I started volunteering with River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary over a decade ago and loved the experience. When volunteering, I had the opportunity to help with maintaining the building that houses the rabbits and other small creatures called the bunny barn. It felt very rewarding working in this space as I got to know the different individual personalities of the animals and could directly see how the volunteer work I was doing was helping them. Kit and Pete, the owners, are very kind people who do an amazing job caring for the animals and the community they work in. Even though I moved away in more recent years, I am still happy that I can continue supporting the sanctuary from afar and visit sometimes during their events. I also really enjoy being able to follow their social media so I can keep up with what’s happening there and continue to see updates about my favorite residents.
I really enjoyed visiting and learning about the different animals and their unique stories at River's Wish. All the animals looked happy and well taken care of. I'm thankful that this place exists in Spokane and for the compassionate care they are providing for animals in need.
I became familiar with Rivers Wish Animal Sanctury through my work as an Animal Protection Officer. My first visit to the Sanctury was to bring them a pig that we had come into our shelter. Kit was very welcoming, and excited to share the stories of the animals at the Sanctuary. I have since taken my wife to the Sanctury to see the animals. Peter walked my wife and I around and he was passionate about sharing the stories of all the animals. The care and love that Kit, Peter, and the volunteers at Rivers Wish give the animals has helped restore my faith that their are still amazing humans out there that truly believe that all animals deserve a chance to live a safe and happy life.
I visited River’s Wish for the first time about two years ago to volunteer with my sister who was a long time volunteer. We cleaned the bunny barn and after toured the rest of the property and animals.
I immediately fell in love with each and every animal and they are so well cared for and loved. This rescue does not just simply take care of the animals, they LOVE them and treat them as family.
I was hooked on River’s Wish and came back again for Art with with animals. A small event they put on where you can wander and meet the animals and then draw/paint/color/sketch your favorite animal. I am no artist but this was really good for my heart and soul to be with animals and meditate through art.
I came back a few more times to help and cuddle these animals. Pete and Kit (the owners) are now my friends. They are wonderful people with giant hearts.
I think we always wonder if animals are really truly cared for and loved at rescues and I promise you never have to worry about that here. The animals get the best access to medical care when needed, they have many acres to roam and be free, they are allowed to be with their own species but also allowed to make friends with other specifies if they prefer, stalls and pens are very clean, the volunteers are all animal lovers and make sure they get attention and love, and so much more!
Be sure to stop by if you are in the area and meet the owners and animals. It’s healing!
I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work with Kit this last summer to teach an Art and Animals class for 8-12 year students. Such a great experience! I have a great deal of respect and admiration for anyone who can create such a positive environment for people to form bonds with animals, learn, and have a good time!
I typically deploy across the nation helping animals impacted by disasters. I usually see the aftermath from a major hurricane, tornado, flood, wildfires, etc. it is rare that I find a sanctuary that has taken disater preparedness to the level of River’s Wish. The sanctuary is located in an area that is vulnerable to wildfires and they are working on plans to protect the sanctuary, the volunteers, and the animals if a fire were head their way.
They have allowed me to discus plans for evacuation, protecting thier property, etc. They had another expert come in to help them with an evacuation drill to better prep volunteers for an emergency.
Having a plan is only part of the thing that I love about River’s Wish. The team truly cares about the animals and the welfare of the animals is top notch. One of the founders has given up his workshop to an ederly goat and a special needs pig.
They had a pig that was sick and needed to go to an emergency vet and I was helping a team of volunteers load the pig into the trailer. Unfortunatly, the pig would not get int the trailer after several minutes of trying to use gentle persuasion. I asked one of the founders if she could go into the trailer and to try to peruade the pig inside. As soon as she got inside the trailer the pig followed her in because there was such trust and love (and some good treats). It was so amaizing to see the connection between the two and it spoke volumes of the care that this team probide to so mNy animals is amazing.
I have gotten the opportunity to go out to River’s Wish a few times to volunteer with school clubs. The organization was AMAZING. There were so many animals being taken care of and loved thanks to these owners. It is worth the 5 stars for sure.
