The rescuers: Saving animals

By Mary Owen

Wayne Geiger’s passion is to help animals in distress. The Scio man grew up on a 2-acre backyard farm near Arcata in California.

“I remember being around farm animals since I was 5,” Geiger said. “We always had farm animals when it was simpler and more humane than what I see now. At many turns in my experiences and education, there were times when I was just never satisfied with what we were doing to animals. An unsettling feeling led to a desire to look for something more.”

In the late ’90s, Geiger served as the animal welfare director for the Humane Society of the Willamette Valley, now known as the Willamette Human Society.

“As part of my duties, I oversaw the cruelty department,” he said. “’One of my first cases involved four starving sheep. Like many humane societies, we were not equipped to handle livestock. So I ended up taking the sheep to my rented three acres.”

From those sheep to a goat or a chicken, the list of animals coming to the shelter kept growing, Geiger said.

He began to take in more animals at what he named, Lighthouse Farms Sanctuary. He based the name on Henry Bergh who, in 1866, founded the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the completion of Oregon’s second oldest and tallest currently working lighthouse, built in 1871 to guide mariners through the treacherous rocky Oregon waters around Yaquina Head. Lighthouse Farms Sanctuary became a “marriage of safe harbor and the protection of animals.”

The nonprofit is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and placement of abused and neglected farm animals. Geiger and his crew also work to educate the community about farm animal welfare, and advocate for public policy change.

“We are home to many rescued farm animals – horses, llamas, cows, burros, pigs, sheep, goats, geese, ducks, chickens and a few rabbits,” Geiger said.

Even without funds and resources to accept everyone’s unwanted animals, LFS does what it can to help animals in abuse or neglect situations, Geiger said.

About two years ago, LFS helped the Marion County Sheriff’s Office with two horses that had been abandoned in a large dog kennel with no food, water or shelter.

“One mare, Robi, was so malnourished and underweight, I thought she would be the first horse that wouldn’t make it,” Geiger said. “She stumbled and almost fell several times while taking her to the stall we had prepared. I remember getting up at 3 a.m. to go check on her, thoroughly thinking that she would be down in the stall and dead. Much to my amazement, she was up and seemed to be asking for more to eat!”

Geiger said Robi has recovered to “the best a starved horse can be.”

“I am always amazed how these abused and neglected animals can recover and trust people again,” he said. “To make that connection with a formerly abused animal, to see them blossom again under our care, and find another trusting and loving home is just the best thing ever. It’s bittersweet when some are adopted out, but I know we must make room for the next that needs a little help.”

LFS has many types of animals available to adopt, Geiger said.

“We just need to find the right homes,” he added. “Some animals are old, arthritic, or have other long-lasting afflictions, and they will be able to live out their lives here, unless someone is willing to take on a pasture pal.”

LFS operates primarily on volunteers from the mid-Willamette Valley. Volunteers will help with the third annual Yard and Barn Sale, Aug. 8 – 9 at the Scio farm.

“We are currently accepting donations of new and gently-used farm items and household goods,” Geiger said. “Please call to make arrangements for delivery or pickup. All proceeds go to buy feed, bedding, vet care and shelter for the animals at the sanctuary.” LFS also offers tours and provides activities for seniors and those with disabilities.

“Animals have a unique way of alleviating the symptoms of stress and anxiety, and we want the ability to share with seniors, disadvantaged and veterans,” Geiger said. .