Running on several weeks of sleepless nights, Annelise Sophiea gushes over the pair of orphan piglets that recently arrived at the Sophiea Safe Haven Sanctuary. “It’s just like raising a newborn baby again,” she chuckles, grateful to finally get four hours of sleep between feedings every night.
The adorable duo came to Sophiea Safe Haven Sanctuary from rescuers in Detroit, likely as a result of the exploding “mini pig” fad of recent years. Annelise warns that although the piglets are cute now, they will quickly grow to be 100 to 300 pounds. Unfortunately, many of the people who have bought into this fad find themselves in over their heads and end up releasing the pigs into the wild. However, Annelise withholds her judgment and says, “What’s best for the animal is most important… things happen, and we all need help sometimes.”
Helping animals and the people who find themselves in these difficult situations has been Annelise’s dream from the beginning. Growing up in an active 4-H household, she was always surrounded by horses, goats, dogs, and cats. After years of showing horses, she eventually majored in equine management at Michigan State University before marrying her high school sweetheart. Life quickly ran away as the Sophieas began their family, and Annelise found herself traveling the country for her highly successful photography business, Annelise Nicole Photography. However, she never let go of her dream of rescuing animals.
When the world ground to a halt in 2020, Annelise finally slowed down and reprioritized her lifelong passion. “Why was I so busy before?” she wondered, realizing it was finally time to get her dream off the ground. Thus, the Sophiea Safe Haven Sanctuary was officially established in February 2021, and they have quickly grown to (almost) full capacity.
Annelise and her family have been working tirelessly to provide a nurturing environment for animals of all shapes and sizes. In fact, they primarily focus on animals that do not have other resources readily available.
“Organizations like the Humane Society and PAWS do a wonderful job for cats and dogs, but there aren’t that many resources for the exotic animals like tortoises and chinchillas,” she said.
Annelise admits that it has been tremendously helpful having her children home during the COVID- 19 pandemic. When they are not busy with homework or adventuring around the farm, the Sophiea children are included in decision-making, upkeep, and animal care. Annelise and her husband ensure that the kids get a good mix of responsibility and fun in helping around the sanctuary. Following closely after her mother, one of their twins has shown a particular passion for the animals and dreams of becoming a rescuer herself.
Despite being officially established for only two months, the Sophiea Safe Haven Sanctuary has become a regional resource for animals in need. Currently operating on 10 acres of farmland, Annelise hopes to eventually move to a 132-acre property so that they can help more animals and give them more space.
Although they are looking forward to the day when they can welcome volunteers, the sanctuary is especially grateful for donations to keep the animals well-fed and cared for in the meantime. Follow the stories of the two little pigs, Ralphie and Penelope, and their many furry friends on the Sophiea Safe Haven Sanctuary Facebook page, and keep an eye out for ways to get involved coming soon!
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