I have wanted to visit PreetiRang Sanctuary in Dixon, Calfornia (about 65 miles northeast of San Francisco) for a while now, and I finally made it up there thanks to my wonderful friend Cláudia Santos. Cláudia’s birthday was in October, but she arranged a “delayed” birthday party for a lovely November Saturday. It was just the right temperature (mid 60s) and not too much wind in an often windy spot for a trip to the approximately 40 acre farm sanctuary in the Sacramento Valley.
Founders Madhulika Vsingh and her husband Mukul Banbihari left life in the Silicon Valley to devote themselves to animal rights and providing a peaceful habitat for rescued farm animals, primarily cattle but also goats and chickens. The sanctuary name comes from the names of Madhulika’s parents and means “color of love” in Hindi, says Madhulika. Beautiful and so appropriate.
As you get out of the Bay Area, the landscape becomes flatter and the roads straighter. There is a certain beauty to the flat fields and scattered native oak trees. And such a nice change of pace for me, not being a true urban creature.
Anyone who knows me well realizes how important meeting the goats would be to me, so first thing when I parked my car, I headed straight to say hello.
Now I can go join the party!
After some eating and socializing, Madhulika and Mukul invited us inside for a video presentation on the sanctuary and the animals before taking us out on a tour to meet the animals.
The video we watched commemorating the second anniversary of PreetiRang is dedicated to Eartha.
I first heard about Eartha at the National Animal Rights Day 2015 ceremony. Eartha and the other animals honored that day (and the ceremony from the year before) are memorialized at PreetiRang.
First stop–the goats! Such charming, lively, inquisitive creatures! Like dogs, they love being scratched around the ears and they wag their tails. And nibble on anything that gets in their path! Geeta decided to taste my vest.
And now to the cattle:
In the next field area over lives Norman Leedlahar, born with 3 legs. PreetiRang is working with UC Davis on fitting him with a prosthetic leg to make life a little easier for him and ease the stress on his other limbs and spine. A sweetheart, and so beautiful.
Norman shares his abode with Tulsi, a female of about his age who has been bonded with him since they were about 3-4 months old. Whereas he is gentle and shy, she lets you know she wants your attention!
As the sun was showing signs of going down, we all headed out, smiles on our faces and love in our hearts.
Thank you Cláudia for making the arrangements, and thank you Madhulika and Mukul for all you do for the animals!
If you would like to sponsor an animal or make a general donation, please go to the PreetiRang website http://preetirangsanctuary.org/index.html
le monde de geneviève 