It began with a plea: A relative had been evicted from his farm property, leaving behind over 40 animals — cats, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese and one lone goat—who were now left to fend for themselves. Through a collaborative effort between Heartland, Madison Cat Project, the Jefferson County Humane Society and HSUS (Humane Society of the United States) all 43 animals were rescued from the property just as winter temperatures dipped into dangerous territory. While many of the hens were personally adopted by the Shelter Manager of Jefferson County Humane Society, a group of them (Aspen included) will live out their lives at our sanctuary. Not long after their rescue, Aspen's friend Betula was diagnosed with cancer, so we've been monitoring her quality of life very closely. Aspen has stepped up to be Betula's protector in her more fragile state, and the two hens are never far from one another.