I interviewed Kat Howkins and Susan Pritchett of Sweet Olive Farm in Winterville, GA (www.sweetolivefarm.org).
When did you start Sweet Olive Farm and why?
We came here in 2010. Before that we lived in downtown Atlanta with our 8 dogs. The neighbors didn’t like us having so many dogs and called Animal Control (AC). The AC officer came out, gave us a ticket, and asked if we could also take a pot-bellied pig, Thelma, that had just come into AC. That was our first farm animal rescue. Not long after that we found this farm. Fulton AC approached us again with some sheep and goats that had escaped from Ramadan festivals and since then we have given homes to many more homeless, abused and elderly farm and exotic animals.
What are some of the most interesting animals you have?
Alpacas. People often think they can raise them for fun and profit and find out there is no fun or profit. We had an Emu show up that has an amazing personality. We rescue a lot of turkeys during Thanksgiving time and they really are very amusing and interesting birds.
How do the animals come to the farm?
We get about 50% from AC. Our horses have come from kill pens and the Mustang we have came from a round-up out West. We also get a lot of owner surrenders due to need and death and 4H pigs that kids don’t realize will go to slaughter after they have raised them and taken them to competitions etc.
When you were a teenager did you think you would have a farm of rescued animals?
Kat: That would have been my dream as a teenager, instead I became a landscape architect. I helped AWARE rescue birds and realized I could do this. I guess dreams can come true in the end. Sue: I have always loved cats and when you start rescuing, it takes on a life of its own.
What is a story you love to tell?
One of our pot-bellied pigs, Wilbur, noticed that one of the Zebu cattle had his horns up and was potentially preparing to charge a volunteer. Wilbur ran squealing in front of the Zebu to distract him and for his bravery got a commendation and $25 prize from Purina.
What do you want people to know about Sweet Olive Farm?
Our mission is to provide a forever home for any animal in need – exotic farm and all animals. We work with the community and kids so they can learn about animals. Kids need to be educated to make a difference in the world. We want people to realize the mistake of doing nothing because they can’t do everything. Do something. Create a community. Little actions can make a big difference.
What should people know about farm animals that they may not know?
They have emotions like we do and the capacity to love each other. We have a lot of different animals living together happily. Our rescued goose, for example, lives with the pot-bellied pigs and likes to try to clean them. One of our goats is convinced she is a sheep and hangs out with them.
What can I and the community do to help you?
Come volunteer. Volunteer days are every Saturday at 9am. Spread the word on social media. We rely on donations be it money, food or ideas.
