By Oliver Lees
When Miranda Hastings’ neighbour handed her two orphaned lambs in May, she gave them a home on her Romsey property without a second thought.
But with Melbourne then in lockdown, Ms Hastings said she had no choice but to appeal to the community for supplies.
“I’ve never raised lambs before, but I’ll rescue anything,” Ms Hastings said.
“I was lacking old towels and blankets to keep them warm. Normally I would stock up from the op shops but they’re closed during the lockdown.
“It was my first time asking for help from the community for something like this and I was really overwhelmed with the wonderful response. I ended up filling up my boot with donations.”
The lambs, named Oliver and Daisy, are not the first animals Ms Hastings has welcomed onto her farm.
Two years ago Ms Hastings achieved her lifelong dream of establishing an animal nursery when she adopted a sheep into her care, whom she named Nigel, and subsequently named the enterprise ‘Nigel’s Animal Sanctuary’ in his honour.
Ms Hastings now juggles her full time work-from-home commitments while caring for 15 rescued animals.
“It’s been something that I’ve always wanted to do, and it actually happened quite organically, I feel like the animals found me,” she said.
“Now Daisy and OIiver are constantly interrupting my Zoom meetings, everyone thinks it is hilarious.
“Mostly I take in animals that have suffered from neglect. Not a lot of people want a horse that needs a lot of care and can’t be ridden. Except for me.
“I suppose I just like to give a home to those that don’t have one.”
