The Animal Sanctuary
The heart of Holy Fang is the rescue animal sanctuary. Founded by Bernadette Higgins, the sanctuary is not merely an adjacent feature, but the source of the profound peace and stability that fuels our studio's creative environment. We believe that professional clarity is born out of personal balance, and the daily rhythm of life here—away from the chaos of the city—is our constant reminder of what matters.
Every residential session booked at Holy Fang contributes directly to maintaining this home for our permanent residents.
Meet the Residents: The Holy Fang Family
The animals here aren't mascots; they're family, each with a story of resilience that reflects the commitment we bring to every project.
The Pigs: Philosophers of the Pasture
The Others: Birds, Brains, and Best Friends
The Extended Sanctuary Family (Frequent Visitors)
While some of our rescues primarily reside at our second private sanctuary location, several dogs and cats are part of the broader family and are often featured on our social media.
The Dogs
The Cats
Fidelius (Fud): An oddball survivor who fell out of his mother hours late. He is more like Garfield than any cat we’ve met, enjoying a squishy cuddle and serving as Howlie’s keeper.
Howlie (Talkative Cat): Initially surrendered and screaming, Howlie turned out to be incredibly people-friendly. This weird, little talkative cat is highly possessive over Chips and dedicated to cleaning Fud.
Moody (Paint Horse): Our first rescue equine, saved from a terrible patch of ice. Moody can be a bit true to his name, but it’s all bluster—he's a very social and intensely affectionate creature now adjusted to farm life with aplomb.
Rocko (Haflinger Horse): A gentle soul delivered with an unseen challenge: Cushing's disease. We happily took on his care, allowing him to live out his days as a peaceful "pasture puff."
Avon (Mini-Horse): At 44, Avon is the spirited, resilient elder stateswoman of the sanctuary. We simply don't tell her how old she is. She bursts into spring every year with tenacity that inspires us all.
JC (Jean-Claude, Mini-Donkey): Our first rescue donkey, famously outbid from a kill buyer by Bernadette. JC might be the friendliest donkey ever born—if you’re not careful, he'll sit right on your lap.
Melodie (Mini-Donkey): Initially skittish and unable to be handled, Melodie was saved from auction to be JC's companion. Today, she comes right in for pets and hugs, possessing a beautiful, deer-like elegance and a lovely singing voice.
Opie (Pot-Bellied Pig): The original "Oliver Pig." Opie was found wandering the streets of Philadelphia! Having had a hard-knock life, he now lives in peaceful retirement, fundamentally fat and happy.
Fergie (Pot-Bellied Pig): A grizzled, blind old man who overcame serious physical abuse and illness. Thanks to Bernadette’s determined acupressure, he recovered the use of his back legs and is now one of our most rambunctious residents.
Scarlett (Pot-Bellied Pig): Widely agreed to be the greatest pig of all time. Soulful, loving, and tender, Scarlett often acts as a seeing-eye pig for her friend Ferg. Give her a pet—you won't regret that moment of zen.
Elvis (Pot-Bellied Pig): Rescued as an infant from a hoarding situation. Elvis proved to have the strongest rooting instinct, immediately teaching the others how to forage, necessitating the construction of "Pig Town." A rough-and-tumble sweetheart.
Coco (Cockatoo): The original namesake of Mama Coco’s Funky Kitchen. Coco is a survivor of acute zinc poisoning who emerged a superstar. She has been the subject of an NYU neuroscience study, which concluded she not only has rhythm, but prefers to swing when she dances!
The Cat Collective (Cutie Pie, Patience, Prudence): These three siblings (a handsome jock, a funny little affectionate creature, and a shy, world-class hunter) are kept separate from the studio downstairs, ensuring zero risk for visiting artists with allergies.
Banana (Yellow Lab Mix): A warm, athletic, and fiercely loyal "nice person." Banana is frequently found at the farm during the day—she loves swimming and is always on the hunt for a bone.
Barley (Irish Wolfhound/Poodle): An enormous, lovable lummox who wouldn't hurt a fly but is a huge presence. Barley often joins Banana at the farm and loves nothing more than standing on his hind legs for a hug.
The Residential Retreat: An Unmatched Vibe
The Private Sanctuary Visit
Concept: We offer exclusive, non-disruptive access to our residential clients for a private visit with the equines and pigs on the sanctuary grounds.
Purpose: This optional experience provides a profound creative reset and a unique moment of stillness. Interacting with the rescue animals is a powerful way to reduce the stress of intense studio work and ground yourself before facing the console.
Flexibility: Visits can be arranged at any time of day, at any point during your session. We adapt to your creative flow—whether you need a reset at noon or midnight.
