Fossil Vista Ranch - Animal Sanctuary

09/11/2026

Time for something a little happier! Bonsai Giacomo the Third went on his first outing today! He’s training to be a “going goat”, both for packing and carting. It was nice to go for a mellow walk, especially after being so cooped up with recovery.

09/08/2026

Brooke has been cleared to *attempt* hoof trimming again! Yay!!

Please keep in mind that trimming may still be too much for her - we won’t know until we try. We will do what she is able, which is hopefully our full route list! *Our return for fall trims is subject to cancellation at any time. *

NOTICES FOR ALL FUTURE TRIMS:

• Mini pigs / Kune Kune must be under 350 lbs.

• All animals regardless of species must be contained in a reasonable area to receive trims - a back yard, room, stall, house, or comparably sized catch pen. No unfenced areas. No loose animals on acreage or pastures.

• If we’ve asked you to remove hazards, contain an animal, close off an area, remedy an escape option, or requested a catch pen / smaller area at previous appointments: fix issues now!! We will refuse service if they’re not remedied before our arrival. Just because we’ve tolerated your setup before does not mean Brooke can continue to pay you the favor!

We’ve missed our piggy friends and clients! Thank you for your love, support, patience, and understanding through this difficult time. We appreciate you all so much!!

06/29/2026

Update of Brooke’s Recovery 6/29/26:

We have received results from her Arthogram MRI, and she is being referral to a hip specialist next.

Unfortunately, there is damage to the left hip labrum. The results of the MRI are ultimately inconclusive as to what the extent of that damage is - It could be the result of bruised labrum or a labrum tear. Our next step is to diagnose if there is a tear, and find the extent of the tear if one is present. A specialist will be able to give a more concrete answer and help guide our next steps. Physical therapy has been extended, as have her limitations with weight and physical activity.

We do not have a solid timeline for when we’ll be able to return to hoof trimming. Typically, fall routes start in September - that gives us a couple months to focus on healing and see how progress goes! We’ll update when we have more information from the specialist.

Thank you to those who have helped keep the sanctuary running through these difficult times!!

*** We are currently safe from wildfire and are monitoring the growth and evacuation radiuses.

05/30/2026

We’re still waiting on an MRI to check for torn tendons, cartilage damage, or torn labrum. Until that is cleared, there will be no trimming scheduled. Physical therapy will also be starting soon, so hopefully we’ll have more concrete answers for what recovery looks like and a timeline for when Brooke will be pig-ready again!

05/16/2026

First off, we want to thank everyone for their support and well wishes over the past week! We feel so loved, with special thanks to those who have been able to help keep the sanctuary running smoothly (both with physical labor and financial support to help cover the laps in trimming funds)!

Brooke is feeling better and healing, but not in condition to flip pigs yet. We’ll be taking an additional week down, and then likely schedule smaller / easier animals for a test trip for the week following. That accounts about two weeks out for routes to begin again. We’ll be slower than usual and will be booking fewer animals than usual to account for breaks etc. as she needs.

Moving forward, we will have to adopt some changes to our weight limits and schedule:

- Permanent: Trimming days will now be Sundays and Mondays.
- Permanent: we will no longer be able to service pigs that are over 300-350 lbs.
- Temporary: we will only service pigs under 200 lbs and work back up as she’s able.
- Temporary: we are typically very lax on containment sizes for pigs - we will require roughly 30 feet x 30 ft or smaller for the remainder of this spring’s trims.

If you feel unable to wait for us this season or are now outside our serviceable weight etc, here is a link to find other reputable and safe options for your piggie’s trimming needs! Simply zoom in and any that are within the state’s boundaries also service Colorado. Vets can also be an option, if you have a reliable and experienced pig vet.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1fj2mXXK2RMipIeA-jI9R1KOKLRVurvs&fbclid=IwQ0xDSwKwQ_RleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHqKQ_V53ztjSgov4imRBEyUFJAkS23TNwidJYbLffgtK38WJgdJnNcFyD4ow_aem_U6a0Ep8Qdd5xYU8WH-kTHg&ll=-3.81666561775622e-14%2C-72.21098080000002&z=1

Farriers by state.

05/09/2026

Brooke was hit by a car and thrown as a pedestrian in a crosswalk. Nothing is broken, but she is quite beaten up and having trouble walking. We’re taking a week off from hoof trims for her to heal, and then will assess if we need additional down time.

***We will still be taking care of spring routes when she’s ready*** PLEASE BE PATIENT! Please hold off on messaging for route updates - we message *you* route notifications when we plan to be in an area. We have ~400 animals to take care of in Colorado still, we cannot get everyone done at once.

As you can imagine, there are unexpected medical bills on top of the sanctuary’s daily upkeep that will be taking a hit. If you’d like to help at the sanctuary and have large animal experience, please reach out. A link to our Venmo will be available in the comments if anyone wants to help with expenses.

Thank you for your understanding - we love you all!

04/14/2026

Price List as of Spring 2026

03/18/2026

It’s trimming season again!! Mini pig / Kune Kune hoof trimming prices will be increasing to $60 per pig ($10 more) to cover the spike in gas and feed prices. All other prices remain the same. Spring 2026 here we come! ❤️🐖❤️

11/21/2025

Check out this load of pumpkins for the critters!! Special thanks to Jess, Matt, and Cross Orchards Historic Site ❤️ 🎃