At Good Life Refuge, a farm animal sanctuary north of Longmont, animals get everything they need to live safe, happy lives.

One of these animals is Juniper, a Yorkshire pig. Weighing roughly 500 pounds, Juniper spends her days lazing in the shade and bonding with her farm animal friends.

Juniper’s path to the sanctuary wasn’t easy. After being raised on a factory farm, she was almost slaughtered and served at a church hog roast — when the roast was canceled, Juniper found a new home at Good Life Refuge, according to Nicole Brecht, Good Life Refuge’s executive director.

In her five years at the sanctuary, Juniper has gone from being “completely shut down” and “terrified of humans” to loving her life, Brecht said.

“Our work gives second chances to animals that wouldn’t have second chances,” Brecht said. “Seeing that transformation, that’s priceless.”Last month, Good Life Refuge held its annual gala fundraiser to support the continued care of its animal residents. As a new addition to the event, one of the nonprofit’s animals was chosen as the featured “ambassador,” whose story was told to gala guests. For Brecht, there was no better first choice for this new position than Juniper.

“Her story is unique because it’s not often they make it out of there,” Brecht said, emphasizing Juniper’s factory farming background. “It’s tragic, but it showcases why sanctuaries exist and why we do what we do.”

Juniper’s story is similar to many of the almost 70 animals at Good Life Refuge. These include cows, chickens, alpacas, goats and sheep living on the sanctuary’s five acres. Brecht said the nonprofit spends around $9.30 on each animal every day.

“We believe in the ethical treatment of all sentient beings,” Good Life Refuge’s website says.

The gala raised $28,000, which was short of the event’s $75,000 goal. The funds will be put toward medical care for the animals, such as veterinary bills and medication. The money will also help the sanctuary buy a year’s worth of hay.

Brecht plans to continue the animal ambassador program at future fundraising events, which will give more sanctuary residents the chance to have their stories heard.

Good Life Refuge was founded in 2018. Since then, monthly donors and volunteers have been the backbone of the nonprofit, Brecht said, and the sanctuary is always looking for more. “My goal is to build a community here and not just a sanctuary for animals,” she said. “Ultimately, it’s nice to have a community of like-minded people as well.”

Good Life Refuge sits at 13759 N. 95th St. More information is at goodliferefuge.org.