As we enter the second year of our second decade, Tomten Farm and Sanctuary in Haverhill, NH is proud to announce a new program created to support both animals and the humans who love them: Petunia’s Pantry.

Because of the generosity of our community neighbors who stepped forward with two matching gifts, and the many of you who gave to meet those matches this past December (2025), Petunia’s Pantry is now open. If you were one of those who contributed, please know how deeply grateful we are. You have helped us extend our promise of care beyond our gates and into the community.

Petunia’s Pantry is a short term food assistance program serving the Grafton County community, designed to help keep horses, ponies, donkeys, mules, goats, sheep, pigs, cows, cats, rabbits, chickens, and geese fed and safely at home during times of temporary hardship.

For years, Tomten Farm and Sanctuary has existed to offer peace, protection, and possibility to animals in need, making a difference for animals and humans alike.

But not every animal in need requires rescue.

Sometimes, animals and the humans who love them simply need a little support to get through a difficult season.

Petunia’s Pantry was created to offer just that, a helping hand for guardians facing temporary hardship, providing short term food assistance to qualifying residents so animals can remain safe, fed, and at home, right where they belong.

This program is designed as a bridge rather than a long term solution, offering support during moments when life falters so animals do not lose the homes where they are already loved and so their guardians have space to regroup.

Petunia’s Pantry is available to those who qualify, provides food support only, is supported by donations and managed with care to ensure help reaches those who truly need it and where it can make the greatest impact.

And it is fitting that this program carries Petunia’s name.

Petunia was our very first rescued pig, a life who touched many, sharing the beauty of all animals, whether they live in a house or a barn.

Through Petunia’s Pantry, her legacy continues by helping animals and the people who love them.

Petunia’s Pantry is not about replacing responsibility.

It is about offering a helping hand when life becomes overwhelming.

A way to keep friends together during a hard moment.

If you or someone you know may benefit from Petunia’s Pantry, please have them reach out to us directly to request an application at [email protected]. Applications are reviewed with care, discretion, and confidentiality, and we are always happy to answer questions and guide you through the process with dignity and respect.

If you would like to learn more about Petunia’s Pantry, or if you have not yet had the opportunity to support this program but it speaks to your heart, we would be honored to welcome you into this work.

For now, we wanted you to know this:

Sanctuary does not end at our gates.

Sometimes, the most powerful rescue is not welcoming an animal to our farm, but helping one stay at theirs, together with the person who loves them.

Remember, asking for help during a difficult season is not a failure.

It is part of caring well.