Current research is proving what islanders Karen Eliasen and Glenda Pearson have known for at least 20 years — that farm animals have personalities, attachments and feelings.

That’s why Baahaus Animal Rescue Group exists, say Eliasen and Pearson, who are life and business partners, to be a safe place for those personalities to grow, thrive and ultimately die in peace.

“Spend a few weeks with a chicken, and you’ll find out how fun and smart they really are,” Eliasen said recently at the couple’s home, a large piece of property that doubles as a sanctuary for more than 200 farm animals.

Two decades ago, before the animals came into their lives, Pearson and Eliasen were working at major organizations in Seattle, Pearson at the University of Washington, where she still works as a librarian, and Eliasen at Microsoft, where she was software engineer. The two met at the UW and discovered a mutual passion for farm animals, as well as a desire to save them from mistreatment and neglect. Gradually they conceived of the idea of a permanent sanctuary for farm animals and launched their search for a location.

Enter rural Vashon Island, within reach of their income sources. The two say they consider themselves fortunate to have found seven secluded acres on the island, and Baahaus was born.

The pair’s first step was to explore the need, if any, for a farm animal sanctuary on the island. They started by contacting Vashon Island Pet Protectors (VIPP) to find out how often the pet rescue group received calls about abandoned farm animals or those in need of a new home.

“They told us they had only heard of one in a year or more,” Pearson said.

Once Baahaus opened, however, the animals came. The population at Baahaus is now a mixture of goats, sheep, llamas, pigs, geese, chickens, a family of peacocks and two large, boisterous dogs.

“Today we have 201 animals at Baahaus and we can’t keep up with the demand,” Pearson said.

Eliasen, who also owns Vashon Island Music, says they still get at least two calls per week in search of placement. In fact, Baahaus is currently unable to accept new residents except “in extraordinary circumstances,” Eliasen said. “We do, however, network with other sanctuaries nationwide, and we can

usually help to find a home for an animal in need,” she added.

The population of abandoned and neglected farm animals has increased nationally, according to Eliasen, since the start of the economic downturn in 2008. Oftentimes people start small working farms with good intentions, but then run out of money, she said, and can’t properly care for their animals. Other times, families purchase chickens, goats, sheep or cows to save money on food, but then learn that caring for the animals is more work than they anticipated.

“These families often learn the hard way that caring for such production animals is at least as demanding as caring for the family dog or cat,” Eliasen said. “When the thoughtful ones lose interest, they seek good homes for their animals. Unfortunately, not all families think about what happens after they leave or forget the animal.”

Over the years, Baahaus has collaborated more with with the Seattle Animal Shelter, PAWS and other shelters. Now, over half of their animals are rescued from off-island, and about three-quarters of their donations are from off-island as well.

Baahaus has rescued more than a few animals from circumstances where they were left fenced in without food or shelter and unable to forage. There are also the cases where people buy animals to work them. Two recent arrivals at Baahaus were sheep purchased as lawn mowers. The ewes were emaciated for lack of food with wool that was severely infested by parasites.

“When you combine animals and money, it never turns out well for the animals,” Eliasen said.

The women emphasize how every animal at Baahaus has a story. For instance, Roscoe the gigantic pig came to Baahaus because his young owner was diagnosed with cancer and could no longer care for him. Lily the donkey had been neglected, mistreated and malnourished before being rescued by another Vashon resident who later relinquished her to Baahaus. Today, she and her charming pasture mate, Eli, are the darlings of Baahaus.

“Our neighbors say they don’t even mind when the donkeys sound off because they’re so cute,” Eliasen said.

“It’s easy to see these animals as individuals if you just spend some time with them,” Pearson added.

The nonprofit is as much an expression of the pair’s philosophy of living as it is a sanctuary for animals. Both are lifelong vegetarians who dismiss factory farming as bad for humans and bad for the environment. They support the notion that it’s far more economical and effective to use land for growing plants that feed humans directly rather than feeding the animals we slaughter to eat.

“There are better uses of our natural resources than grazing and slaughtering animals for protein,” Eliasen said.

Every summer Baahaus illustrates its vegetarian vision in style with its popular summer party.

“People pretend to come to visit the animals, but it’s really the food,” Eliasen said. “We have a fabulous caterer who prepares a complete vegetarian feast that impresses even the meat eaters.”

How do they keep up with all 201 residents?

“We have a zero overhead operation,” Eliasen said. She and Pearson do most of the labor, with occasional help from volunteers, and any donations they bring in go strictly to the feeding and veterinary care of the animals. Other islanders help by delivering old bread and produce for the animals on a weekly basis.

“Sometimes when you’re an animal lover, you can feel alone. It’s good to know there are others out there who care,” Eliasen said. “We can’t imagine life without these animals. We’re here to help them experience all parts of life, and they add so much to ours.”

— Susan McCabe is an island writer and Voice of Vashon’s station manager.