What we do
Meet our fellow animal family!
Dive into the heart of our sanctuary and meet the true stars of the show – our fellow animals! From fishes with sophisticated food palates to pigs mastering the art of joy-filled zoomies, you’re in for a real treat getting to know all of the unique personalities who call Respect their home. So grab some popcorn, and get ready to laugh and maybe even shed a tear as you read about the awesome individuals who advocate for all our fellow animals, here through their life at Respect.
Tim
Hi, I’m Tim, a fun-loving goat with a talent for running, jumping, and turning every day into a playground! Whether it’s leaping onto my goat castle (Yeah, we’ve got one of those) or racing my friends, I’m all about living life at full speed. When I’m not perfecting my mid-air spins, you’ll find me munching on greens, striking heroic poses on rocks, or getting all the head scratches I can each night while I hang out with my ape parents watching trash TV. (If they aren’t paying enough attention to me, I let them know about it by tapping their shoulder!) Life’s an adventure, and I’m here to make it goatastic!
Alex
Hi, I’m Alex, Tim’s twin brother and the more serious one—well, mostly. I’m gentle by nature, always keeping an eye on things and making sure everyone’s happy. But don’t let my calm vibe fool you—I love to play too, especially when it means a friendly game of tag with Tim running circles around the barn, or a little frolic in the grass. Whether I’m enjoying a quiet moment or joining Tim in his wild adventures, I’m all about balance and being the steady, playful soul of the Respect family. My ape mom knows all my favorite greenery, and will often take us for walks holding down our favorites so we can reach them… she makes a pretty good goat too 🙂
Daisy
Hi my name is Daisy. Before I came to live at Respect they mowed around several patches of daisies not even knowing I was coming to live with them. What are the chances of that? I think it means I was meant to live here.
Now I spend my days sleeping in, enjoying my plant rich meals, exploring the fields, and if you’re lucky – you might get to see one of my signature zoomies! This is when something makes me so happy, I can’t help but let my joy out through a passion filled run. Sometimes I don’t even know where I’m going to run to, I just run to run.
I am the lead expert here at Respect at receiving belly rubs, if you come visit I can show you sometime. I even have my human ape parents trained so when I lay down they give me a full body massage.
I was born in 2019, and have lived in a few homes and sanctuaries since then. I am now proud to call Respect my forever home since May of 2024.
Rosebud
Hey there, I’m Rosebud! You won’t miss me when you come to Respect – I’m the little black pig with more sass than you’ve probably ever seen before, and a mohawk to match! You can tell I’m happy when my mohawk stands straight up, just ask about my special back scratchers when you come to visit so you can see for yourself.
You know that snooze button they put on alarm clocks? I’m the reason they invented those! I’m usually the first to get up each morning, and often trick everyone by going back to sleep before you can say ‘pigtastic’!
I’m a very social lady. Every time someone who I’ve met before comes to my area of the sanctuary I come over to say hi by nose ‘booping’ their hand. When you’ve reached this level of our friendship it’s pretty special, as I’ve basically made you an honorary pig.
I was born inWhat’s that, you want to meet the coolest Singaporean silky on earth? Well here I am!
My name is Chewy, which is a funny story. When my human ape parents adopted me my hair was so long I looked like Chewbacca from Star Wars. It turns out they should have waited until after my first hair cut to name me! Personally, I think I look more like Yoda these days – I mean have you seen more impressive ears?
My specialties include helping my ape parents feed the respect fishes, ensuring any veggies chopped for the pigs that accidentally land on the floor don’t go to waste, and napping. I once dove in the pond after a stray piece of broccoli… I take my ‘jobs’ very seriously!
I was born August 28, 2012 and I came to live with the Respect family in 2014. My new ape parents tell me my old human family surrendered me to the SPCA in Singapore after 1.5 years, how could anyone not want me? I am an ambassador for all the dogs out there and a reminder to adopt not ‘shop,’ and that taking in a fellow animal should be a lifelong commitment. 2019 and have lived in a few homes and sanctuaries before. I have lived at Respect since May of 2024 and I love my life with Daisy and all my Respect family members.
Bluegill Family
When our human ape parents first purchased the property so they could start Respect Animal Sanctuary, they were shocked to learn the pond was home to a whole family of us fishes! Most of us are bluegills, who get this name because on a sunny day you can actually see the blue on our fins.
