Kelli McRobert | Mar 15, 2023


March break has officially begun and parents are on the lookout for fun activities to engage all ages. This past weekend a group of kids headed off to the Land O’Lakes Rescue Petting Farm in Cloyne, Ontario. The farm itself is easily located on the main route of Hwy 506 (1200) just east of Hwy 41 north of Kaladar. The large modern home houses the two humans who look after the motley crew of animals, each with their own unique story of rescue and rehabilitation. Their side yard offers a groomed trail that invites visitors to tour the various pens and meet each animal up close and personal.

The fee to enter is a modest $12.50 for adults and $8.50 for children 3-12,under 2 are free, and this includes your guided tour and bucket of goodies to feed the ‘friendlies’ along the way. The weather was perfect at 3 above zero and the sun was warm against the fur of the various creatures who cautiously approached their gates, hopeful for a handful of carrots or apples from curious guests. The children headed off, some petting the wandering donkey, others creating snow angels along the trails. The smaller ones in tow, were a bit shy at first, wondering about a mini-donkey head that peered out at eye-level.

Our first encounter was with Mr. Jackson, the ‘greeter’ and protector of the crew. He is a full-size donkey and his beautiful soft coat is inviting to touch. He loves to tuck up close as you caress his neck and his dark brown eyes are expressive and wise beyond his years, after he was rescued from a meat wagon. He has been lovingly cared for for many years, and is still a work in progress as the vet comes to tend to his hooves during regular visits. He has earned his keep as he has been therapeutic for the families 5 foster children, each with their own struggles and heartaches, healing the could be felt with a kind touch or a private conversation on the farm with a ‘trusted’ four-legged confidant.

My bucket of carrots and apples aplenty, we portion them out with precision, so everyone can have a tasty treat during our up close and personal visit. Off to the mini horses and donkeys, where Mandy and Molly, Eyeore, and Cloud, each offer up a nuzzle and snort as they anticipate a sweet treat. Family photos are taken with the eager posers and the energy is high as kids dart amongst the pens, their snow boots clumping along the well-laid path.

As we headed south, you could see a larger gathering as Bailey took center stage. This large tan and white cow has been a resident since 2015 and entertains everyone with his friendly and outgoing personality. Her passion for peaches was quickly replaced with anything we had to offer including apples, bananas, and carrots. Her long tongue would slurp it’s way up your entire arm, as she thanked you for the tasty tidbits, and hoped that more was to follow as drool, drenched your arm, and by extension ‘entire coat sleeve’. During our promenade, the owner Barry, would give us details of each animals story, how they came to be at their ‘forever home’, and what it takes to manage a rescue farm. Bailey would be the costliest of the brood, as she devours hay and oats proportionate to her weight.

Barry himself is a retired pilot, and as his health began to deteriorate, he began to re-think his lifestyle and he, and his wife, Donna decided that fostering, adopting, and caring for creatures, and humans, would be their legacy. As we entered the small barn, a friendly peacock presented himself for some cranberries, as keen onlookers oohed and aahed at his plumage. Inside, there was a warmth to the barn, with pot belly pigs bathing under heat lamps (sisters, we are told). Chickens, turkeys, goats, llamas, sheep, cats, dogs, and more, each had their own personalized areas and a quirkiness to this well adjusted ‘family’, of sorts. Sandy, Odis, Mia, and Lily, all sharing a space and each one offering companionship to the other, as they attempt to put their past trauma behind them. Safe, warm, and loved as they share their stories in the hopes of helping more animals in the years to come.

The Rescue Petting Farm is always looking for donations of cash or items to be used on the farm. Volunteers are also appreciated to help maintain the center in support of the needs of each unique resident. Group tours are available and you can also sponsor an animal as noted on their webpage. https://www.landolakesrescuepettingfarm.com/sponsor-an-animal.php

As we ended our tour, we took a quick ride on a hay wagon over to Hunter’s Creek Golf Club to enjoy a small lunch that was a lovely ending to the day. Kids munched away on a steaming hot dog as their feet dangled over the wagon’s edge. Parents took a moment to sip a warm drink, as they savoured a gourmet pizza, as the sun glistened across the pine edged course. Hunter’s Creek can be contacted at 613-336-2587, for banquets, events, and more. A perfect afternoon, really, as the stillness of the course set a perfect backdrop for an afternoon snack. Back onto the wagon for a short return ride, and we were once again, amongst the animals, each settling in for an afternoon nap.

Families tired, ready to head home.

The hope is that this brings awareness to a younger generation. A lesson in kindness, caring for those in need, and giving a second chance to animals that have been forgotten, neglected, or ‘given up on’ by humans who they trusted. As luck would have it, this petting farm, while educational for most, continues to care for and take interest in this lovingly quirky bunch, each one a personality unto themselves. Each one thriving, as best they can, with the love and compassion of two humans, who took the time to care, and act.

Pure love, one rescue at a time.

Rescue. Rehabilitate. Repeat. Is their mantra.

For more information they can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Support local
independant journalism by becoming a patron of the Frontenac News.