I cannot say enough about River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary. I had the wonderful opportunity to help out for a few hours over the summer. I spent several hours around the sanctuary interacting with many of the animals that now have a loving home. All of the animals that live there receive the best care, love and forever home. I am so impressed by the support these animals receive on a daily basis. Pete and Kit Jagoda have created an oasis of love and compassion for animals no longer cared for. Our world needs more sanctuaries like this.
I came across River's Wish Animal Sanctuary exploring vital interests for the residents of Lakeland Village in Medical Lake and came out a volunteer myself! Not only have I enjoyed my work with the animals for this past year and a half, our residents have beneffited greatly from having Next Steps Group, a group focused on community re-entry at the Sanctuary for part of their curriculum. Time on the sanctuary is healing and restorative for all walks of life, and I have been inspired immensely by the work Kit and Pete do for these incredible living creatures. I would also like to express my deep gratitude to Kit and Pete for helping me with my own minature horse Mae Mae who went into acute colic recently. They were in their truck and came to help within 15 minutes of her crisis and without their help with Mae Mae and guidance on further veterinary referral she would not be alive today. River's Wish is an amazingly sound, beautiful and animal-centered place. The work they do is phenomenal!
I'm so very proud to be associated with River's Wish! I joined the Board at the beginning of the year and have been very impressed with all aspects of this facility and operation. Proper care for the wide variety of animals being housed is clearly the primary goal of Kit, Pete, and the entire team of vets, volunteer staff and Board members. I've attended several of their events and am also taken by the overall team comradery - with everyone sharing in the common goal of the welfare of the animals being the top priority. It's also been interesting and heartwarming to learn the stories of these many animals who have been rescued and provided with wonderful lives. Thank you so much for your tireless efforts: Kit, Pete, and Team!
I hope I don't get too emotional with this review. River's Wish Sanctuary is nothing short of miraculous.
We had a clutch of chicks who, to our horror, included a blind rooster. He was sweet, and I grew very attached to him. Through the months, he learned how to eat and drink with the other chicks—even how to roost! But when he started crowing, we knew we had to do something with him as we lived in a city that didn't allow for roosters. We were devastated. To most people he was considered worthless. I couldn't give him away on Craigslist, and I wouldn't put him down.
On a whim, I contacted River's Wish. Kit (the owner) didn't even hesitate. She invited us into her Sanctuary and into her heart. Her barn was temperature controlled and pristine clean!!! And mind you, she had livestock living there. I was thinking, "Where's the poop? Where's the smell?" All her animals were given extensive care. One rooster was receiving acupuncture for seizures for heavens sake! It was just unreal—a true answer to prayer.
We left her facility weeping—not because I was certain he wouldn't make it, but because I knew he would. Four years later, I moved to a location that allowed for roosters. Guess what? He's still alive! Kit was so sweet to give him back to me healthy and happy.
If you're unfamiliar with River's Wish Sanctuary, I strongly encourage you to seek them out. They truly are an advocate for all animals.
I have been volunteering at River's Wish for 4 years. About 10 years ago, I first visited River's Wish and was impressed with the compassion and care the animals received from Peter and Kit. I had never worked around farm animals but soon learned the personalities and names of the residents. Peter and Kit's love for each resident is evident when you hear them speak about them. All the volunteers are treated with respect and gratitude. Working at River's Wish fills my heart with joy and I have stopped eating meat.
I am so glad that an animal sanctuary such as Rivers Wish exists. The people who run this animal sanctuary really care for these animals bringing them into their hearts. Rivers Wish is a wonderful resource to the community. Helping animals in need and finding forever for some of the animals. I have learned so much from them.
River's Wish is an exceptional sanctuary run by exceptional people. I have had a work injury develop from chronic but manageable, to acute and frequently unmanageable. This led to the incredibly hard decision to rehome my farm animals (all of whom were rescues) to new homes as part of a process of identifying and reducing physical activities that I can no longer reliably do. River's Wish was absolutely instrumental in helping to locate new forever homes for these animals. I am incredibly grateful for the comfort it brings to know they are in excellent placements, as well as no longer worrying or struggling to care for them through this difficult time. The Spokane community is lucky to have River's Wish as a local resource, in addition to the networking and educational awareness that this organization provides. I have been a contributor and supporter of River's Wish for several years now (and will continue to be), and never dreamed I would find myself in need. River's Wish is a leader among sanctuary farms, and is a vital community resource, for animals and humans.