We mostly stick together, we’re quite the social bunch. While many might call this a ‘school of fish,’ we like to think of ourselves as a family.
We have been in the Respect pond since before our home became a sanctuary in May of 2023. We didn’t used to trust humans, but since these two new ones haven’t hurt us… we’ve gradually learned it’s ok to trust them. We have even been known to go for ‘walks’ with them and their dog family some mornings, which is quite the sight to see! Imagine two humans, two dogs, a few bass individuals, and a whole family of about 32 bluegills ‘walking’ along the shore line together!!
The bass and bluegill individuals at Respect are ambassadors to the approximately 3 trillion water animals who are murdered each year for their bodies to be eaten and other uses. Each one of these literally trillions of individuals is a unique individual with a life and story of their own, who experiences a wide array of emotions and is worthy of our respect.
The Bass Family
Most people might not think basses and bluegills can get along… but we’re here to prove them wrong! We spend our days as one big family, exploring our ¼-acre pond and enjoying the good life.
There are six bass in our home who share the Respect Pond with bluegills of all ages and sizes. We’ve been here since before May 2023, when our pond became a sanctuary. At first, we weren’t sure about these new humans, but over time, we realized they’re here to care for us and treat us with respect. And honestly? We think that’s pretty cool.
Chewy
What’s that, you want to meet the coolest Singaporean silky on earth? Well here I am!
My name is Chewy, which is a funny story. When my human ape parents adopted me my hair was so long I looked like Chewbacca from Star Wars. It turns out they should have waited until after my first hair cut to name me! Personally, I think I look more like Yoda these days – I mean have you seen more impressive ears?
My specialities include helping my ape parents feed the respect fishes, ensuring any veggies chopped for the pigs that accidentally land on the floor don’t go to waste, and napping. I once dove in the pond after a stray piece of broccoli… I take my ‘jobs’ very seriously!
I was born August 28, 2012 and I came to live with the Respect family in 2014. My new ape parents tell me my old human family surrendered me to the SPCA in Singapore after 1.5 years, how could anyone not want me? I am an ambassador for all the dogs out there and a reminder to adopt not ‘shop,’ and that taking in a fellow animal should be a life long commitment.
Dexter
Did someone say ball? Oh hey there, my name’s Dexter. My favoritest things in this world are my ball, walks, my ape mom, and everybody else. (In that order) Did someone say nap? Oh yeah, I’ve mastered those too. My dad and I take one together each and every day. He calls it lying meditation, but I know a nap when I see one.
One of my other favorite activities is helping my ape mom do our work. I usually let her know briefly after she sits down, then quickly jump up on her lap and then the desk next to her. Sometimes I press things on the computer to keep her on her toes… I may have even ordered a ball off Amazon by ‘accident’ once.
If we ever go for a walk together we should really go to the beach, or at least somewhere with sand. If we do, then I can show you my best ‘seal’ impersonation! I can also show you my impressive ball finding skills – even when noone thinks there is a ball around. That reminds me, where did I put my ball?
I was born in Singapore December 6th, 2012. My parents were not sterilized and had me… who would have thunk it! I’m a reminder for all dog guardians out there the importance of ‘spaying/neutering’… after all there’s enough of us at the ‘shelter’ already.
Oh yeah, so back to me. I’ve lived in three countries now, my favorite country is the one my ball is in. That just so happens to be the U.S. so I think it’s pretty great here. I’ll be right back, I need to check on my ball.
Nisha
Pig Masseuse & Plant Parent
After an incredibly rewarding career in healthcare leadership across New Zealand, Singapore, and the UK, I discovered my true calling lay beyond the corporate world.
Inspired by the eye-opening documentary ‘Forks over Knives,’ I embraced veganism in 2014. This choice revolutionized not only my lifestyle but also my ethical perspective.
A pivotal moment happened at Jacobs Ridge Sanctuary, in Spain. Meeting Bill the pig changed my life forever. His gentle nudge for belly rubs and contented snores as I stroked him transformed my perspective on pigs and our fellow animals. I realized the profound truth – these beings are not products, or commodities, but individuals with emotions and lives of their own.
This powerful, tear-filled moment fueled my resolve to do something more, I just didn’t know what yet.
