Sometimes big change starts very small. In 1986, a sheep named Hilda was rescued—and that single act helped launch what is considered America's first farm animal sanctuary. Forty years later, hundreds of sanctuaries have become part of a growing movement built around a simple idea: every animal deserves kindness, safety and the chance to be known as an individual. But here's something we love even more. Sanctuaries don't only change the lives of the animals who call them home. They change...

Summer at Pleasant Pasture can look wonderfully peaceful. Cattle grazing. Cats sleeping in the sunshine. Pigs snoozing away an afternoon. But behind those quiet scenes, something else is always happening. Animals are finding their way home. During the first half of this year, three new cats became permanent Pleasant Pasture residents. Meanwhile, through our rehoming assistance and connections, 12 roosters, two horses, a disabled heifer, a duck family, and 13 cats were helped toward new homes...

Sir Bill noticed him first. A small orange cat had appeared just outside the barn door, watching the Gentlefolk Colony from a safe distance. "Stranger," Sir Bill announced. Gentle Mike looked up from his favorite resting spot. "Or perhaps a new friend." Sir Bill wasn't convinced. For several days, the little cat kept his distance. He didn't join the others for naps. He disappeared when people approached. And when Sir Bill attempted a proper introduction, the newcomer promptly hissed at him....