Why an Animal Sanctuary?
Many times I felt unsafe rescuing dogs and bulls alone, in dangerous and isolated places, where food and water were impossible to find. Many times I cried in total despair, not knowing what to do with those tiny lives on my lap, with a terminal pitbull in my car (this actually happened a few times in the past), with aggressive dogs whose hearts were overwhelmed by fear, with those who were so afraid they would recoil from the slightest touch. Many times I cried, alone, as people passed by, blatantly ignoring their plight and my tears. Many times I lost myself burrying a cow or a dog whose lives were utterly disregarded by society. Too many times I cried, waiting for help from some god or the universe as I felt my spirit being drained by the suffering of innocent beings. Creating an Animal Sanctuary was the ultimate endeavor, the best thing I could possibly accomplish in the midst of chaos. It’s not easy, but, as someone once told me, “it’s not about being easy, it’s about doing the right thing”.
From Anthropocentrism to Activism: Why I Chose to Fight for All Beings
The Sanctuary was created, fundamentally, because I overcame anthropocentrism and speciesism. Today I’m an activist for animal freedom, which means, in essence, the end of oppession in all possible forms♥️
Why have I built a Sanctuary?
It all began when I was a kid. I was born loving all the animals and used to tell my parents I’d build a hospital (lol) to shelter all the stray dogs of the entire world! Of course, I also brought stray dogs home, but my mom would yell at us all and send them back to where they came. My parents never let me have a pet and didn’t cultivate my compassion and love. So, little by little, with all the pressures of life, I hid my essence in my heart for a long, long time. Until one day, when I was 35 years old, I saw a puppy for sale at a petshop. I had just moved to a new town (Londrina) and was looking for new furniture not a dog! But I could not take my eyes off him. We loved each other instantly. That was when I met … Brum. I didn’t buy him, though. I had never had a dog before and my feelings had been so repressed that I felt afraid. So I went home thinking I should forget about him and my old, childish dream. But I couldn’t do it anymore… I dreamt of him all night and even thought of his name. The next morning I called the petshop and told them Brum was mine. As a beagle puppy, Brum obviously changed all my life, and I mean it. The greatest of changes, though, was that he made me feel that love and compassion again. I became the person I was supposed to be. As a consequence, I became vegetarian, and then vegan. Brum and I saved many, many dogs. He was always sweet to the others and shared his bed, his toys and his mom. Time passed and, after 12 years rescuing doggies, I wanted a bigger place for everybody and for Brum himself. So I sold my house, bought a beautiful land of 10.000m2, and founded Brum’s Animal Sanctuary. We now are: two bulls, a calf, 12 doggies, and a humom. I also conduct a reforestation project to shelter insects, reptiles, and birds. And pay a pethotel for 3 stray dogs I couldn’t bring here. The project will only survive if other people get involved! That is why I ask for help. We need people to volunteer, donate, visit, share our world view, and, most of all, love us. Could you be that person?🙏
Just a lazy Sunday
An exclusive video of Benjamin (center), Joy (right), and Walter (left), peacefully eating their hay. I often emphasize how peaceful they are as a contrast to the violence committed against cows, bulls, calves, pigs, chickens, and other beings in factory farms and, of course, in the abattoirs. 💔
Sanny Day
I love this video because it captured the atmosphere at the Sanctuary. The babies look funny, playful, peaceful, and happy, as they should be. I chose to include Julia because she became an icon here. She was the only cow I was able to rescue so far, long exploited by the milk industry. She lived a brief life with us, but she was content and knew no more harm would come to her. So I know she died in peace, knowing her baby Joy was safe. ♥️ Thank you for reading this post and for supporting our project. It truly means a lot🐄💚🐄
Joy’s rescue
In February 2023 the Sanctuary welcomed Julia and her son, Joy. She was extremely sick and Joy was still dependent on her milk. Even though I didn’t have all the resources to help her, I knew she would die a horrible death if not immediayely assisted (she was being eaten alive by worms and had already lost one of her ears). Besides, she was cadaveric and needed proper food to gain weight and breastfeed her baby. I did all that was in my power to see her healthy. Our vet was constantly checking on her, doing ultrasounds, giving her vitamins and, of course, antibiotics for the infection. But Julia was too weak and didn’t live much longer. I miss her everyday.💔 Joy mourned his mom deeply, but has now recovered from that grieving period. He’s constantly spoiled by his uncles, Benjamin and Walter. He eats well and lives a normal life, but I’m constantly paying attention to details, just to make sure he is really ok. He’s the cutest thing, very delicate and sweet. Hope you love him as much as I do.
Launching our Fundraising via PayPal
Our PayPal is: brumsanctuary@gmail.com Because we’re located in Brazil, PayPay is, so far, the best way to donate. But we’re working on alternatives. Thank you for supporting us!