Apifera Farm is home to artist Katherine Dunn and landscaper Martyn Dunn. Located in mid coast Maine, Apifera takes in needy animals but also shares them with elder people. They are a 501[c][3]. Contact katherine@katherinedunn.com with questions.
Before I start, please know there is a November sale at the shop, and I will be adding more too it in the next two weeks.
Sometimes things just surprise you. I have fallen in love with a turkey. Last week sometime I was minding my own business and a phone message came in about a retired woman farmer needing to rehome one of her turkeys. I immediately dismissed it in my head but called the woman to hear her out and as she told me the story of R.B.G. Aka Ruthie, my little ears were wide open. The woman thought she might even be good with our elder visits. Yea, right. People say lots of stuff to rehome animals, believe me. But this woman was very genuine and we shared the common experience of raising animals (we used to out West but not here). Now this turkey was from a hatch she had as she was living sustainably on her five acres. The mother turkey turned on all the chicks and she tried to save them but Ruthie was the only one to survive the attack. From then on she followed the woman…sat in her lap etc. The woman had to sell her place and had to rehome what she could and really wanted Ruthie to go to a forever home versus food (No Judgement from anyone about people’s food choices or you will be quietly shown the door)…she some how heard about me. We are not vegans, we believe in good animal husbundry and eat a plant based diet with good white meats tossed in at times, but Ruthie is part of the Apifera family now. The former owner is so pleased with Rithie's new life. Ruthie lives in the outer barn, eats breakfast with everyone else out there, and roams at will in the paddocks.
I was cleaning out the trailer and found our signs from our Llama Window Walks from 2020. It is bittersweet to see them. Our volunteer, Polly, held the signs [in pouring rain that first time] while I held Harry and we walked to each window at Cove's Edge to cheer people up in the lock down...it was so fun but also sad. Our beloved Polly is faced with stage 4 lung cancer and Harry and I miss her.
Lemon Hoppidity, the cripple hen we took on, sadly has a horrible condition called canker. I am working hard to help her, it is a bloody, messy thing and I will spare you pictures. I just love this hen!
The Canadian hay is a hit with the animals-thank goodness!
Franklin Muffinpants has grown to 8 pounds and he is entering his rascal months. In fact, he has an alter ego named "Frank Pants" who is very naughty. Franklin Muffinpants is still a little choir boy and has no idea who this Frank Pants guy is.
We are ready for winter with winterizing to barns done. Bring it on!
White Dog continues to have good spirit and is till with us, being treated palliatively for his bone cancer. We cherish every moment with him.
