Headline: Safety, Sanctuary & Space: Our Vision for a Humane Haven at 5205 52 Ave
Hello Castor neighbours!
As we share our dreams for Phase 2 of Tiny Herd Guest Ranch, we want to address the most important part of our business: The Animals.
Our vision is to bring 2 Miniature Highland Cows, 2 Dwarf Goats, and 2 Shetland Ponies to our 2-acre property on 52nd Ave to serve as therapy partners for our community.
We know that when you hear "6 animals in town," it’s natural to ask: "Is there enough room? Do they know what they're doing?"
We want to assure you—with absolute certainty—that our property is designed to be a luxury Sanctuary Environment.
PENDING APPROVAL
We want to be clear: This is currently a proposed plan.
We are working respectfully with the Town of Castor and Palliser Regional Municipal Services to follow all proper channels. The animals will only arrive upon full approval of our development permits.
Here is the "Farm Math" on why our home will be a safe, spacious, and humane paradise:
1. "Mini" Means Minimal Impact 🐮
In the ag world, stocking density is about weight, not just headcount.
Because our animals are miniature breeds, the environmental footprint of our entire herd of 6 is roughly equal to just 2 standard horses. Our 2-acre lot is massive for animals of this size!
2. Room to Zoom (Not Just Stand) 🏃♀️
Calculations show that each animal will have over 12,000 square feet of space to themselves. That is nearly 90x larger than a standard horse stable. They will have freedom, grass, and room to play.
3. Fed, Not Forced 🌾
A common worry is "overgrazing" (eating the grass down to the dirt). We operate on a Supplemental Feeding Model. This means our girls are fed premium hay twice daily. The pasture is their gym and playground, not their only food source. This keeps their bellies full and the land green.
4. Safety First (For Them and You) 🛡️
* Females Only: We have a strict "No Boys" policy. No bulls means no aggression and no noise.
* Sanctuary Life: These animals are therapy partners, not livestock. They are loved, groomed, and trained every single day.
5. Experienced & Educated Care 👩⚕️
This operation is backed by extensive professional experience, not just enthusiasm. I bring a 16-year history of professional farming in Ontario, where I raised cattle, horses, and goats. This is not a hobby; it is a profession I have mastered over nearly two decades.
Complementing this agricultural expertise is my background as a Practical Nurse specializing in palliative care. I bring a medical standard of observation and hygiene to the barn, trained to spot subtle signs of distress or illness long before they escalate. Between my clinical training and my years of hands-on professional husbandry with these specific breeds, you can rest easy knowing this herd is in capable hands.
We are committed to exceeding every standard of animal welfare and look forward to working with the Town to bring this vision to life!
Warmly,
Rainey May, Owner
A Note to Our Neighbours & Community
As we prepare for our soft launch this holiday season, I wanted to take a moment to connect with you all. I realize that seeing the full vision for the Tiny Herd Guest Ranch—from the accommodations and creative studio to our future hopes for animal-assisted wellness—might sound incredibly ambitious!
Please be assured that while the dream is big, it is grounded in my years of professional experience in the care sector. We are bringing this vision to life in thoughtful, manageable steps, ensuring that we only move forward when we can execute our plans perfectly.
I also want to touch on our future goals for animal-assisted support. Please consider this a respectful "heads-up" that this is a long-term goal and is entirely subject to proper approvals. If or when we reach that stage, I promise you that it will be handled professionally, respectfully, and responsibly, with the highest standards of safety and cleanliness for both the animals and our neighborhood.
For now, we are excited to focus on welcoming you to our B&B and Creative Studio. Thank you for your support as we grow; we look forward to being good neighbours!