09/09/2026
It has taken us some time to write these words. Van Gogh passed away a few months ago, but for a while, Keepers Haven simply did not feel like itself without him. There was a hole left behind, and we were not quite ready to talk about it publicly. Today, we want to share this dedication with Van Gogh’s incredible fan club and celebrate the beautiful three years we were given with him.
Van Gogh came to Keepers Haven for a second chance after surviving tremendous trauma. He had sustained multiple injuries, lost an ear, and eventually came to us completely unable to walk with very little hope of recovery.
But Van Gogh had an incredibly resilient soul.
With regular chiropractic care, acupuncture, Magnawave PEMF, rehabilitation, lots of love, and plenty of blueberries, Van Gogh learned to stand and walk again. We were given three more years with a sheep who had been given very little chance of having them.
One person was especially devoted to making those years possible. Marina was soulfully dedicated to Van Gogh’s well-being and shared a relationship with him that was truly extraordinary. In her words:
“Three years was not enough time to learn all your wisdom, enjoy all your love, and watch your sparkle eyes glow. I am forever grateful for getting the chance to help nurse you back to health, reteach you how to stand and walk, comfort you when it seemed hard, and cheer you on when you made huge strides in progress.
You taught me the importance of rescue, the importance of sanctuary, and the real meaning behind giving animals the love they need and deserve. I will forever honor your soul, spirit, and memory. Thank you for always being my best friend, Van Gogh.”
Eventually, advanced arthritis and joint degeneration became more than his body could overcome. His decline came quickly, and when Van Gogh could no longer get himself up to walk and his pain became too great, we knew it was time to let our beloved boy journey onward peacefully.
His resilient spirit, enormous personality, and unmistakable presence remain woven into this sanctuary and in the hearts of all who knew him.
(Remaining dedication message in text images)
🖤🐑