Mitten Misfits at Grand Ledge saves farm animals

GRAND LEDGE, Michigan – Mitten Misfits at Grand Ledge has the usual farm animals.

“We have nine horses, four goats, three pigs, two chickens and a peacock,” said owner Victoria Worthy.

But this is not the usual farm.

Worthy has always had a love for animals and started out saving dogs, but his affair with Mitten Misfits began with a donkey named Boulder.

“I had a friend who had donkeys and she said there was a donkey that needed a home and I said let’s go see him and he just lost his pasture mate and I fell in love of him, “Worthy said.

Mikayla Temple, WSYM, 2021.

Every animal on the farm is a rescue.

“I take the elderly,” Worthy said. “It is difficult to place elderly people, they need more care and it is more expensive.”

Whether they came from a situation of animal cruelty or that the previous owners don’t care anymore.

“The four goats were from a cruelty case in Eaton County where they just hadn’t paid attention,” Worthy said. “They were thin, their hooves were overgrown.”

Each has a story and a reason they came into Worthy’s life.

“When they come here they are told that they will never have a lump in their mouth again, that they will never have a whip again, no more cruelty,” Worthy said.

Mikayla Temple, WSYM, 2021.

As her animal family grew, Worthy knew she needed help.

“I emailed two MSU groups and someone responded a year ago and she came and she also got to see my vision. So we have 21-22 MSU students who come and help us, ”Worthy said.

Cheryl Baase volunteers with the Mitten Misfits.

“First of all, I go around and kiss everyone hello and we clean the stalls and prepare their food and feed everyone,” Baase said. “It’s just therapy, just to get out in the morning and the calm, the calm and just the animals. It brings a lot of peace.

Mikayla Temple, WSYM, 2021.

Mitten Misfits even has a children’s program.

“They come in to help with the mucking and grooming and the clerical work,” Worthy said.

Mallory Ried, 11, is one of those volunteers.

“You’ve got a lot of experience now and being around animals is really soothing,” Ried said.

Even though she loves all animals, she has a favorite.

“The Boulder Donkey,” Ried said. “He’s so cute, he’s really sweet and he never tries to bite you.”

Mikayla Temple, WSYM, 2021.

Worthy said she is looking for more volunteers to help take care of the animals, build more spaces for them and run a website, but if your schedule is too busy there are other ways to help. ‘to help.

“We have our first fundraiser this Saturday at Tractor Supply in Grand Ledge,” Baase said. “We will give you a wish list and you will have the option to come in and buy something from their wish list and come and do all that on the truck.”

If you have the time, Baase said nothing beats spending time with the animals.

“There’s nothing like nudging a horse or giving a pig a hug, I mean it’s great therapy that I recommend to anyone,” Baase said.

Mikayla Temple, WSYM, 2021.

If you’re interested in volunteering, Worthy says call him at (517) 281-0511 or email him at [email protected].

Stuff the Truck will be held on Saturday, October 30 at Tractor Supply Co. in Grand Ledge from noon to 4 p.m.

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