In 2006, William “Bill” Crain was a psychology professor and his wife, Ellen, a pediatrician. They purchased a run-down farm in upstate New York, and two years later opened Safe Haven Farm Sanctuary. It is now home to over 170 animals rescued from slaughter. In Animal Stories, Bill writes about how he and Ellen decided to start the sanctuary and tells the stories of 25 animals and their many surprising behaviors. Read about Katie, a hen who cared for a little partridge; Cesar, a little goat who constantly gets into trouble; Reggie, a rooster who instilled fear in all the staff; Milo, a goat who suddenly charged the dominant Duncan to defend his mother; four rambunctious young turkeys who quietly listened to a reverent Girl Scout ceremony; Ducky, a turkey who, despite severe arthritis, walked from her barn to greet a Buddhist monk; and many others. In addition to enjoying the stories, readers will learn a great deal about nonhuman animals.
“I have long admired Bill Crain’s work with farmed animals, and I have drawn upon his extensive experiences with these sentient beings in my own research and writing. In his latest book, Animal Stories: Lives at a Farm Sanctuary, Bill clearly shows that if we approach nonhuman animals with an open mind, as well as with a warm and welcoming heart, they will surprise us with their compassion, empathy, rich and deep emotional lives, and intelligence. I strongly recommend this delightful book to all who want to learn more about them, and perhaps themselves.”—Marc Bekoff, Professor Emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, the University of Colorado and author, The Emotional Lives of Animals, The Ten Trusts (with Jane Goodall), and Rewilding Our Hearts
“William Crain shares the deeply moving stories of rescued farm animals, who before rescue, were likely destined for slaughter. The narratives showcase each animal’s individuality, personality, courage, resilience, compassion, and playfulness, as well as their deep attachments with other animals and caring humans. The stories remind us of the sentience, intelligence, and mystery of non-human animals, touching something deep inside of our humanity. Indeed, our connections with animals and the natural world impact our own emotional and physical well-being in a multitude of ways. As you read Animal Stories, you will experience moments of laughter and tears, as well as an appreciation for those who, like the author and his wife, create sanctuary.”—Angela Crawford, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist, co-author, The Behavioral Medicine Treatment Planner
“The tales in Animal Stories are delightful. In the book, you’ll meet Sprinkles, a sheep who wasn’t sheepish, Charlotte, a lame chicken, who became friends with a goat named Violet, and many more. Crain’s love and care for these rescued animals infuse every page.”—Charlotte L. Doyle, Professor of Psychology, Sarah Lawrence College and author, The Creative Process: Stories from the Arts and Sciences
“Bill Crain invites us into a world that enchanted us as children—one that adults often forget. Read these stories about nonhuman animals and reawaken your perspective on life.”—Elizabeth N. Goodenough, University of Michigan, and editor, Secret Spaces of Childhood
“Beautifully written, William Crain’s personal account of rescuing farmed animals and caring for them at his sanctuary contains inspiring insights into the minds of animals. These moving stories will brighten your day and leave you filled with wonder.”—Maya Gottfried, author, Our Farm, Good Dog, and Vegan Love
“This wonderful book gives an in-depth view of what goes into creating an animal sanctuary. But more importantly, the stories of the animals provide a glimpse into their lives as unique individuals, deserving of respect, kindness, and above all, love.”—Dr. Joanne Kong, editor of Vegan Voices: Essays by Inspiring Changemakers
“William Crain’s new book is more than a collection of animal stories; it is a gentle and moving reflection of narratives about the very marvel of aliveness itself. In story after story, we are introduced to lives, different from our own, yet always, at the center of them all, our common and instinctive need to survive – and to communicate and speak with each other. Indeed, the very farm, where all these stories take place, is truly a habitat of just such a shared aliveness, an expression, surely, of the wonder and beauty of each of us, being here.”—Richard Lewis, Touchstone Center for Children and author, Living by Wonder