I found River's Wish Animal Sanctuary a few months ago while searching online for a safe, forever home for a sweet little steer who had been rescued from a bad situation. I wrote a letter, telling the story of "Curly", not knowing if I would hear anything back from them. My husband kept telling me not to get my hopes up. One evening, I received a phone call from Kit Jagoda, co-founder of River's Wish. She said her husband Pete had read my letter and was very touched by Curly's story. Kit had a lot of questions about Curly. I could tell she had his best interests in mind and wanted to make sure he would be safe and happy if he came there. Long story short, my prayers were answered and Curly was welcomed into River's Wish Animal Sanctuary October 15, 2022. The weekend before, my husband and I had attended an event at the sanctuary. We were able to meet in person Kit & Pete, some of the volunteers and residents. We were very impressed with the sincerity and devotion to the well being of the animals who live there. I cried when we were introduced to and heard some of the stories of the cows who would soon become Curly's new family. When Curly was welcomed into River's Wish Animal Sanctuary one week later, I cried again, seeing the love and care that was being lavished on him by Kit & Pete and the volunteers who were there that day. Curly ran to meet the other cows. My favorite photo (posted below) shows him greeting one of his new family members with a cow "kiss". River's Wish was an answer to prayer. It is a wonderful place with lots of love!
River's Wish Animal Sanctuary provides peace, safety and love to over 100 animals, many of whom would not have been given a chance to live out their lives otherwise. River's Wish takes in animals who have faced sickness, cruelty, neglect and/or the threat of slaughter and gives them the care they need to heal and live their lives to the fullest. The sanctuary's co-founders work tirelessly to care for the animals and run the organization and have my deepest respect. There are also many dedicated volunteers helping to make everything possible. I have volunteered at River's Wish for six years, and it's been a special, fulfilling experience. River's Wish is a place where people, including volunteers and visitors, find peace as well!
As a fellow farmed animal sanctuary director, I can share with confidence that River's Wish is an organization that is run with integrity and compassion. Being able to collaborate with professional, like-minded individuals is a gift to the rescue community, which helps all of us provide the highest quality care for our animals. Thank you Kit & Pete!
I am a proud volunteer and donor with River's Wish and enjoy a friendship with Kit, Pete and other members of their sanctuary community. The love for their animals comes from their hearts and souls. Each animal, great and small, receives their attention, patience and care, day in and out, year in and out. It's certainly a sanctuary for these beings and they are living their happiest lives. Thank you, Kit and Pete, for all the lives you have saved and nurture. River's Wish is truly a wonderful forever home for your residents.
I met Kit Jagoda, director of Rivers Wish over a decade ago when I was new to Spokane Washington. At the time I had a sick rabbit and being a rabbit advocate, I knew the importance of finding a vet who was lagamorf knowledgeable. Kit was so kind, informative and upbeat about animals she quickly became a person I wanted to be around. Rivers Wish Sanctuary is a reflection of Kit and her husband Peter; truly a landmark in Spokane for animal wellbeing and awareness of our gentle creatures both rabbit sized to cow sized.
I have volunteered with Rivers Wish for years. What a community of humans and animals. A family. Extending out to offer what is possible when a sanctuary does its job to love and flow with its residents and offer this light and love beyond its fences. A beautiful place for all.
I have visited Rivers Wish dozens of times over the years, both as a volunteer, and to attend events. Sign up for a tour and see for yourself the wonderful, magical place that Kit and Pete and their volunteers have created for so many animals.
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I donate small amounts to many charities that i honestly know very little about, but i have visited Rivers Wish a hundred times, and of all the charities I donate to, Rivers Wish Animal Sanctuary is my very favorite. It is so beautiful and the animals are so loved and so well taken care of. Volunteering at Rivers Wish Animal Sanctuary has given me the chance to meet "farm" animals and look them in the eyes and feel the love. Nothing is more rewarding than helping plant lettuce, kale, and parsley in the Rivers Wish Rabbit Garden and then coming back and harvesting and feeding the produce to the happy bunnies in the Bunny Barn. Kit and Pete are the greatest, most generous people and they have built heaven on earth for the animals in their little spot of paradise, Rivers Wish Animal Sanctuary. kerry masters, volunteer and donor
I have been a volunteer for six years and Kit and Pete have devoted their lives to the animals in their care. No matter the cost, nothing is withheld from each animal getting the best medical care and treatment, and many are living well beyond their expected years. It is a place of peace and tranquility.
