New & Improved One Heart Wild!
Counseling cottages are ready for decorating. We are ecstatic to start using these cottages for sessions as fall is upon us and the wet season is near. If you have nice comfortable chairs you are no longer using and would consider donating, reach out and let us know.
Flooring is finished in the new bunny barn and we will be moving our little residents from the garage to their new living space very soon. This large barn will allow room for the animals to run and play, while providing yet another fantastic space for animal-assisted sessions and groups.
Laundry facilities are now operational to provide our littles with fresh bedding on-site. Added storage, countertops, and a deep sink are installed in the garage. Animal Care Staff will no longer need to make the weekly trip to the laundromat, and this will save an abundance of time and money. We know our team is so excited for this project to be completed. Can you believe it? We can't wait to do laundry!
There are a few more projects to complete this fall but for now, we are all just ready to move into the new spaces and get everyone back into a predictable routine. Construction is so disruptive and so worth it!
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Counseling Cottage Inside | |  |
Counseling Cottage Outside | | |
Native Plants & Conservation | |
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Alongside our wonderful animal residents, you'll notice the thoughtfully planted native vegetation along the entrance driveway. These plants were chosen as part of a restoration project led by intern Cayla Zobrist, a student at Western Washing University, under the guidance of Drea Bowen. The plants were selected to enhance and improve the Sanctuary's ability to support native birds, insects, and animals.
Nature conservation and property management are goals we have been working towards for many years. When Cayla applied to our internship program with the experience and knowledge of native horticulture, we had the perfect project for her. She has been working tirelessly to eradicate invasive species so she could plan and plant native species in their place.
Each plant is identified by common and scientific name as well as it's uses in local native cultures, the benefits it provides to the ecosystem, and any unique features it may have.
We are so grateful for Cayla's efforts and look forward to our guests and clients being able to walk in nature and learn more about the native species and their significance to both the ecosystem and local cultural heritage.
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GLOBE- GLBTQ, Loving Ourselves, Becoming Empowered is a place for LGBTQ+ adolescents, ages 14-20, to gather weekly in Snohomish County to provide opportunities for socialization and relationship-building, discussion, support and guidance for the youth in attendance.
GLOBE Youth brought a group for their annual workshop at OHW in late August. Our Clinical team provided an interactive tour, relational horse time in the arena, a nature art activity, and free time to spend with their favorite species.
We look forward to this workshop every year, and the feedback from the youth tells us they do too!
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Our incredible crew of volunteers provide an abundance of support to One Heart Wild. Many come on a weekly basis, rain or shine, to lovingly help us care for our animals. They bring fresh vegetables and greens for our animals specific dietary needs and spend time with them that is connective and healing for all.
This month, we held a Volunteer Appreciation party to show our immense gratitude for their ongoing support. Volunteer Manager, Jess, created a one-of-a-kind painting of our cows that we printed on special edition volunteer t-shirts as a gift to these generous individuals. Jess also planned and decorated for the property to make a festive and fun celebration! OHW's Clinical intern, Aubrey, provided vegan nachos and cupcakes enjoyed by all. We laughed, told stories, enjoyed the animals, and invited our volunteers for an experiential workshop later in the month.
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Volunteer t-shirt gifts with Jess' painting on display. | |
Clever decor and yummy food made our party a big hit! | |
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The Workshop Got Interesting!
Our plan was to introduce animal assisted therapeutic practices to our volunteers. Animal Assisted work can be difficult to describe, and sometimes to truly understand the depth and healing of the work, you just have to feel it! OHW Board Members Drea, Brenda, and Brie, facilitated activities with our volunteers and animals to provide a glimpse into the heart of what One Heart Wild provides for our community.
AND THEN...EPIC RAINS CAME!
Just how tough & committed are our volunteers you ask?
THIS TOUGH & COMMITTED!
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Moments before the skies opened up, we were on our way to a really fun workshop that always starts with helping people understand how emotions impact their nervous system. We went on to explore how labels impact our ability to see each other for who we really are and how that extends to the animals in our care as well. And then we got to use our brand new dryers to dry out soaked hats and coats. It was a day we won't soon forget. | |
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Our 2024 cohort of students have been working diligently since May to learn the art of Equine/Animal Assisted Therapy and Self-Development. Licensed therapists earn 36.75 continuing education credits with their certification.
This year, faculty has provided learning via an online platform and virtual trainings until their final 40-hour intensive in-person training to develop facilitation skills. Part of their training included joining our Volunteer Experiential Workshop. This was a fantastic way to learn about themselves, how to partner with animal therapeutic partners, and working with groups. We talked all week about how unpredictable it can be to work with animals and nature - and then they experienced the torrential rain storm in the middle of a workshop!
The rest of the weekend was spent practicing one-to-one sessions with each other, faculty members, and different species. We spent hours in the arena working with horses to identify boundaries, relational leading and mirror-walking. We spent time in nature to learn about facilitating nature-based sessions, nature art, and bringing wildlife into their practice.
For the next couple of months, students will practice sessions with individual clients before coming back for their final exam and certification in December. We have a fantastic group of students who will utilize their certifications in interesting and impactful ways to provide healing in their communities. We are so excited to follow their therapeutic accomplishments.
Would you like to help our students by volunteering to be a practice client? Click here for more information.
Are you interested in an Equine/Animal Assisted Therapy or Self-Development Certification? Click the button below for more information and to get on the list for next year's cohort.
