Antonio
Antonio’s human mom, Carey, was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer in 2016. She began to get chickens, turkeys, and goats after her diagnosis since they brought so much happiness to her and those around her. Antonio was hatched in July of 2017 and was raised as a part of their family. Antonio is incredibly sweet with a gentle demeanor. While he is a big boy, he doesn’t know it. He loves to be sweet talked and will sit in your lap as long as you’ll let him. Antonio is a showboat, he gobbles and shows off his feathers while he roams the sanctuary. He goes anywhere the people are and occasionally taps his feet to dance when he’s feeling the happiest
Carey shared this with us.
“I was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer in 2016. At the time my priorities were completely out of whack, and I had no idea what was in store for me. Cancer sucks. For me it has taken pieces of my life bit by bit. My job, my home, my freedom, my health, my youth… the list is long and depressing.
Although now I can see how selfish it was, at the time I just wanted to bring life into my home, so I started collecting chickens, turkeys and goats.They brought so much joy, in particular to my young daughter. They became her sanctuary. Over time, my priorities realigned to the reality of my illness. Last year I had 119 medically related appointments. It has become my full-time job.
Now I value time and life above all else. There was nothing I wouldn’t do for those animals. The lengths I went to keep them alive and happy. In 2019 when we moved to Texas to be near MD Anderson Cancer Center, I loaded them up in an RV and traveled 3 days to get here. Even the home we purchased was more for them than us.
However, to reduce the commute, we needed to move closer to town. To do this I needed to find a special home for my babies first. They gave us so much happiness I had to make sure they’d go to a place where they would be rewarded. Through my research I found Rowdy Girl Sanctuary. When I read Renee’s story, I knew I had found someone who values life as much as I do.
On Saturday when I dropped them off, it was very sad to say goodbye. But I take so much comfort in knowing they will live on with love in a beautiful place full of friends. My heart aches but I am so happy and grateful.”