With so many worthy organization to spend your time and money on, how do you pick one? I would encourage you to look at supporting the wonderful mission at Rivers Wish Animal Sanctuary. This is a place of love and compassion for close to 150 animals who have been saved from abandonment, abuse, euthanasia, and worse. Every resident animal has a story and the owner/founders, Kit and Pete Jagoda know them all.
I was moved to add a review of this organization after the recent passing of one of the beloved residence, Montana. An elderly donkey, who came to Rivers Wish 25 years ago as an adult. Montana lived a long, happy life with his best buddy Leo. Every visitor to the sanctuary was greeted by Montana (hoping for a treat). When it became abundantly clear that Montana was suffering, Kit and Pete made the difficult decision to help him across the rainbow bridge. The joy of knowing Montana and knowing he was not allowed to needlessly suffer is just one of many stories of compassion at this sanctuary.
Please consider supporting this organization that makes our world a better place every single day.
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I have been a volunteer at River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary for 2 years. It is such an honor to join the many other hard working, dedicated volunteers that help keep this animal sanctuary operating. Kit and Pete Jagoda, the owners/founders have an incredible love story with the animal residence. They know each of the almost 150 Individual animals. They educated us all and the public on their plight and lead by compassionate example. What a privilege to be a part of allowing these beautiful creatures to live their full lives.
Every dollar donated to River’s Wish is used for the well being of the animals. This includes, safe shelters, feed, medicine, veterinary care, farriers, sheep shearers, pig feet trimmers and so much more.
My life is so much richer because of the time I spend with the animals at River’s Wish. This is an organization worthy of your financial support.
Any visit to River’s Wish is amazing. I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer with a couple art classes over the summer. Both Kit and Pete love the animals so much and work so hard. It’s a great organization that brings care to animals in need. Each and every animal is special and definitely have a connection to the entire River’s Wish working team.
I have been supporting River's Wish for nearly 20 years. They are a wonderful organization that takes excellent care of their animals. I have adopted chickens from them in the past, and been to visit the sanctuary numerous times. One of my favorite events is the Thanksgiving for Compassion event. I love feeding the animals and hearing the blessing of the Buddhist monk. When he rings the bell the turkeys gobble back. It's a beautiful setting. Kit and Pete work so hard to care for the animals in our community that need the most help.
I have had the amazing opportunity to volunteer for Rivers Wish a few years back. Kit and Pete are amazing and do everything they can for every resident at the sanctuary. I created special bonds with the animals and am giving this place the highest review.
Today marks 6 months since I started volunteering at River’s Wish. It’s hard to put into words how special this place is to me. The animals are so well loved and cared for, and Kit and Pete are two of the most authentic, kind people I’ve ever met. I’ve loved everyone I’ve ever had the opportunity to volunteer with, and I love knowing that the world is a better place because of the work that’s being done at the sanctuary. I think coming to River’s Wish is a dream come true for the animals that are lucky enough to find refuge there, and it’s also a dream come true for me.
Before I visited Rivers Wish I had heard so many raving reviews from several fellow rescuers. Rivers Wish sets the standard of what all rescues should strive to achieve. Their facilities are designed with the animals comfort and safety in mind. They are always working to enlarge and improve housing. Care and comfort, are always top priority.
All of their programs are well designed and thought out. From how they intake an animal in need to how they schedule volunteers every step of the process runs like a well oiled machine. A machine with an enormous heart!
Rivers Wish works hard to educate adopters, visitors and the community with events through out the year. They are so inspiring to me and many others. Their impact on the people who contact them cannot be understated or undervalued. They are leading by example and changing the lives of animals and humans.
Their work is an example of how to properly work is a shining example of how animals should be cared for and loved. They set a very high standard that we should all strive to achieve.
