Critters at the Rescue Ranch Society in Kelowna were treated to an extra tasty snack of apple pulp after a volunteer picked up bags of leftovers from the Forever Fruit Company on Sunday, Dec. 1. 

that call the sanctuary in Black Mountain home of Forever Fruit apples. 

Rhonda Laturnus, the founder and owner of the Rescue Ranch Society said the 36 feathered, fat and furry animals that are currently in her care loved the mushy apple treat. 

Many of the animals at the Ranch have special needs or disabilities which can make chewing hard treats difficult so the mushy pulp was a perfect treat that all the animals could enjoy. 

"They absolutely loved it," said Laturnus. 

In fact, the farm animals love almost all fruits and veggies and get excited any time people or companies drop-off their scraps at the farm.

Most produce or grain that is still safe to eat but is past its prime 91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ“ whether it be wilted, bruised, deformed or soggy 91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ“ is a welcome addition to the diet of the hungry piggies, goats, ducks and horses at the Ranch.

Many of the critters living at the Rescue Ranch eat a specialized diet so when dropping off donations it is important to check with Laturnus to make sure the scraps are appropriate for the animals to eat. 

Grocery stores with produce nearing expiration, breweries with leftover spent grains (other than hops) and leftovers from fruit and vegetable producers are welcome to drop off donations with the Ranch at any time. 

If members of the public would like to help out the animals at the Ranch Laturnus encourages people to consider cash or e-transfer donations to rhonda@rescueranch.ca. 

"These funds allow us to invest i critical areas such as farm facility improvements, specialized animal feed, veterinary care, enrichment and comfort items for animals with special needs."

While Laturnus tries to encourage a diet filled with fruits and veggies, she admits that despite the colourful and diverse diet she offers, her animals' favourite treat is none other than stale bread. 

In addition to the food donations, which are welcome from regulated sources at anytime, Laturnus is also looking for spare or leftover lumber and building materials as she is constructing two new shelters for her growing herd and always has repairs to do.

To learn more and donate to the Rescue Ranch Society visit . For regular updates and a behind-the-scenes look at the Ranch, follow  

Rhonda Laturnus can be contacted by phone at (250) 215-7120 or my email at rhonda@rescueranch.ca.