Shoppers Can Support Ghandi's Refuge at Birdsboro Farmers Market

Those who visit the Birdsboro Farmers Market, held every other Saturday in Main Bird Park, should be sure to stop by a booth manned by Steph Ansaldo, where they can learn about Ghandi's Refuge Animal Rescue and purchase items such as dog bandanas, homemade crafts and other goods to help fund the rescue. With the exception of Saturday, June 7, Ansaldo plans to set up at the farmers market throughout the summer.

Ansaldo has been a veterinarian technician for more than 20 years. She relocated along with her family last year from Delaware County to Birdsboro. "I founded the rescue in December of 2018," she said, noting that Ghandi's Refuge was named in memory of her first rescued rabbit, Ghandi. "We have been out of operation for the past few years, and I am hoping to reopen on a much smaller scale at our new home at Fairytail Farm. Profits from the farmers market will benefit this endeavor."

When in full operation, Ghandi's Refuge took in small animals such as guinea pigs, cats and many rabbits. Ansaldo explained that people who buy rabbits as gifts on Easter often want to later give them up. "We get an 'Easter bunny dump' between Memorial Day and Fourth of July. I want people to understand that rabbits are a long-term commitment - 10-plus years," she said, adding, "I can take a couple rabbits at a time right now."

Ghandi's Refuge is also available to help people with pet care advice. "I want to get education out there about proper pet care and making sure you choose the right pet," noted Ansaldo. "We want to provide resources for people who want to rehome their pet or help them keep their pet in their homes through assistance with getting pet food or finding training for (their pet's) behavioral problems."

At the farmers market, Ansaldo sells Gardeners Gold, which is liquid fertilizer. "It is a liquid tea made from rabbit manure, and you pour it on or flowers or vegetables, which helps with production. It is a natural fertilizer," Ansaldo stated. "All the profits will go directly to the rescue. I am hoping the rabbits will fund their own care."

Ansaldo also offers other items for sale such as drinking glasses that she etched with small pawprints. "I am doing a 'pupcycled' line where we take objects commonly discarded as trash and give them a new use," Ansaldo said. "It goes with our theme that these animals are often discarded as trash, and we believe everyone has purpose. We try to give them (a new) life. Our tag line is, 'Your value does not decrease based on someone's inability to see your worth.'"

To learn more about the rescue and to view bunny rabbits that are currently available for adoption, visit http://www.facebook.com/ghandisrefuge. Those with questions may email Ghandisrefuge@gmail.com. Ansaldo is scheduled to be at the farmers market on Saturday, June 21. The market, located at 226 N. Water St., Birdsboro, is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.