Lorenzo the llama, Chinwa the pigmy goat, Beau the Tennessee walking horse, dark gray tabby White Paw, potbellied pigs Hound Dog and Rabbit, Jenny the donkey and a large turkey named Henry are just a few of the 44 animals and 40 chickens that live on Mitchell Ishikawa and Jeff Frazzini's 14-acre farm. All were rescued, adopted and have been given a home for life.
Mitchell and Jeff are Washington natives who lived and worked in the Seattle area and considered themselves city slickers, until Jeff began volunteering at the Save a Forgotten Equine haven on Old Owen Road outside Monroe. Mitchell, too, became involved, and both fell in love with the area and the idea of country life.
After Mitchell retired from his administrative position at Swedish Hospital in 2007, he and Jeff purchased the farm and moved in 2012. Jeff continues to commute to his job at a hospital in Kent, while Mitchell is the head of the seafood department at our local Fred Meyers.
His outstanding dedication and performance were recognized by being chosen Employee of the Year for 2016. A good portion of their income goes to the feeding and care of their menagerie.
Jenny the donkey was their first border. She came from Equine Aide, which had rescued her from an appointment with the glue factory. Word got out, and soon Mitchell and Jeff were being contacted by other animal groups, including Pasado's Safe Haven, and a few private folks who needed to find a caring home for their pets.
They now have 12 goats, five sheep, two mini potbellied pigs, one horse, one Shelton pony, one blind miniature horse, one donkey, two miniature donkeys, two outdoor cats, three indoor cats, two indoor dogs, one of which is blind, seven rabbits, three alpacas, two llamas, a turkey and a large chicken house filled with a variety of breeds.
Several of the adoptees had serious health conditions upon their arrival at the farm that required veterinary care, and some continue to receive medication and special diets. Dr. Dana Bridges of Dana's Professional Equine makes frequent house calls. Jeff and Mitchell also hire a ferrier, Justin Foss, to keep the many hooves trimmed, and a sheerer to relieve the sheep, alpacas and llamas of their winter coats.
Mitchell and Jeff are devoted to providing a good quality of life for these animals, which is a far cry from the cruelty and neglect many suffered in the past. This endeavor comes purely from their own hearts and resources. They have not, nor do they intend to, establish a nonprofit organization.
"They give us as much as they receive,GÇ¥ says Mitchell, describing their lodgers as intelligent and feeling creatures with needs beyond food and shelter. They thrive in a safe and loving atmosphere and enjoy having companionship with other animals. Their affection is unconditional and consistent.
Jeff and Mitchell would like to emphasize that animals are not toys and should not be regarded as trophies. To take on any animal is a full-time commitment, and should be done with due consideration, from cats and dogs, to rabbits at Easter time and larger animals that require more space. Spaying and neutering is a must for conscience folks. Mitchell shares that he has learned so much from the residents of the farm. They have much to offer humans and should not be taken for granted.
Photos by Valeria Rae Jeff Frazzini, left, and Mitchell Ishikawa with their dog, Lola, at their Monroe farm, where they rescue and keep animals in need.
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