VOLUME 7

Happy Summer y’all from Waelder, Texas!

This rowdy girl has been on the move. My red vegan cowboy boots were made for walkin’ and that’s just what they’ve been doing. From Washington, DC for the AVA Summit to San Francisco, New York City and Los Angeles to spread the message of compassion for farmed animals.

From Rowdy Girl documentary screenings to podcast interviews to preaching on the streets of Manhattan at the National Animal Rights Day gathering, my fire has been fueled by you.

We write the Dispatch for you so that you know the incredible impact being made with your participation. We can give you more detail here than on our social media channels.

Speaking of social media, I hope you saw the Instagram post about the feature story in VOGUE that alone that garnered more than 1,000 likes and hundreds of comments. This movement for animals requires every possible way to communicate the truth about the suffering endured by animals every day. We’re doing it via social, email, documentary and the forthcoming book, The Secret Diary of a Cattle Rancher’s Wife.

Thank you for standing with us and the animals. It gives me strength every time I get on stage and tell the Rowdy Girl story. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

~ Renee King-Sonnen

With Wayne Hsiung at AVA Summit. Wayne is an American activist and attorney. He formerly led Direct Action Everywhere and is now co-founder of The Simple Heart Initiative.

Rowdy Girl Impact Tour Update

San Francisco, New York City and Los Angeles Film Screenings

The Rowdy Girl documentary is reaching new audiences throughout the world. On June 1st, it was screened at DOCUDAYS UA Human Rights Film Festival in Kyiv, Ukraine. The talented Rowdy Girl Impact Tour team is making this happen.

The campaign objective is to reach 3,000-4,000 people through an estimated 40-50 screenings (virtual, hybrid, and in-person).

On June 6th Moby was present for a sold-out screening at the legendary Laemmle Theatre in Santa Monica, CA. The documentary does not contain any graphic images which has increased its marketability. The buzz has been real at every screening.

From L to R: Executive Producer Moby, Renee King-Sonnen, director Jason Goldman, Elyse Jankowski

Renee with Don Thompson, vegan activist, athlete, chef and author.

Be sure to watch for his new book Eat What Elephants Eat.

New Animal Resident

In June we welcomed a new feathered member of the family, Malachi the rooster. Malachi was rescued from an animal shelter by Erin, one of our members. He was languishing in a cage there for more than 30 days. His wings were harshly clipped, tattered and missing many feathers. Malachi has settled into his new digs and is filling out nicely.

Membership Spotlight

Without our members, Rowdy Girl Sanctuary is just an idea! Fortunately our membership is growing and provides the runway of support we need for daily sanctuary operations. Our membership goal for 2024 is 800 monthly members. We need 92 new members to reach it.

If you are not yet a member of the ROWDY CLUB, head on over now!

Meet our featured member, Erin Cox Mitchell. Here’s Erin’s why:

“I first learned about Rowdy Girl Sanctuary when I was newly vegan around 3-1/2 years ago. I have been volunteering at a local animal shelter for years and wanted to do something to help animals who have been exploited in the animal agriculture system. I Googled farm animal sanctuaries near Austin, TX, and the rest is history. The story of Rowdy Girl Sanctuary absolutely blew my mind and warmed my heart. I was amazed at the transformation possible for former ranchers. I knew then I had to visit and find a way to get involved. I became a member because I wanted to support their wonderful work. Their work of saving animals, spreading the message of compassion, and helping ranchers transition out of animal agriculture is beautiful. I sponsored Sealy, the diva of the sanctuary until her passing, and now sponsor Antonio the turkey and Malachi the rooster.

I volunteer there often, and love just spending time with all of the residents. Seeing them safe and happy brings me peace. I think it’s important for people to visit sanctuaries and see these animals for who they are – sentient individuals who are no different than us in all of the ways that matter. Knowing there are such kind people fighting the good fight for the animals gives me hope. Renee is always willing to help in any way possible, whether it means giving me resources/names of other sanctuaries who can help an animal in need, or helping by taking in the animal herself. I have transported chickens who were rescued from the ritual of mass killing known as Kaporos. I am so grateful that they now have a loving home. Supporting sanctuaries is essential because every little bit helps, and the animals need all of us to do what we can.

Medical Treatment Facility Update

Tommy Sonnen’s sleeves have been rolled up every day setting the stage for the Medical Treatment Facility. He ran 700 feet of underground electrical wire and water pipe to the site for Phase 3 in 2025. All the utilities are on site for next year’s build.

Tommy has also installed a solar-powered well and infrastructure to irrigate our hayfield pasture for drought remediation and maintain water level in the pond.

New pasture fencing and infrastructure upgrades are also happening and made possible by our Pasture Pals donors. A loyal and generous donor who prefers to remain anonymous has provided a $9,000 match to support this critical project.

To become a Pasture Pal and help us meet the match, DONATE HERE.

Recent Podcasts & Appearances

Jamie’s Corner Podcast

National Animal Rights Day

Everybody Hates Vegans Podcast

Plant Based on Fire

Recent Media Attention

The most influential fashion magazine in the world featured an indepth look at Rowdy Girl Sanctuary. Click here to read the article.

In addition, the Rowdy Girl Films was reviewed by the following publications. Click on each logo to read the review

Plan Your Trip to Rowdy Girl Sanctuary Today!

We love to welcome guests so they can get to know our farmed animal residents living their lives peacefully.

Private tours are an important part of raising awareness about our food system and creating a ripple of compassion that will keep spreading.

Book your private tour here. We would love y’all to visit!

Thank You Corporate Sponsors!

We are indebted to the mission-aligned sponsors below who contribute a great deal to Rowdy Girl Sanctuary. Look for their delicious products wherever you shop.

All Y’alls Foods Founder and CEO Brett Christoffel! Brett pays it forward for the animals with his time, treasure and talent to support Rowdy Girl Sanctuary. According to PR Newswire, “All Y’alls Foods is a mission-driven and visionary plant-based protein company founded by Brett Christoffel. Inspired by his journey towards compassion and sustainability, the company he built aims to offer more delicious and nutritious plant-based protein alternatives and is committed to fostering a healthier, more sustainable world for all living beings.”