Oliver and Friends Farm Sanctuary

Jennie Hays

I always considered myself an animal lover, and had been a vegetarian for most of my life. When I learned the truth of the egg and dairy industry, my eyes were really opened to the horrors of animal agriculture. I decided to make the change to become vegan and align my choices and actions with the love and compassion I felt for creatures of all kinds! After much soul searching, I founded Oliver and Friends Farm Sanctuary to give animals refuge, safety and a voice. I quickly learned cows and pigs are every bit as intelligent and complex as dogs and cats, turkeys love hugs and music and chickens purr when you pet them. I honestly believe if people knew the truth about how sensitive and loving these animals truly are, they would come to the same conclusion I did—let compassion win! I love ALL animals, and I am absolutely committed to educating the public about how a vegan lifestyle is a win for our animal friends, our planet, and ourselves.

jason hays

When we asked Jason what he loves most about Oliver and Friends he said, “ I have finally found my purpose”. We couldn’t agree more! Jason is such a kind and gentle soul who is willing to go above and beyond for our residents. When we say “above and beyond”, we mean it! Jason does everything on the sanctuary from utilizing his carpentry skills to building fences to spending many nights bottle feeding needy animals. He is a pillar of support for Jennie in everything she does while also standing strong in his own call to our life saving mission.

leah Rose tangren

For as long as I can remember I was obsessed with animals. From petting every animal I ever encountered, or trying, to finding dying or dead wildlife and having a proper funeral and burial for them, my heart would beat for the lives of these magnificent creatures. I started out pre-vet and working at animal clinics, then getting involved in rescue. I always struggled with the idea of these dogs and cats lives mattering and working so hard to save them then going to eat a hamburger or hot dog or any other animal product. I felt like I was contradicting my core believe of ALL lives matter. I eventually found my way to Oliver and Friends and have never looked back. The sanctuary is a magical place where you see these individuals, these friends, who are just living their best life. I knew I couldn’t eat my friends anymore. I’ve now been vegan for almost 3 years and am so grateful I found O&F to help me make the connection, and now I dedicate my free time to educating others about a plant based existence. I recently heard an activist say that animals were here WITH us, and not for us. That, to me, is the biggest difference between carnism and veganism. “There is no fundamental difference between man and animals in their ability to feel pleasure and pain, happiness, and misery.” -Charles Darwin

Dr. summer heatly

Dr. Heatly grew up in SW Oklahoma and developed an interest in veterinary medicine, and a strong passion for 4 legged creatures at a young age.She graduated from the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary medicine in 2009. She then completed a 1 year internship at Peterson and Smith Equine Hospital in Ocala, Fl prior to returning to Oklahoma.In January of 2015, Dr. Heatly founded Great Plains Veterinary Service as a full service mobile hospital. With the rapid growth of business and increased clientele, Great Plains is proud to announce that they have just expanded and added a stationary full service small animal clinic located in Arcadia, OK.

We would not be able to help as many animals as we do without the support of Dr. Heatly and her incredible staff at Great Plains Veterinary Services!

board of directors