by Thomas Smith
“Snowflake Meadows has always been a dream of mine since I was a little girl. It started after my parents unfortunately passed away.” said Kristyn Begbie, founder of Snowflake Meadows Animal Rescue.
From an early age, Begbie was bringing stray animals home.
“I was bullied in high school and elementary school. I found an emotional connection with bullied and neglected pets. I could get the love from them that I wouldn’t get from others,” said Begbie.
Begbiee has fostered many animals including horses, dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, and even a kangaroo.
Soon after moving to Haliburton County, Begbie began rescuing animals from throughout the county and neighboring areas. Snowflake Meadows officially became a nonprofit charity in 2018. In addition to rescuing hundreds of animals, the nonprofit offers animal boarding services. Begbie enjoys educating others on responsible pet ownership.
“I came up with my motto,” said Begbie. “Being a voice to the voiceless.”
Begbie works with Empty Ontario Shelters, a group that works with Ontario animal shelters to bring dogs to rescues to reduce overcrowding and allow dogs a better chance at finding their forever home.
Last year was their busiest year yet, with around 260 dogs rescued, 20 budgies, and a pig, said Begbie.
“Everybody gets microchipped, spayed and/or neutered,” said Begbie.
Currently, Snowflake Meadows provides love and shelter to 33 dogs, eight cats, four parrots, two rabbits, six pigs, three goats, two miniature horses, four sheep, seven horses, one turkey, one alpaca, and a plethora of chickens, says Begbie.
Snowflake Meadows is starting an annual fundraiser called Snowflake Meadows Magical Festival Fundraiser. The fundraiser is intended to raise money for the rescue to build a kennel on the property to rescue even more animals.
Bouncy castles, live music, pony rides, a petting zoo, a lure course for dogs, and a bunch of vendors are in store for guests at the Magical Festival Fundraiser, says Begbie.
Entry will be by donation and things like pony rides, the petting zoo, and other activities will require an additional donation.
Anyone that needs support, be it training or food, or if you need your dog to be housed somewhere temporarily before you can ensure a safe and happy home for your dog, to call the rescue, said Begbie.
The first annual Snowflake Meadows Magical Festival Fundraiser will take place on May 18 from 9 to 4 at the 1089 Ritchie Falls Road location in Minden.
Pets are welcome to attend, but must remain on a leash at all times for the safety of participants and the animals.
Snowflake Meadows Magical Festival Fundraiser’s sponsors include Paulmac’s Pets Minden, BALL Real Estate Inc., Francis Thomas Contracting, K9ine Security, Curry Chevrolet Buick GMC Ltd., Mulligans Pub & Patio, The Voima Group, Canadian Tire Minden, Pet Valu Haliburton, Coneybeare’s Butcher Shop, Norm Barry Hot Tub & Cottage Maintenance, Glecoff’s Family Store, Lana Harvey at Royal LePage, Boshkung Brewing Co., Kosy Korner, Highland Electric Heating and Air Conditioning Ltd., and Spot 97 Fitness.
“There’s a lot of stuff happening,” said Begbie. “I’m just hoping that everybody comes and has a good time. People are also welcome to bring apples and carrots for the horses if they would like.”
