Our Story
Early in 2016, I found myself driving daily along the country roads around Lexington KY as my daughter napped in the backseat. I was searching for the perfect spot for our future home. I wanted a cozy and bright home for our family, a sanctuary for all kinds of animals, native gardens galore for pollinators, and a haven for wildlife.
Every potential location seemed to have a serious flaw… too much acreage, too far from town, too expensive, too many restrictions, and so on. Even our realtor said that we were never going to find what we were looking for in our county. It just doesn’t exist, he said. But I was absolutely determined to unearth a hidden treasure or conjure it up out of thin air somehow. Forget you Zillow! It HAD to exist.
And then, finally, there it was. A small handwritten cardboard sign haphazardly nailed to a fence that said, “5 buildable acres for sale”. Wow. That moment still seems surreal. We called the phone number listed, met the owners immediately, and after a few hiccups with the city, the rest is history. We had a beautiful, blank canvas on which we could create the life we had envisioned for our little family.
In the summer of 2017, we packed up our belongings and 12 furry family members and moved to Rosebud Ranch. From day one, we committed to providing a safe haven for rescued animals in need as well as wildlife via planting native trees, flowers, and plants.
As of today, we have 29 rescued critters: 2 potbellied pigs, 9 chickens, 15 cats, 1 dog, and 2 rats! In addition to these permanent residents, we have a revolving door of foster animals which have included piglets, rabbits, kittens, rats, and hospice cats. We have planted several hundred native plants (and will continue to add more biannually) which have attracted a plethora of native bees, butterflies, moths, and birds.
Always growing and evolving, every step has been exciting and fulfilling! Every season at Rosebud Ranch brings new discoveries with more ideas and plans coming to fruition.
Our Family
First, there is Brian…. incredibly supportive and loving husband, super awesome dad, hot sauce enthusiast, king of push ups (and hauling heavy stuff), and marketing professor at the University of Kentucky.
Second, there is Carrie… mom to one human and many animals, caretaker of the ranch, imperfect vegan, nature lover, and artist to the core.
Last but not least is Rosie, the mighty whirlwind who lights up our lives, the Rosebud in Rosebud Ranch. She is equally sweet and spicy, full of joy and enthusiasm, and our hope for the future of this planet.
Our Vision
It is our hope that in addition to providing permanent sanctuary for many animals, that we also help animal rescues and pet owners in Kentucky by raising money and spreading awareness about the necessity of spaying/neutering, adoption versus buying from breeders, feral cat TNR (trap, neuter, return), and other animal welfare issues that arise.
Rosie with Gigi and her kittens fostered through Rockcastle County shelter
Our founder, Carrie Murtha, is an artist who uses her artwork to fund the supplies, vet care, and constant expenses needed to save the lives of animals in her state. 100% of every sale of her creations is donated to various local shelters and rescue groups. She believes that funding and education are critical to keeping pets with their owners, reducing the massive pet overpopulation problem and consequent deaths of thousands of adoptable animals, and ending the rampant abuse and neglect of our beloved animal companions.
Carrie will serve as a consultant to anyone needing pet care advice, information on resources for low cost spay/neuter and vetting, transportation assistance, etc.
Here at Rosebud Ranch, we strive to be a compassionate voice for all animals and lend our hands to all of the tireless, dedicated rescues and people working so incredibly hard for the animals of Kentucky.
Our Values
While we spend most of our time caring for rescued cats, dogs, chickens, and pigs at Rosebud Ranch, we are equally passionate about the environment and every tiny critter that we share the earth with.
On our little farm, you will find multiple native plant gardens and native trees which we add to each year. Native plantings are imperative for attracting, feeding, and ultimately, saving our pollinator populations. Our gardens are always bustling with multiple types of bees, butterflies, moths, birds, toads, and other insects.
We believe in developing a space free from harmful pesticides and invasive plant species where animals and humans alike can truly thrive. In line with this practice, is the reduction or elimination of meat and dairy from our diets in order to help our planet and extend compassion and kindness to ALL animals.
When visiting Rosebud Ranch, we hope that people will sense the interconnectedness of all of us… creatures great and small, the peace and joy that is felt when animals are allowed to live their lives free from fear and harm, and the beauty that is created with love and care for our earth.