Rescuing and rehabilitating barn buddy animals for adoption is the noble mission of a group of dedicated animal advocates in Franklin County. And, they do this community work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
As part of the Humane Society of Missouri, Longmeadow Rescue Ranch in Union is a haven for abused or neglected horses and farm animals, as well as those whose families are no longer able to provide for them due to financial hardships, age challenges or residential relocations. The ranch is known as one of the most comprehensive U.S. horse/farm animal care and rehabilitation centers. Ranch staffers also provide hands-on humane education experiences for both children and adults, including assistance with animal behavioral issues.
"The faster we can adopt the animals, the sooner we can help more of them," says Amanda Mullen, Longmeadow Rescue ranch director.
Longmeadow Rescue Ranch, once known as Packwood Longmeadow Farm, was purchased in 1988. Its establishment via land donation was made possible by a generous bequest from George Packwood Jr., who was an active HSMO volunteer. In 1926, he launched his own business, which in the 1950s was sold to the Calgon Corporation.
The ranch's animals receive visitors from noon to 3 p.m. every Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday, no reservations required.
Additionally, supporters can sponsor a barn buddy to help feed, board and provide medical care. Choose from among Twister, Cruiser, Tater Tot, Homer, Teagan, Tumbleweed, Delores, Laverne, Shirley, The Coop, Teddy, Katie, Leonard or Howard, reflecting mini donkeys, alpacas, llamas, goats, turkeys, ponies and KuneKune pigs, which are indigenous to New Zealand and are often kept by the Māori people there. Amanda reminds these sponsorships make wonderfully unique and memorable gifts for family and friends.
Another way to help is to frequent the L Double R Tack Room & Gift Shop, featuring horse and farm animal gift items for kids and adults, as well as halters, grooming supplies and training tools. All proceeds support the ranch's objectives.
For those 18 years and older, consider volunteering at the ranch to rehabilitate and socialize the animals. Duties include feeding and watering animals; cleaning stalls or corrals; and mowing grass or performing various maintenance work. Volunteer daylight hours are available seven days a week.
A fourth way to assist is to provide a general financial donation or one specifically to The Second Chances Equine and Farm Animal Fund, designed to help provide rescued animals with food, life-saving veterinary care, farrier services and training.
A fifth way to support the ranch animals is to donate items from barns or homes, such as kiddie swimming pools for the waterfowl.
The last way to help is to provide items from the ranch's Wish List page on the HSMO website or to shop directly on the ranch's Amazon wish list.
Every way of support helps tremendously. Recently, the group's Animal Cruelty Task Force rescued intensely neglected and starving horses. "It was obvious these horses were severely malnourished to the point that it became life-threatening," says Amanda.
Wagon Days at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch offer free family fun by spending time with rescued and adoptable ranch animals followed by taking a wagon ride through the 165-acre facility at 480 Joseph’s Road in Union. Children can ride rescued horses for $5 cash. They have food and beverages for sale during these events, but visitors also can pack picnic lunches.
- Sept. 9, 2023 – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Oct. 7, 2023 – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Nov. 4, 2023 – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Main phone: 636.583.8759
Tours and Programs for Children: 314.646.5672
Adoption Information: 636.583.8759