The Residents of Grounded with Nature
The animals who live at Grounded with Nature are here because they needed a safe place to land, and a commitment that lasts.
Many of our residents are older animals who have outlived their owners, been surrendered, or needed stability after major life transitions. Others arrived through thoughtful placement when long-term care was the most compassionate option.
Each animal is cared for as an individual, with respect for their history, personality, and pace.
Life at the Sanctuary
Life here is unhurried and grounded in routine.
Animals are given:
- Safe, species-appropriate housing
- Consistent daily care
- Space to move, rest, and choose where they want to be
- Veterinary and farrier care as needed
- Respect for their boundaries and preferences
Some animals enjoy interaction. Others prefer observation from a distance. Both are honored.
This is not a petting zoo.
It is a working sanctuary shaped by patience, presence, and long-term care.
Animals & Our Programs
Some of our animals also participate, on their terms, in workshops, retreats, or equine-facilitated experiences. Their involvement is always guided by welfare, consent, and observation.
No animal is required to interact.
Participation changes over time and is never guaranteed.
Meet the Residents
Below you’ll find the animals who call the farm home. Each has their own story, personality, and preferences.
This is Lark
She is a 20-year-old Premarin foal. She was surrendered to the farm due to a divorce and is now part of the healing herd.
This is Lilly
She was surrendered by her old owner to another rescue. They contacted us because they felt she would be an amazing fit at our farm. She loves being part of the healing work.
This is Mona
He was surrendered to the sanctuary due to an injury and is part of our healing herd.
This is Lance
He was surrendered to the sanctuary due to an injury and is part of our healing herd.
This is Wolf aka Sway
He is a 25-year-old TB who was a boarder at the farm. His owner ran into financial difficulties and wanted to euthanize him. On the day of the appointment, the vet, Paul, and Krystin questioned why they were doing this. That day, Sway became part of the sanctuary.
This is Honest Word aka Red
He is a 31-year-old Thoroughbred with a successful racing and breeding career. He sadly outlived his owner and came to the sanctuary to live out his years
This is Ella
Ella has an owner but is one of the leaders of the healing herd.
This is Peanut
She is a little pony full of sass. She came to the farm with some trust issues. We believe she is about 15 years old
This is Oliver
Oliver is the oldest cat on the farm, who would love to be held all day. We call him the Elf King because he loves to hang out in the woods with the fairies. He was born in 2011
This is Gizmo
Gizmo is the farm boss. He was a rescue from the Carroll County SPCA and was born in 2014
This is Anakitten
Anakin is the most sensitive cat on the farm with a magical purr. If you ground yourself and sit calmly, you may be gifted by his presence.
This is Willow
Willow is Anakin’s sister. They were kittens rescued from a Baltimore city storage trailer. Willow will come out from under the porch for a visit if you sit on the steps. They were born in 2012
This is Sarah Connor
She was a stray found at the end of our driveway as a kitten with her sister and brother. She loves attention and always wants to be held.
This is Katness
She was one of the stray Kittens found at the end of our driveway. Katness identified more as a dog, loves to hunt, and goes on long walks through the woods with humans or other animals.
Hamilton
Species: Potbelly Pig
Born: May 26, 2024
Hamilton arrived at the farm when he was just four weeks old—about the size of a dollar bill and weighing one pound. Since then, he has grown into a confident sanctuary resident with a rotating list of self-proclaimed titles, most of which involve running the blog.
Hamilton believes strongly in plentiful snacks, freedom to roam, and sharing his opinions loudly. He is deeply invested in naps, mildly offended by bad weather, and takes his role as narrator of farm life very seriously.
This is Pig Floyd
He was surrendered due to a divorce; he was born in 2012 as our best guess
This is Daisy
She was also an owner surrender. She was born in 2015
This is Harriet
She was found wandering the streets of Carroll County and was born in 2013
This is Cletus
Cletus was found by a friend tied to a vacant house. He is the perfect goat who loves to hang around humans.
Healing Angels
These are our past sanctuary animals and a few boarders who are no longer with us on earth, but I am sure they support us from the other side.
Sponsorship & Support
Many of the animals can be supported through our Guardian Program, which helps cover daily care, veterinary services, and long-term comfort.
Sponsorship is about stewardship—not ownership—and helps ensure each animal continues to receive thoughtful, consistent care.
A Gentle Note
While we love sharing the animals and their stories, their well-being always comes first.
Not every animal enjoys visitors, handling, or attention—and that is respected.
Meeting the animals happens on their terms.
Thank You for Caring
These animals’ stories continue because of community, commitment, and compassion. Whether you’re here to learn, support, or simply connect, your care matters.
Thank you for taking the time to meet them.