Mitten Misfits: Safe in the Mitten

It all started in the late 1980’s when Vick started fostering dogs. Vicks love for the dogs and gigantic heart wanting to help animals in need was very apparent to the community. It didn’t take long for requests to start coming in.

 “Soon after the dogs, I was asked by a friend if I would take a donkey in need of a home. I met and fell in love with him and soon after taking him in found a friend in-need to join him. I always want two, never just one. Animals are social and need partners," Vick says.

Speaking of partners, Vick says this is her passion and not her husband Bob’s, so it's a good thing that he loves her! He has always supported her and been there every step of the way to help her dream come true.

The passion to rescue, the need, and the love remained that for many years while steadily growing. Then, in 2000, the farm was up to 18 animals, including donkeys, horses, pigs, and chickens.

 Within the past year, Mitten Misfits Farm has been contacted by humane societies, animal control departments, people from the past or those that know Vick, along with handfuls of animal owners searching for a home for their beloved pets. Especially with respect to animal owners who have no choice but to find alternate care for their senior or at-risk animals, Vick has realized that "most are people who love their animals who can no longer care for them. What they love about Mitten Misfits is that their animals are here forever." 

With the rapid growth of the sanctuary and the realization that it could no longer be cared for by herself, Vick reached out to a couple of the horse clubs at MSU and was delighted to find like-minded people wanting to volunteer to help take care of the animals. 

Volunteers from MSU Horse Club were the first to partner with Mitten Misfits in giving their time and love to help care for the animals. Today, Mitten Misfits has over 80 registered volunteers. “We never could have imagined this level of support, along with the bonding, comradery, and healing that the farm has brought to all. I get thanked daily by my volunteers, telling me how life changing and therapeutic working with the animals has been," Vick commented.

“The need was there and Mitten Misfits could help. We are OVER 100 animals and counting today."

Mitten Misfits' immediate dream is to build a new barn so that all of the animals on the senior animal waiting list can come home.

 A new barn will provide a home to those who need us, along with providing more storage for hay & supplies, a meeting area/office/bathroom for volunteers, and an indoor working area for the animals to get the enrichment needed year-round. We also hope to have our pastures planted and trails groomed to be able to walk the animals on.