Deborah Blum | Giving Farm Animals a Voice
Deborah Blum | Giving Farm Animals a Voice
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Deborah Blum never expected to become an animal sanctuary founder. After careers in fashion, restaurants, and aviation, learning about animal agriculture changed how she viewed food and eventually led her to create Goatlandia Farm Animal Sanctuary.
Today, Goatlandia cares for 150 to 175 animals, including goats, sheep, pigs, birds, and alpacas. The sanctuary also facilitates adoptions and fostering while working with other sanctuaries to rescue more animals.
“It woke up my spirit, and I woke up my heart and my soul.”
Blum has learned that caring for animals also means caring for the people doing the work. After 11 years of running the sanctuary, she emphasizes the importance of rest, teamwork, and recognizing compassion fatigue.
“We can only help the animals if we’re, you know, cared for and rested and energized.”
Her approach to advocacy is equally intentional. Rather than judging people or expecting overnight change, Blum focuses on giving people information and allowing them to make their own choices.
“It’s just about presenting the choices.”
She believes those small choices can eventually create meaningful change, especially when people recognize that everyone is on their own path.
“We have to make incremental change.”
Ultimately, Blum hopes her work will leave people seeing farm animals differently and understanding that they have their own personalities, needs, and value.
“I just want to be remembered as someone that helped goats but really helped all animals.”
If you’re passionate about helping animals, join the Doobert community where volunteers, fosters,transporters, and organizations work together to save lives every day. Visit Doobert.com to get involved.
And don’t forget to subscribe to the Top Dog Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.
Do you know any Top Dogs we should interview? We’re always looking for amazing people in animal welfare to feature on the podcast. Send us an email at tdp@doobert.com.
