The trip was a short peaceful drive, roughly an hour outside of Philadelphia. Interstates gridlocked with heavy traffic turned into green, rolling hills. Sounds shifted from loud horns to chirping birds, and the stress of my day seemed to drift off as I moved farther away from the city. I pulled my car into the driveway and headed towards the farm in the distance. It was nestled down a long dirt path hidden from view. The fenced-in pastures sat delicately on-top of a scenic hill overlooking a small pond. The dust that had been kicked up from the road cleared enough for me to notice the faces of Aiyanna and Thor peering over the fence. They were even more beautiful in person and exactly who I came here for.
When Ashley DiFelice saved two horses from being slaughtered in 2012, she had no idea that she was in the beginning stages of Twist of Fate Farm & Sanctuary. As with any new adventure, sometimes a first step leads to a bigger picture we have yet to see. In the five short years that followed, her act of kindness has changed her life. Ashley has adopted a completely vegan lifestyle and dedicates herself to her rescues, each with their own unique story. Thor, one of the farm’s 40 saved equines, had deformed legs and was slaughterhouse bound when Ashley found him. Veterinarians couldn’t do anything to help but they gave Ashley hope by saying his condition might improve over time. Four years later Thor is thriving and loving life on the farm. Ashley explains in detail on her Instagram, “His legs are not pretty to look at and most people’s initial reaction is to cringe. Thor doesn’t know he is different though. Thor has never let his disability stop him. Not a day goes by that I don’t catch him running around in his paddock, playing with the other horses. He has a wild spirit and his love for life is like no other.”
Ashley currently lives on 10 acres of land in West Grove, PA accompanied by the many different farm animals she cares for. Horses, pigs, goats, dogs, chickens, sheep, a cow and alpaca to name them all. Each was saved from starvation, neglect, abuse, and slaughter and now live with her (and 3 year-old son Deacon’s) promise: To live out the rest of their lives without ever falling into the wrong hands again.
Described as a small family run sanctuary, Ashley primarily takes care of these animals by herself. Here are some ways for you to get involved:
Sponsor an animal
By sponsoring one of the residents, you will receive a certificate of sponsorship, a print of the animal with a short bio, and their rescue story along with monthly updates.
Sign up to be a monthly donor
For as little as $1 a month, gain access to exclusive photos, giveaways, and rescue missions before anyone else! Donating what you can allows current residents to be cared for as new residents move in. Sign up at: Patreon.com/TwistofFateFarmSanctuary.
Tractor Supply Company gift cards
With an expense like $4,000 a month solely spent on hay, these gift cards are ALWAYS appreciated and easy to find online!
Volunteer opportunities will be available in 2018.
