At Storybook we believe there is comfort and friendship found in more than just humans and equines. We are home to eight dogs, six cats, two goats, two guinea pigs, a miniature cow and a bunny rabbit, that support our family in encouraging and loving the families we encounter. They are precious creatures that provide an ear to listen, a friendly smile and a warm hug. Meet them below:
Dogs
Thumbelina
After being kidnapped by the evil toad, Thumbelina was rescued by her prince charming and brought to Storybook Farm in 2004. She is a Jack Russell terrier who traveled all the way from Waverly, Ala. to join the Storybook family. Her tiny stature and kind heart are perfect for loving on our smaller participants.
Sailor
The high tides of the rolling sea washed Tugboat and Sailor to their new home at Storybook in 2009. The two puppies were found abandoned in a sealed box at the entrance of the farm. Within no time they were rescued and welcomed to the farm with loving arms. Their enthusiasm for life encourages our riders to continue to hold on to the hope of a blessed future.
Tugboat
Big Dan
After the red fern grew Little Ann and Big Dan finally made their way to Storybook in 2005. The Storybook was blessed with the chance to take the Corgi Blue Heelers to be a part of our family, and have enjoyed their loyal companionship ever since. Little Ann's timid disposition along with Big Dan's curious and adventurous spirit are a perfect mixture to assist our participants and their families.
Little Ann
Violet Beauregarde
After her infamous visit to Willy Wonka's candy factory, the junior bubblegum champion came to Storybook as a pup in 2005. Violet is a golden retriever-chow mix, who has a great sense of humor. She is the first to greet visitors and enjoys being around all of our participants.
Admiral Boone
Admiral is the newest addition to the Storybook Family. After his retirement from the sea, Admiral decided he needed a change of scenery. He came to Storybook in 2010 and continues to warm the hearts of everyone he encounters. His playful personality and sweet face continues to bring joy to all of us at the farm.
Velvet Brown
Much like the character from National Velvet, the Pomeranian Velvet Brown is a courageous dog with a story of inspiration and hope. Velvet was rescued from a puppy mill in 2010, and brought to Storybook where she continues to be uplifted and loved. Due to the horrible conditions at the puppy mill where she came, Velvet has lost her ability to see, but that does not stop her from living her life to the fullest. Her days are filled with traipsing through the farm, visiting with all of the horses, and greeting our guests. Velvets survival story is the perfect depiction of what Storybook is all about. Through her trials and tribulations, Velvet still encompasses the spirit of joy and hope that continue to encourage everyone involved at Storybook Farm.
Cats
Auntie Em
After her niece, Dorothy, wandered to the land of Oz, Auntie Em found her self bored in Kansas. With no one to take care of she decided to travel South to Storybook Farm in 2009, and has called this her home ever since. Well, sort of. Auntie Em was rescued from an abandoned car in Auburn, and is very grateful for her new family at Storybook. Her delightful charm and beautiful coat make it easy for her to make new friends!
Tin Man
After his journey through Oz with Dorothy and friends Tin Man finally got his heart, and made his . He made his way to Storybook Farm where he now lives with all of his friends. With a large heart to match his large stature, Tin Man's protective, big-brother demeanor is what he is known for. He loves everyone and we are especially happy the Wizard granted Tin Man's wish.
Twister
Twister is a second generation Storybook Farm cat. His mother, Munchkin, had Twister in 2004 after her return from Oz. Twister frequently visits Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz, but he mostly hangs around the farm visiting with friends such as Friar Tuck and Belle. His adventurous spirit and friendly demeanor are contagious and his presence at Storybook is more than appreciated.
Esther
Moses
Delivered as a sweet packages on our door step, God sent Esther, Andrew and Moses to Storybook one early Sunday morning in 2009. As little kittens, they had to be bottle fed every two hours. Although they were mysteriously left at Storybook's door, we welcomed them into our family and have loved them every day since. It was not very hard though. They are the sweetest cats we could ever hope for, and they continue to enhance the lives of the kids that com in contact with them.
Andrew
Uncle Henry
After his Kansas farm was destroyed and his niece, Dorothy, was swept away to Oz by the tornado, Uncle Henry was quite distraught. He decided he needed a vacation, so he made his way down to Storybook Farm for a little rest and relaxation. Little did he know he would quickly fall in love with everything about it and make so many new wonderful friends. He is irreplaceable and since Dorothy returned from Oz he has decided to stay here. His wonderful encouraging spirit is the perfect attribute to the Storybook Farm family.
The rest of the gang...
Prissy and Melanie Wilks
This fun duo was donated to Storybook in 2007 by the Rankins family farm. Ellen Rankins, one of our riding instructors, was just 13 years old when they were born, but she recalls their birth and is excited she gets to see them grow and thrive at Storybook. Prissy is a triplet, but her mother did not have enough milk for all of her babies, so the Rankins' donated her to Storybook's ministry. Although Melanie has sight issues she still brings hope to children on horseback through her joyous personality. Every child who meets Prissy and Melanie always get very excited to meet and get to pet a real goat. They add character and excitement to the Storybook family!
Belle
After leaving the enchanted castle Belle made her way to Storybook in 2009. She spends her day prancing around the pastures with new and old friends. Soon after her arrival her friend, Mrs. Potts joined the Storybook family as well. Belle is a miniature Zebu cow that was donated to Storybook. Everyone who meets her instantly falls in love with her kind spirit and curious ways.
Thumper
In 2005 Thumper hopped from the forrest and into our hearts. His sweet, laid-back disposition make him a huge asset to the Storybook family. Because of his soft fur and lovable charisma, he is a raving success with all the children who meet him. Donated to the farm by a Farm House Fraternity brother, his addition to the family has done nothing but enhanced all the lives of all of Storybook's visitors and friends!