VOLUME 3
The Latest News…
Renee and Tommy just spent seven days in Toronto for the world premiere of Rowdy Girl at Hot Docs which is part of the famed Toronto Film Festival.
They met fellow activists like Anita Krajnc of Animal Save Movement, Jo-Anne McArthur, founder of We Animals Media, and attendees from around the world. They were on two stages with audiences of almost 400 in attendance.
Tommy is more comfortable tending the herd and loading hay into the barn than being on a stage at a major documentary film festival. As one who walks his talk and understands deeply what it means to know animals, land and Texas, he pulled it off with grace.
The Q&A sessions were lively with Tommy and Renee, filmmaker Jason Goldman, his crew and Moby in attendance. People were visibly moved by the authenticity and uniqueness of the Rowdy Girl Sanctuary story.
This is just the beginning of the launch of a comprehensive tour that will take Rowdy Girl out into the world with the film and a forthcoming book by Renee set to publish this fall. Fasten your seatbelts and watch for upcoming Dispatches. As our members and supporters, this publication is for you to know about all things new and Rowdy ‘round the ranch!
Renee with Jo-Anne McArthur, founder of We Animals Media
Renee with Anita Krajnc of Animal Save Movement
Campaign Updates
Cow House
Remember the Time To Thrive Campaign last year when you helped us raise $130,000 to build Phase I of the Medical Treatment Facility? A double rainbow appeared the day it was completed!
We’ve partitioned part of the barn to provide a safe space for our special needs bovine. The season has been rainy and the herd is enjoying the open access to their new house to escape the wet and mud.
Lightning Strikes
Huge thanks to everyone who responded to our Lightning Strikes Campaign! Our Kubota tractor is the most critical piece of equipment we have here at Rowdy Girl. We raised $20,371 from your generous contributions and continue to be inspired by your loyalty.
We are busy now using the tractor to create new roadways to the Cow House.
Rescue Update
Our latest rescue is sweet Pearly.
The cattle rancher that owned the little heifer was going to shoot her in the head as a baby because she was sick and weak. “Pearly” as she is called now was found alone in a pasture five days after her birth. It’s a miracle she lived that long without nursing.
Neighbors Marsha and Steven heard of Pearly’s fate and their compassion took over. They bottle fed her for months in their backyard and watched her grow under their loving care. Pearly soon outgrew her space and being a herd animal, was lonely.
We were able to make a home for Pearly because of the support we’ve received from our members.
Membership Update
Speaking of members, y’all are the heartbeat of the sanctuary.
Our membership goal for 2023 is 800 members at $30.00 or more each month to give us a runway of monthly support of $25,000 each to fully support sanctuary options. Today we have 574 monthly members so you’ll be seeing those Rowdy Club emails until we get there!
Periodically we like to highlight our Proud Members. Meet Olivia and her dog Dani. If you are a member and would like to be featured in our social media as a Proud Member contact renee@rowdygirlsanctuary.org.
Here’s Olivia’s why:
I became vegan 5 years ago when my 14-year old son made me watch the “Earthlings” documentary. I was nervous to make such a dramatic change in my life, especially one that wasn’t very popular in our society. So when I first came across Rowdy Girl Sanctuary, I was inspired by Reneé’s bravery to take such a huge stand in the very center of the Ag industry. It gives me so much hope to know there are people like her out there fighting for what they believe in.
I love watching the animals get to live their best lives at RGS. I am also inspired by their program that helps other ranchers transition to plant-based farms. It’s important to look at veganism as more than just an issue of animal treatment; but as a human issue as well—inspiring farmers and ranchers to seek alternatives for income is a vital part of the change. RGS actively attempts to end animal agriculture by addressing the issue from many angles.
I am a proud RGS member. Reneé and RGS regularly and personally make you feel like you are more than just a monthly donation — you are an important part of the team.
Agriculture Fairness Alliance
Renee’s recent trip to Washington, D.C. put her at the table with food system politicians, their aides and government agency officials regarding the Farm Bill, one of the most significant food policy bills in the U.S. where major food system funding gets negotiated and signed every five years.
One of the most powerful actions you can take as an individual is to add your name to the Vegan Voter Hub. This sends a message to lawmakers and politicians that lets them know you will vote with animals’ well-being in mind.
Recent Media Attention
Can you hear the buzz? Rowdy Girl Sanctuary has been featured in several major media outlets. We never thought publications like the venerable Variety would be covering our story. But they are!
Tommy Sonnen’s Veganic Garden
Tommy’s favorite place to unwind is in the veganic garden growing food for our family of animals, volunteers, visitors, and our incredible staff. Tommy has two green thumbs and is daily learning new ways to grow food in an ethically veganic way. He is in the process of getting our veganic certification through the Veganic North American Veganic Certification Standard.
He has worked so hard with his veganic garden using natural methods to enrich the soil, improve soil structure, and enhance soil biodiversity, which helps preserve the soil’s long-term health. Veganic gardening aligns with the principles of veganism, which advocates for the ethical treatment of animals and the reduction of harm to living beings.
Plan Your Trip to Rowdy Girl Sanctuary Today!
As you can see, Brownie, our Rowdy Club mascot, loves to greet visitors with his soft nose and big curious eyes.
We love to show off the sanctuary and allow our guests to experience the beautiful energy created by our animal residents living their lives peacefully.
This year we’ve welcomed 24 guests who had the opportunity to meet the animals, hear about their stories and learn about our food system. Tours are an important part of raising awareness and creating a ripple of compassion that will keep spreading.
Book your tour here. We would love y’all to visit!
In Memoriam
We lost our sweet hens Mrs. Chadwick and Shirley recently. Their antics and playfulness are missed at the sanctuary.
Conference & Podcast Appearance Updates
Renee King-Sonnen was featured on recent podcasts including
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Brett Christoffel’s (All Y’alls Foods) People You Should Meet
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Animal Justice Academy’s Lunchtime Live with Kimberly Carroll
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The Spiritual Forum Interview
Living the Rowdy Girl Life
FASHON WE LOVE
Thank you Don’t Eat The Homies for selecting RGS to be one of the animal sanctuaries you support!
RECIPES WE LOVE
1 Bowl Vegan Zucchini Bread – Nora Cooks was a big hit on Mother’s Day. It’s easy breezy and delicious, and needs just one bowl.
SNACKS WE LOVE
Enormous thanks to All Y’Alls Foods for donating loads of tasty vegan jerky.
