Old McDarling's Farm Rescue & Sanctuary, Inc.

Old McDarling's Farm Rescue & Sanctuary, Inc. We are a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization, providing rescue, safety & respite to livestock

09/06/2026

Doing some yard cleanup today and Roo was hanging out with me for a while. She’s still learning new friends but she’s doing pretty well!

Y’all know that Roo lives inside. What you might not know is that little Donkey (who unexpectedly lost his brother many ...
08/23/2026

Y’all know that Roo lives inside. What you might not know is that little Donkey (who unexpectedly lost his brother many months ago) does not.

Until there’s a thunderstorm.

Donkey is extremely spoiled and spends a good bit of time with Roo inside. But at night, he’s outside and he’s a goat.

Until a thunderstorm.

When I tell you this boy is terrified, I am not lying. He will run in circles, he’ll stand in the rain as though he has no idea how to goat. Yet he does know how and can head butt with the best of them.

Until a thunderstorm.

Well, here we are tonight. I was all snuggled up in bed and I hear thunder. Immediately after, I get a message from Ashley, “it’s thundering and Donkey is probably sad”.

Robe on ✅
Boots on ✅
Yard lights on ✅

There’s the little Donk, his tiny nose plastered against the gate, all out of sorts, desperately “needing” to come in the house. He’s now happily munching hay and grain in the pen with Roo for his cozy, comfy night’s stay at Old McDarling’s Bed & Breakfast.

I’m a sucker. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Many of you know that we have been under significant stress because of the mud and hay that has built up. The mud, in pl...
08/22/2026

Many of you know that we have been under significant stress because of the mud and hay that has built up. The mud, in places, was up to my mid-shins and chores were dreadful. I am so pleased and excited to say that Coby, with C. L. Grimes Excavating came today to help us with our mess and though even HE thought it would take several days, he completed the job TODAY and to say we’re ecstatic is an understatement.

Not only did he clear the muck and debris, but he graded the area, and the high traffic areas are now covered in asphalt millings which will help immensely.

I can’t say enough about Coby. He’s thoughtful, caring, communicative and holy cow can he run some machinery. The precision with how he runs his machines is out of this world and his attention to detail is extraordinary.

Our people now have a clean, safe space and my chest device might have just gained some extra time since I won’t be trudging through it all.

Thank you, Coby (and your dad, of course!) for your hard work and the attention you showed the people here to get us back to where we need to be. You’re the best and I promise you’ll get all the recommendations and accolades we can give. 🥰

Greta has been shorn! Her wool was thick and full of mats, so she has to feel a million times better. She’s still got p...
08/16/2026

Greta has been shorn! Her wool was thick and full of mats, so she has to feel a million times better. She’s still got plenty of time to grow wool for winter and now won’t be so hot as we continue this trend of humidity. Happy Sunday, friends!

I’ve got a lot to unload here so bear with me as I haven’t posted in a while. We lost our Mouse (cat) a week ago. She’d ...
08/16/2026

I’ve got a lot to unload here so bear with me as I haven’t posted in a while.

We lost our Mouse (cat) a week ago. She’d developed an infection and it had spread to her lymph nodes and we made the decision to let her go peacefully.

Donkey has given us a run for our money, worms and mites and parasites but we are finally on the right track and he’s doing GREAT!

We are currently getting quotes on clearing out the dry lot (which isn’t so dry now) as someone we had negotiated with continued to reschedule us over and over again and then said to find someone else. The mud is at my shins now and I can’t anymore. I just can’t.

The goats and birds are surprisingly well lol. We haven’t had issues since we lost our beautiful basil so we continue to keep our fingers crossed.

About 3 weeks ago, we wethered (neutered) 4 sheep. Two adults and 2 adolescents. Little sq**rt gave us a huge scare, developing a large hematoma as he woke up and had a bleed. Our amazing vet was somehow able to find the bleeder and get it under control. It was dicey and we honestly thought we might lose him. If you don’t have a good vet in your back pocket, find one. We are so lucky and fortunate to have several vets that work tirelessly to keep our animals safe, healthy and alive. Sq**rt is doing well now with no lasting effects. We are so fortunate.

Friday, we took in a ewe (female sheep). She is ginormous, terrified and has a good two years worth of wool on her that needs to come off. She is pictured here. She is lovely. We are working to gain her trust and I’m hoping to get her on the stand this weekend and get the years worth of wool off her to make her more comfortable.

It’s been a whirlwind couple of weeks and hope that things slow down.

I’m tired, y’all.

Happiest of birthdays from the whole gang, Betsy! We love you and wish you a fabulous day!!
07/22/2026

Happiest of birthdays from the whole gang, Betsy! We love you and wish you a fabulous day!!

07/21/2026

Truth 😂. Be prepared

07/15/2026

UPDATE: transport found

FRIENDS!!

Anyone in the area that might be able to transport a horse to Leesburg, VA tomorrow (from northern Calvert)? Trailer available in lusby/st. Leonard area if needed). Anyone?

It has come to my attention that a company is using our logo to make shirts without our permission. Absolutely none of t...
07/09/2026

It has come to my attention that a company is using our logo to make shirts without our permission. Absolutely none of their orders bring money to our sanctuary, all proceeds go directly to them. As you can see, they know they did it without our permission and I’ve no time for that. If you see their post, do not purchase if you think any monies are flowing our way. They are not.

My best buddy. My partner in crime. My ride or die. I’d open the pickup door and he’d jump in, waiting for a ride to tra...
06/26/2026

My best buddy. My partner in crime. My ride or die. I’d open the pickup door and he’d jump in, waiting for a ride to tractor supply. Meeting the Solomons Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department Santa run every year, covered in Christmas lights and flashing antlers. Candy canes from Santa were his favorite.

He loved children. Hell, he loved all humans. Oh, and he loved wine. For reals. We’d share some nights - only a few licks but it was our time.

About 2 months ago, Basil went down. We immediately brought him inside where we worked with him, gave him all the things, did physio and got him on the lift. He rallied, just like his friend, Gilly, and he got back on his feet. For another month or so, he’s been out with friends but spending nights in his stall.

On Wednesday, I found him sideways in his stall, couldn’t get up on his own. I righted him, gave him some water and some pain meds and watched. A few hours later, he’d tried to move and went down again. This time, when I righted him, he laid his head on my lap and closed his eyes and gave a heavy sigh. I knew it was time.

You see, after being inside for that month, I knew we may not have a lot more time. I promised my best boy that if…when…the time came, I wouldn’t put him through everything again. On Wednesday, he let me know he was tired and that it was okay for me to make that call.

I did. I called one of our wonderful vets who was on call and she headed down. We gently carried my boy to a comfortable spot where we could spend some time while she gave him something to relax. He got his favorite, banana peels, and we told him all the things. I made sure to tell him to look for Gilly, that he would greet him and lead him to the rest of his friends who have gone before him. This gives me solace, knowing he’s whole and free now with the others he knew and loved.

And then he was gone. We kissed his gorgeous face and let him know he was forever loved. I made him a promise and I stuck to it. But god I miss him. He’s been a presence here at the sanctuary for so long and it feels emptier without him.

Sweet dreams, my darling Basil. You were truly the best boy ever. Mama loves you. ❤️

Address

2210 Brians Way
Lusby, MD
20657

Telephone

+12027474898

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Old McDarling's Farm Rescue & Sanctuary, Inc. posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Old McDarling's Farm Rescue & Sanctuary, Inc.:

Shortcuts

Share