About FARRM
Farm Animal Rescue and Rehoming Movement (FARRM) is a dedicated animal sanctuary currently located near Wetaskiwin in Alberta, providing safe refuge for surrendered and abused farm animals. Established in 2013, FARRM's mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and offer lifelong care to farm animals traditionally viewed as commodities. Guided by the values of compassion and respect inherent in a vegan lifestyle, FARRM encourages others to embrace these principles in their own lives, fostering a world of kindness and ethical responsibility toward all living beings.
What We Do
Currently, we are honoured to care for over 130 farm animals and cats, a number that fluctuates and has been much higher. In 2024 alone, we welcomed 12 new residents - three goats, two sheep, one pony, one pig, and five cats. As FARRM’s reputation grows, so too does our ability to provide a safe haven for animals with special needs, many of whom have endured past traumas, neglect, or genetic conditions that make them more vulnerable. Among our current residents we have 12 animals with varying mobility challenges, each of whom has touched our hearts in deeply meaningful ways.
Zelda’s Rescue and Rehabilitation
One of our most inspiring recent success stories is Zelda, a sweet sheep who arrived in January 2025. A concerned neighbor reached out about a sheep who had escaped from a farm on her way to auction. The owner showed no interest in recovering her, so – with permission - we took matters into our own hands. Despite the harsh Alberta winter, we embarked on a 90-minute drive followed by nearly five hours of searching through snow and darkness. When we found her, Zelda was injured and unable to move – she was very weak and buried in the snow. We carried her nearly two kilometers to safety, refusing to give up on her. At the vet, we learned that Zelda had a severely injured leg, spinal trauma, bruising across her abdomen, and was in shock. Since then, we have worked tirelessly to support her recovery. With slings, exercises, and a custom-made wheelchair, we’ve been able to help Zelda regain mobility. For 4-5 hours each day, the wheelchair allows her to move around, and we’re thrilled to report that Zelda has regained some use of one of her back legs and is showing promising signs of movement in her other leg as well. Our ultimate goal is for Zelda to walk unassisted, but if her wheelchair is what allows her to live a happy and peaceful life, then that is what she will have. Her journey embodies the resilience of animals and the power of compassion when given a chance.
Why FARRM Needs Your Support
Over the past few weeks, we’ve shared updates via our social media on the health and medical journeys of some of our residents who are facing long-term or ongoing health challenges. We’re happy to report that, so far, most of these updates, such as Dale’s (story below) have been positive. However, these posts only represent a glimpse of what we face on a day-to-day basis. After more than a decade of operation, many of our much-loved residents are also beginning to age, and just as we think we’ve tackled one health issue, another often arises with someone else.
Dale’s Diagnosis and Health Journey
In January we noticed that one of our cats, Dale, was napping more often and wasn’t his usual energetic self. We kept a close watch on him for the next few days while we arranged a vet appointment for a thorough examination. Over the course of a week, Dale experienced some weight loss and seemed less lively. The day before his scheduled vet appointment, he stopped eating and drinking on his own. At that point, we began syringe feeding him and administering subcutaneous fluids to help keep him comfortable. During his vet visit, full bloodwork and X-rays were done. Unfortunately, the vet informed us that, based on their findings, Dale had Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP). This disease was once considered a death sentence, as there was no treatment available. It’s caused by the feline coronavirus, and in about 10% of infected cats - typically kittens - the virus mutates and spreads beyond the intestines, attacking the immune system. The good news is that there is now an effective treatment for FIP, though it is used off-label. It requires a daily dose of medication over the course of 84 days. While the treatment is costly, it’s a small price to pay for the chance at a full recovery. Regular vet check-ins and bloodwork are essential throughout the treatment process. We are cautiously optimistic that Dale will make a full recovery, and we’re already seeing significant improvements just a few days into his treatment.
Unfortunately, the rising costs of veterinary care - especially for after-hours emergencies and weekend treatments - have made it even more difficult to manage. Anyone who has cared for animals knows that health concerns don’t follow office hours, and our medical expenses for this year have already far surpassed the funds we generate each month through donations and fundraising.
This is where we humbly turn to our incredible community once again, asking for your support through donations.
We’re excited to try something new with this fundraising effort by utilizing the Crowdfunding Alberta platform, offered by the Government of Alberta. This initiative will help us reach a broader audience, and if we meet our $10,000 goal, we could receive up to $5,000 in matching funds from the government! No amount is too small – every contribution makes a meaningful impact.
We are truly grateful for the ongoing support and generosity of our community. Every contribution makes a difference in helping us continue to care for the animals who rely on us.
Highlights
We’d like to share two feel-good stories that showcase the heart and soul of FARRM. Both of FARRM’s operators are prior members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). One of FARRM’s operators, Mel Martell, is a decorated member of the CAF. After proudly serving our country, Mel returned home from an extended tour in Afghanistan with a renewed sense of purpose: To protect and stand up for those who cannot speak for themselves. After embarking on a journey helping abused and neglected farm animals, giving them a second chance at a peaceful, loving life, Mel realized how therapeutic animals can be. Her hope is that with new and improved facilities we can offer veterans the opportunity to do therapeutic work with the animals at FARRM. As a veteran herself, Mel understands the complex needs of soldiers when they are no longer serving and struggling to find a place back in society. One example of the incredible bonds that form between animals at the sanctuary can be seen in even the most unlikely of friends. One such duo is Gordo, our smallest pig, and Jade, one of our formerly feral cats. These two have developed an unbreakable bond, and their heartwarming connection was recently featured on Global News Edmonton. In a beautiful twist, their story even made it to Global National and Global News BC, spreading their message of compassion and hope across the country. We’ve created a special compilation, including the news story, and added it to our website. It’s a sight that will surely warm your heart—one we encourage you to watch.
