6 roosters - natural causes

Important: Animals have been dropped over our fence which can be disastrous! They are in danger of being injured or killed by our very protective resident dogs!