Marissa’s journey with Luvin Arms began in 2022. A lifelong animal lover with a deep interest in animal care and behavior, she was drawn to the sanctuary’s commitment to providing each resident with a full and enriching life. Luvin Arms’ use of choice-based training and its focus on respecting residents as individuals especially resonated with Marissa, and she knew early on that she wanted to be part of the sanctuary’s work.
One of Marissa’s most cherished memories is working with her first clicker play partner, Darjeeling, a beloved turkey resident who has since passed away. Through their time together, Darjeeling showed Marissa just how capable birds are of forming close, affectionate, and complex relationships. She learned more than a dozen behaviors through clicker play, and Marissa loved demonstrating her intelligence during tours. Some of her favorite moments were also the simplest, like cleaning the barns with Darjeeling following close behind her. Their relationship continues to shape the way Marissa understands and connects with farmed animals.
Over the years, many residents have stolen Marissa’s heart, and she tends to feel an immediate connection when meeting someone new. When she first met Maybell, Maybell walked over and leaned her head against Marissa’s shoulder, beginning a special bond. Residents including Dezi, Eileen, Lucky, Xander, Huckleberry, Shy, Jasper, and Maui have also become especially meaningful to her. By serving as their clicker play partner, Marissa has had the opportunity to learn each resident’s unique personality, preferences, and ways of connecting with those around them.
Above all, Marissa wishes more people understood that farmed animals are sentient individuals capable of affection, connection, learning, and complex emotions. She is continually amazed by their intelligence, curiosity, and willingness to learn. Her experiences at Luvin Arms have only strengthened her belief that farmed animals deserve the same opportunity as any other living being to experience a full, joyful, and enriching life.