Motivated by this poignant experience, I left the corporate sphere behind in 2021 and moved to the United States to pursue our dream. Here in Georgia, we found the ideal setting to establish our microsanctuary to provide a safe and respectful space for individuals of multiple species and foster transformative connections similar to mine all those years prior with Bill.
When I’m not caring for our animal friends, I enjoy whipping up homemade vegan delights, especially cheese and cakes. Influenced by thinkers like Brené Brown, I cherish the power of connection and strive to live a life of purpose, compassion, and joy.
I invite you to join me on this heartwarming journey. Follow along, draw inspiration, and perhaps, find your own unique ways to make a meaningful difference.
Jeremy
Bean Counter & Pigture Taker
Growing up in the midwestern U.S. where animal use is pervasive, I’m ashamed to say I didn’t start to have any idea of what was going on until my twenties. I studied accounting and computer information systems at university, and fully planned on a career along these lines until my best friend said one day… ‘Do you want to move to New Zealand for a year as part of their working holiday program?’ Little did I know the adventure life was about to take me on!
Shortly after moving to New Zealand in February of 2010, I met Nisha… now co-founder of Respect Animal Sanctuary. We often talk about how unlikely it is for the two of us to meet… at a bird sanctuary off the coast of Auckland nonetheless!
Since then we have moved around the world together. We have lived in New Zealand, Singapore, the UK, and the U.S. together. One thing that has become abundantly clear through all this time together is that we love each other deeply, and will do whatever it takes to support each other in pursuing our passions in life.
One of those passions really came to life in the summer of 2016. We went to visit Jacob’s Ridge in Spain, and our lives were forever changed. I will always remember one particular moment sitting with a very special pig individual Bill, who graced us with his belly rub receiving abilities and showed us right there right then, the true power of sanctuary. Ever since then we have had the shared passion to start a sanctuary of our own.
Since then we have supported nearly twenty sanctuaries around the world in varying capacities, all across the spectrum from picking up poop to co-directors. We still have a lot to learn, however between Nisha’s medical background and my various animal advocacy skills I’ve picked up along the way, I have no doubt we can support Respect and the individuals who live here to truly thrive for many years to come.
Allison
Board Member
Allison’s journey is a perfect blend of brains, heart, and passion for our fellow animals. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Animal Behavior from the University of Michigan (because understanding animals is way cooler than just watching them).
Then she added a Master’s degree in Education from Indiana University—because what’s better than teaching others to care and respect? Sprinkle in her certification in plant-based nutrition from the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies, and you’ve got yourself a triple-threat advocate for respectful living.
In 2018, she leveled up as a graduate of Main Street Vegan Academy, where she mastered the art of coaching folks into the wonderful world of vegan living (think of her as your friendly neighborhood vegan cheerleader). As a member of the PEAK Animal Sanctuary advisory council, she’s always ready to lend a helping ‘hoof’—or hand.
Now based in Bloomington, Indiana, Allison runs her own cozy microsanctuary while spreading her vegan vibes online. You can find her at her website, Veg Coach Al, or catch up with her furry and feathered friends on Instagram @microsanctuaryhill.
In Loving Memory
In this section, we honor and celebrate the lives of those who have passed.
While our time together was temporary, our bond is forever.
Their memories live on through the stories, memories, laughs and love they shared with us.
Here, we offer a space for reflection, remembrance, and connection… keeping their spirit alive in our hearts.
Billy The Bass
Most people might not think basses and bluegills can get along… well I’m proof they can! I spend most of my day with my bluegill family, exploring our ¼ acre pond. I especially like to eat! Although not just anything….
One of my personality traits I’m known for best, is my sophisticated pallet. When my human ape parents feed all of us they start with an appetizer first (oats). Just like how it’s a mistake to fill up on bread at buffet – this is where they get you! The real trick is in waiting for round two… now that’s the good stuff. I once heard them talking that it’s cut up dry vegan dog food. Whatever it is, it tastes delicious! Once that stuff hits the water a flip of my tail and a carefully timed opening of my mouth I eat as many of these delicious morsels as I can. I think I most have been a blue whale in my past life given my eating skills.
I share the Respect pond with close to a dozen bass individuals of various ages and sizes. I have been living here since May of 2023 when my pond became a sanctuary. It took me a while to trust these new humans, but in time we have all come to realize they are here to care for and respect us, which we think is pretty cool.