I have been volunteering for River's Wish for many years, but most actively over the past year. I am out at the sanctuary at least twice a week providing general clean up, maintenance, and animal care. This is a beautiful place where the care of the animals is the top priority. River's Wish has a great team of volunteers, and the co-founders, Kit and Pete Jagoda are caring and compassionate people who are always striving to create the best environment for the animals in their care. They play an important role in our community in both the sanctuary they provide and the humane and compassionate education they provide.
I LOVE visiting Rivers Wish and seeing animals that were previously abandoned, abused or destined for slaughter. I wish i lived closer so i could volunteer and spend more time with all their animals. Instead i donate whenever i can and follow them on social media to hear stories of rescue. I am hoping soon they can resume the wonderful on site events that allow children and adults to attend and pet and feed animals while learning their stories of rescue. Its so important for children to learn compassion for all sentient beings and these events are so important, fun, and educational. This sanctuary is amazing!
I volunteered during early months of Covid and have been a donor; my background is in veterinary medicine. The founders & volunteers are tireless workers in providing a humane environment for neglected farm animals (and I saw several cats!). They also have an outstanding reputation in the community.
This August I will be with Rivers Wish Animal Sanctuary for 2 years. I also foster rabbits through RWAS. I truly cannot express how serene and caring this place is. The owners, Kit and Pete are phenomenal human beings with huge compassion for all the animals well being and superb care.
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I have been volunteering since August 2019. The concern and empathy that Pete and Kit show these animals is beyond anything I have ever experienced or seen. The animals are so loved and cared for that they lift my spirits every time I am there. From the smallest chicken to the biggest bovine and horse, everyone is treated with the same kindness and concern.
I recently was asked to foster a rabbit family of 9. The parents and 7 babies. They were 3 weeks old when they came to my home. They are now 3.5 months old. It has been one of the best experiences of my life. My involvement in caring for these creatures has forever changed me. I hope to be able to continue to foster more rabbits in the future.
I love the tireless work of River's Wish Animal Sanctuary. I have always been inspired by Kit & Pete and their endless commitment to saving saves and to promoting compassion. I highly encourage others to support this wonderful non-profit organization. They are the best!
Rivers wish holds a special place in my family’s life and heart! Kit was my dear teaching partner for 12 years. Her passion for inspiring children and opening their hearts to the wonders of self expression were beyond inspiring . Each child was given hope and encouragement regardless of their artistic abilities. In a competitive world built around results and worldly standards this was so refreshing. It was the act of creating that mattered to Kit. I remember visiting Rivers Wish. The animals were all so loved and cared for. Many had obvious health issues from previous abuse and neglect. But the thing is just like her tender support and care she gave each child in her art room, she does the same at her sanctuary. Whether it was behavioral issues or health she and Pete meet each creature where they are at and respond with love and compassion and focus. When I brought my granddaughter Ruby there I could see how she marveled at each creature. She fell in love with Violet the turkey. Giving Violet massages under her wings! But what I hope that Ruby sees is a place where everyone belongs regardless of the state of your body or mind. You are loved.. respected and cared for!A life lesson that I hope she carries with her all her life .
A long time ago, I adopted a precious rabbit from River's Wish, and she was just wonderful. I named her Squishy, and she lived for 15 years. ♡
Kit and Pete work tirelessly to care for the beautiful animals at their sanctuary. Their property is amazing, and they are very thorough with the adoption process. I love going there and have been donating art to their yearly auction for years. It's a lovely place to support!
As the owner of Allie's Vegan Pizzeria and Café. I know that to run a successful business, client relations and planning are important aspects.
Allie’s has had the pleasure of working with River's Wish through catering their events for the past five years. We have found them to be professional and very easy to work with.
We support the compassionate mission of River's Wish and we see the positive impact of their organization on our community.
I have offered Garden to Table workshops at the sanctuary and I look forward to collaborating with River's Wish in the years to come.
We have adopted 5 rabbits through River's Wish and are now also fostering 2 bunny sisters for them. There isn't much Kit & Pete won't do for the animals in their care and those of us who adopt. In return there isn't much I won't do for them!
