Sweet Bear Rescue Farm

Sweet Bear Rescue Farm is home to over 40 animals with a constant revolving door of fosters and rescues. Permanent residents include best friends Ollie the pot-bellied pig and Charlotte the chicken; Oskar the cat; dogs Harry, TT, Trixie and Layla; goats Maggie and Shadow; Gorgeous Tom Turkeys George and Nelson; and 15 sweet baby chickens saved from a brutal religious sacrifice.

“This is something I have been dreaming about for years,” says McDonald. “As vegans, we believe in the inherent value of all life, and we want to save every animal we possibly can. This is our life’s mission, and Sweet Bear is a place where all animals will be safe and loved for their entire lives.”

​Dubbed Sweet Bear after McDonald and Dinan’s late dog, Nala, who inspired their work in animal advocacy, the rescue is a 501-(c)(3), so all donations are tax-deductible. The farm also hosts regular volunteer work days in order to help keep the property in top shape for the residents.

​The farm is a beacon of hope for animals of all species -- a place where kindness and compassion are the norm, and all individuals are treated with love and respect. Sweet Bear is dedicated to changing the world, spreading the values of veganism, and creating a safe haven for those who've experienced abuse and neglect.

​The bucolic setting in stunning Western North Carolina may be the the first place where many people encounter farmed animals -- species typically exploited and slaughtered by the meat, dairy, and egg industries. Here, visitors can engage with the individual personalities of the residents, and learn about the intelligence, deep emotional capacity, and amazing complexity of these wonderful animals.