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Appreciating Community Support
The PNW Project Administration team from PSOMAS Tacoma held their working retreat at One Heart Wild. The team volunteered in the morning, got a drone demonstration to better understand this new technology Psomas is using, and then finished the day outside on the deck at the Yacht Club Broiler for happy hour.
Thanks to Georgeanne for setting this up for the team and working around the Sanctuary with Carlos, and Danielle. And to Mike and drone pilot Bryan for demonstrating missions with their commercial size drone. Take off was a bit scarry for the horses nearby but landing was a nonevent.
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Special thank you to the Rotary Club of Bremerton, the Rotary Club of Silverdale, and the Norman Archibald Charitable Foundation for contributions totaling $2500 for a 40' container feed room and hay storage project. The total cost for modifications and delivery is estimated at $6500. The picture is an example of a smaller 20' unit with side doors.
We have been working hard to raise the funding to purchase a modified shipping container for our feed room. Our current space is impossible to keep rodents out of no matter how good we are at keeping feed in metal, keeping things clean, and patching holes. The last bit of our renovation needs are connected to upgrading our feed storage (currently the horse trailer) and freeing up the trailer for transportation needs, feed prep areas (currently a cramped 6'x8' space), and improving our hay storage so we can save money by buying hay in bulk.
Guaranteed rodent proof, the container will provide a safer area to work, and improve conditions for managing all the special dietary needs required for our animals. It will also open up the opportunity for mental health sessions with youth who benefit from a routine, practicing empathy, and learning new skills.
If you have a connection for containers or would like to contribute towards the remaining $4000 we need, you can find One Heart Wild on Venmo @OneHeartWild, PayPal, donate on our website, or send a check(address at the bottom of the newsletter).
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Hercules
Our newest resident Hercules, a Common Map Turtle, has quickly gained appreciation and love by all humans at Sanctuary. He is very personable and active, which also makes him a fun new therapeutic partner for Therapists and Clients.
We have a lot to learn about our new friend's personality, comfort level with handling, and how to best interact with him that feels safe and respectful.
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Nova
Nova is settling in well after her very long wait to get here. She has made friends with her neighbor horse Rasa - no surprise there! Rasa has been a welcome friend to all new horses over the years.
Nova's personality is shining through after her initial settling in, and we have learned that she is curious, sweet and connective.
Nova enjoys her daily walks around the Sanctuary grounds with staff to familiarize herself with the property, meet new species she's never seen before, and get crucial exercise to keep her healthy and happy. We are excited to continue to learn from our new girl, and curious if she is interested in working with human clients in the future.
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Helen
Our beautiful and blind hen Helen suddenly stopped eating. Typically ravenous, we knew this was a sign of something wrong. Through supplemental vitamins, tube feeding, and daily care, Helen is on the mend!
No matter the species or size, all animals at Sanctuary receive the care and attention they need to thrive at Sanctuary. We will keep a close eye on Helen, monitoring her food intake, and bring her to our veterinarian if she starts to decline. As of now, she is back to exploring the garage with her friends Teeny and Millie, eating well, and dust bathing in the front yard.
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STAFF SPOTLIGHT- Aubrey Daniels (Intern) | |
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What is your role at OHW?: Master's Level Clinical intern
What drew you to OHW?
The unique perspective of approaching our relationship with animals and nature in a way that is compassionate, equitable, and focused on mutually beneficial outcomes. The staff and volunteers are truly something special at OHW and they have become the best part of this experience.
What is your goal for your work at OHW?
I hope to continue to help our clients understand themselves better through their relationships with animals and the natural world. We are all interconnected and holistic healing comes from relationship.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Annual Online Auction For The Animals
November 24 - December 8
If you have good condition used or new items you would like to donate for our Online Auction For the Animals, you are welcome to drop them off at One Heart Wild anytime. We can also arrange to pick items up if that is easier for you.
These are the donations that do well in our auction:
- Animal Care Products
- Home Decor & Art
- Jewelry
- Electronics
- Gift Certificates & Experiences
- Themed Gift Baskets
- Memorabilia & Collectibles
- And More!
Contact us to arrange for donation drop-off or pick-up
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One Heart Wild's Barnyard Bonanza-
December 1
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Get your picture taken with Santa while sipping hot cocoa, interacting with Sanctuary animals, and creating festive art pieces!
Giving Tuesday
December 3
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GivingTuesday is an opportunity for people around the world to use their individual power of generosity to support their communities.
More details coming soon!
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OUR GREATEST NEED?
IS SUPPORT OF THE ANIMALS @ ONE HEART WILD
We take on animals with higher needs due to age and medical conditions. It is a privilege to care for them. They give so much back to our mental health programs, volunteers, and staff.
Our animals have participated in 2028 hours of animal assisted therapy sessions, workshops, and parenting groups in support of our human community so far this year.
Please consider a monthly donation
towards animal care today.
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Commit to a monthly donation for one year - any amount helps us budget our care month to month.
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Become a sponsor of an animal who lives here at One Heart Wild.
- Give the gift of sponsoring an animal to someone you love who has everything.
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THANK YOU
Your continued support of One Heart Wild, our programs, and events, changes the lives of human and non-human beings in your community.
You Make It All Possible!
Share your newsletter with likeminded friends and family and help us grow our compassionate community.
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