I've toured the Sanctuary several times, and each time they have improved or are in the process of improving areas for the animals. The volunteers are kind and knowledgable. I am proud to support their work with small donations throughout the year.
Rivers Wish Animal Sanctuary is unlike any other animal welfare organization in our community. I’ve worked with several non profits over the years and currently work as both a part-time farmer and at a business development non-profit organization. Not only does Rivers Wish take great care of their rescue animals, but they take great care of their people - the many volunteers, caretakers and supporters that share their love and their time at this rescue organization. It takes commitment, know-how and business sense to pull together and put a great team in place that will not only drive home the mission of the organization, but also provide a better life for these animals and a better world for all of us.
This organization could not be more worthy of a 5 star review. For the past 2 years I have been a weekly volunteer with Rivers Wish and I am also a board member. As a verified member of the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, this sacred place provides life long care for the tiniest baby rabbit all the way up to a massive rescued former Premarin draft mare.
The owners and founders, Pete and Kit Jagoda are very hands on, working daily with the animals as well as working constantly to make improvements and do the never ending repairs that come along with operating a large sanctuary. With the judicious use of donor funds, Rivers Wish is able to operate in the clear to constantly be coming up with new ways to enrich the lives of the animals. In just the past year, a new multi-acre pasture has been safely fenced, a new feed room has been built, a new goat shelter is going up, new water lines are being laid...it really is fabulous and I'm so grateful to be a part of this. Not to mention the hundred of tons of food and bedding that is purchased, all thanks to the amazing supporters of this place.
Rivers Wish has been operating since the 90's and measures are in place to ensure that it will be providing a safe haven for many years to come.
And the medical, hoof, and dental care... when you have rabbits, pigs, ducks, geese, turkeys, chickens, donkeys, sheep, goats, horses,cattle, dogs, and cats there is always something. Rivers Wish has a great team of regular vets and farriers.
I have many years of experience of working with farm animals, as well as domestic pets, and I am so happy to have a place to use my knowledge to help these beings. It is wonderful to get to see these animals allowed to grow old. Sadly, to live a full life is a very unusual experience for a pig or a cow, not to mention the winged friends. It is glorious to know they do that at Rivers Wish. On a personal level, my life is much richer as a result of being involved here.
Volunteers from this sanctuary are the most kind, dedicated, and diligent people I know and I am grateful to know people like them exist in this world. We promote a living a kind and compassionate life. So many of the animals at this sanctuary are animals that many people consider "food". We don't. The Jagoda's don't. They are all someone, not something. At Rivers Wish you can look into the eyes of an animal and see a thinking, feeling, loving creature that is every bit as worthy of a life as we are. They are all safe and loved, for life.
I cannot recommend this nonprofit enough. Please check it out!
I have been volunteering at Rivers wish for almost 3 years. I am so honored and privileged to be able to feed and care for the numerous animals at the Sanctuary. Kit and Pete, the founders of River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary are beautiful and kind humans with huge hearts. They do everything with the animals best interests in mind. This is a vegan sanctuary and I really appreciate that they have made the connection between the animals that live in safety there at the sanctuary and those animals who are brutalized every day in what we call our food system. The animals at River’s Wish are given their best chance at life, with green pastures, fresh greens and vegetables grown in a garden just for them, food, medical care, Space to run, warm comfortable places to sleep, friends, family, companion animals, and of course lots and lots and lots of love and patience. Whatever the animals needs are, they are met with compassion, intelligence, tenderness and genuine concern for their well-being and happiness and health. Thank you Kit and Pete Jagoda for creating such a peaceful wonderful space that truly is a sanctuary in every sense of the word!!!!!
Having been to many sanctuaries and spent considerable time at them, I can say with joy that River’s Wish is run by humans with the kindest of hearts who have created a safe space for nonhuman animals as well as the human animals who love them.
I've worked with River's Wish for over a year now as I find abandoned or otherwise desperate domestic ducks and geese that need placement. River's Wish has a lovely aviary and rescues all types of animals: pigs, bunnies, horses, cattle, dogs, rats, goats, chickens, donkeys, sheep and more. It's founders are vegan and promote vegan activities and are involved in promoting local Spokane artists.