Today we’d like to introduce you to Elaine West.
Hi Elaine, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have always loved animals and thought that I would be a veterinarian. I didn’t like the gory part of that so I chose another path, but my heart has always had a passion for animals and their welfare. I love pigs and that was my first rescue and it wasn’t long before I founded a sanctuary for them as there were few options for them. It grew over the years and now I am downsizing and not replacing my pigs that are euthanized due to age or health issues. I won’t let an animal suffer and most of my piggies are in their late teens.
I have always loved helping people, I worked with first time homebuyers and as a tutor and loved the hospitality business. When I took in Stella, a “gestation” sow who had fallen off of a transport truck on the way to slaughter, I was overwhelmed by her gentleness and affectionate nature. I became a vegetarian and wanted to share her with the world so they could see that the animals they were eating were these amazing, intelligent and gentle creatures who loved life. That is how it all began, opening our gates to the public to give visitors an immersive, interactive and educational experience with farm animals.
I recently decided to buy an animal that I wanted and found Jett, a Highland steer. Jett has the most calm, gentle personality and guests immediately were enjoying interacting with him so we started doing cow cuddles where visitors pay for a private experience with Jett and/or our baby Highland cows. Seeing the joy that these sweet and adorable cows bring to visitors is such a blessing. I purchased the covered wagons to share the little slice of heaven I’ve created here with our amazing animals in a private, peaceful paradise away from the hustle, bustle and stress of every day life. Its a place to relax, reconnect and enjoy interacting with our precious animals including our fish and turtles!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Oh my, I wish it was a smooth road! The financial challenges never seem to end! Everything costs more than you expect, things break or stop working and need maintenance, it is difficult to find good help. You name it, I’ve had to overcome it. With the expense of the animals, it always seems like a struggle to keep up with the bills. I’ll be so glad when we have some of our debt paid off and can catch a breath!
I am a disabled widow and at over 60 years old, I just cannot do what I used to be able to do which is very frustrating. That is one of the reasons that we cannot grow to our potential, I can only do so much so I have to limit the days we’re open and how many appointments we can take in a day. My husband was the one who handled the finances and the bills, its been hard having to do it all, just keeping up with it is a full time job!
Ideally, I’d like to find someone who would like to either buy the farm or invest in it and partner with me to grow it to its potential. There is so much potential here.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
When I was working outside of the sanctuary, which I had to do to pay for it, I was a mortgage loan officer. I loved helping people, particularly first time homebuyers, purchase their first home. I witnessed the crash of 2008 and I could have told you that it would happen when I saw people lying about their income to buy more home than they could possibly afford. It was tragic to witness people leaving me, who was trying to reason with them about how they would be able to make the monthly payment, and go to other unscrupulous lenders who just wanted to make a commission off of their desperation to have a home that was beyond their means. It cost me alot of commissions to lose people but in the end, I could sleep at night knowing that I did the right thing and didn’t put people at risk of bankruptcy or foreclosure. Integrity and a genuine care for my clients set me apart from everyone else.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I love self help, inspirational books and podcasts. My favorites are Joel Osteen, Max Lucado, Joyce Meyer and more, I have so many inspirational Christian audio books to remind me who is in control and that God will work things out. It gives me peace in the storms of life and a confidence that God has me in th epalm of His hand.
Pricing:
- Cow Cuddles start at $95 per session
- Wagon Stays start at $200 a night all inclusive
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rooterville.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rooterville
