Sheryl Oswalt
Contributing Writer
(Sheryl Oswalt/TCJ – Volunteer Josh Scott and Rosie the goat. Scott and his family volunteer at Mitten Misfits.)
If all you do is drive by the property at 8650 W. Mt. Hope Highway, it doesn’t look much different than the other small farms lining the road. A closer look, however, tells a very different story.
The farm is not only home to Victoria (Vick) and Bob Worthy, but also to nearly 100 rescued animals. The registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit serves as a “fur-ever” home for cats, cows, goats, pigs, horses, chickens and more.
With more than 40 years of experience in animal rescue, Vick knows what it takes to run a successful sanctuary. Like any farm operation, it takes more than passion to keep things going. It takes funding — and, most importantly, a lot of physical labor.
Alongside Michigan State University pre-veterinary students, volunteers help feed and water the animals, muck stalls and maintain the property. That’s where volunteers like Josh Scott and his family come in.
Scott said it was initially his wife who signed the family up to volunteer, but they have all grown to love their time there. His children, ages 10 and 16, especially enjoy spending time with animals they cannot have at home.
Bob stressed that the sanctuary provides much more than just a safe place for senior or unwanted animals to live out their remaining years. It also benefits the community in several ways.
The sanctuary provides hands-on experience for MSU students working with farm animals. Goats and pigs enjoy fresh produce that otherwise would have ended up in a landfill. Volunteers and visitors alike speak of the physical and mental benefits of spending time at the farm.
Whether helping adults coping with PTSD, grief or job loss, many describe the work as therapeutic. Animals also often provide comfort and connection for people on the autism spectrum in ways traditional social interaction sometimes cannot.
As a thank you for all the Sanctuary has meant to her son Simon, local author Jules Nelson partnered with her daughter, illustrator Sabrina Nelson, on a colorful children’s story featuring one of Mitten Misfits’ resident goats called “Rosie’s Dream.”
It seems that Rosie has always dreamed of running with the horses. In the book, Rosie’s goat companion Aiden helps her “escape” so that she can explore the farm and run with the horses. During my visit, however, Aiden made it very clear he also serves as her bodyguard — guarding her as though I were paparazzi.
A book signing will be held at the farm on Saturday, June 6, from 2 to 4 p.m. Books will be available for purchase and will be “autographed” by Rosie herself. Profits from book sales will benefit Mitten Misfits Farm Sanctuary. Visitors can also enjoy live storytelling, face painting, snacks and plenty of photo opportunities during this event.
With the animals’ best interest in mind, drop-in visitors are not allowed. You can follow them on Facebook for special event dates or schedule a visit from their website. Detailed information and application to volunteer is available on the website at mittenmisfits.org.
