River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary

Sharon Palmer RD

Published on October 10, 2018

River’s Wish animal sanctuary is a non-profit that is dedicated to putting a story, personality, and face behind the abstract notion of the animal species. Join Sharon Palmer as she visits this sanctuary in Spokane, WA.

I have been on a mission to visit as many farm and animal sanctuaries as I can when I am traveling. There are so many amazing stories of people making a difference. This summer I got to visit River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary during a visit to Spokane, where I spoke at the Spokane Veg Fest. Kit and Peter Jagoda named this sanctuary for River, an inspiring dog whose love encouraged them to do more. River was a shelter dog, and after a yearlong courageous battle with cancer the Jagoda family said goodbye to River in 1999.

But it didn’t stop there; River’s Wish became a sanctuary to rabbits, dogs, cats, goats, cows, horses, donkeys, pigs, chickens, turkeys, and more. It is the dream of River’s Wish, that every creature is able to live a full and joyful life. Actually, the story started back in 1995, whenned a local pet rescue group and the Jagoda’s eyes were opened to the plight of animals in need. They have since fostered and placed hundreds of dogs, cats and rabbits. And then the couple expanded to help goats, horses and other animals in need. In 2004, they incorporated as a non-profit animal sanctuary. Kit and Peter adhere to the humane education program Compassion for Animals, which allows people to meet animals first hand and puts a story, personality, and face behind the abstract notion of the animal species. River’s Wish maintains the hope that compassion will decide the choices and direction humanity makes in caring for animals.

Take a little journey with me on my tour of River’s Wish animal sanctuary, and if you feel so inclined, get involved by supporting their amazing cause.

Photos of beloved River, who inspired this animal sanctuary.

A day at the farm sanctuary with Jenny Jay, Peter Jagoda, Kit Jagoda, myself, and Josh Meckel. It was so fun to take a private tour of this amazing place.

The rescued pot belly pigs were happy in their surroundings. Most of the budget at River’s Wish is for food and bedding.

The sheep all had names, and followed us around like pets during our entire tour (that’s Peter on the left). Many of the sheep had disabilities, which is why they were taken in. If you get a chance to visit this farm, please take the opportunity.

The pigs enjoy a mud bath any time they wish in their surroundings. Pigs enjoy expressing their natural behaviors, such as these.

The happy sheep are glad to get a little head rubbing. The animals often come to this sanctuary through word of mouth—someone may need a place to keep an animal they can no longer care for or animals are rescued from abusive situations, and if there is room River’s Wish will take them in.

The sheep are constant companions on the farm. The Jagoda family spends a great deal of time every day caring for all of the animals, but volunteers help out too.

The potbelly pigs gladly get a little belly rubdown from farm visitors. Pigs are very intelligent and enjoy affection.

I couldn’t get enough of these happy sheep, who followed me around the farm during our tour. The farm offers many educational and volunteer opportunities to the community.

The cows took one look at us and came running for a head rub. All of the animals here have their own remarkable story, and are well loved and cared for by the family at River’s Wish.

Rudy (to the right) came here as a calf, and is now attached to his new friend on the left. He is especially beautiful, and is the subject of Kit’s paintings.