Meet Sandi Swiss,
VP of the Board of Directors and Animal Care Volunteer

Meet Sandi Swiss, our remarkable Vice President of the Board of Directors and dedicated Animal Care Volunteer at Tiny Hooves. Sandi's journey with Tiny Hooves began in April 2018 when she visited the sanctuary for her birthday. Despite the challenging April weather, Beca, Tiny Hooves founder, welcomed Sandi, sparking a connection that has grown ever since.

Over the years, Sandi's involvement deepened. From organizing a sanctuary workday in 2019 to inviting Tiny Hooves to participate in various events, including Chicago VeganMania, Sandi's commitment to Tiny Hooves flourished. The challenges of 2020 prompted her to shift gears, leaving her job for mental health reasons and dedicating herself to volunteering. In November 2020, she joined the board of directors, and by May 2021, she assumed the role of Vice President. Sandi's dual role involves both board commitments and weekly animal care, allowing her to witness firsthand the positive impact of Tiny Hooves. She finds fulfillment in organizing volunteer workdays, event planning, and contributing to the operation of this non-profit sanctuary.

Why Vegan? A Compassionate Choice

Sandi's vegan journey began in 2009 when she discovered the harsh realities of the animal agriculture industry. Inspired by a fellow vegan, she transitioned from to veganism almost overnight after watching some YouTube videos about factory farming. Sandi actively engaged in vegan activism, from protesting to organizing events and starting her own vegan baking business. However, her passion evolved towards direct care, sanctuary work, and community outreach.

Tiny Hooves: A Community of Compassion

Sandi loves Tiny Hooves for its community spirit. Run primarily by volunteers, the sanctuary thrives on collective efforts. From daily animal care to specialized attention for seniors and disabled residents, Tiny Hooves ensures each animal experiences its best version of sanctuary. Her favorites include goats, with Malakai being a special mention, and The Moo Crew, a herd of cows that she takes snacks with as well as communicates with regularly.

Animal Lessons and Advocacy Insights

Winston the pig taught Sandi the importance of understanding and providing love. While Winston first seeed aggressive a little mean to some of the other pigs, he was actually wanting attention and love.

Sandi emphasizes a gradual transition to veganism, encouraging people to start with manageable changes that can be maintained. She shares insights into the dairy industry's connection to veal, emphasizing the rescue of Hank Indigo a veal calf, by Tiny Hooves.

Favorite Vegan Recipes and Fun Facts

Sandi shares two favorite soup recipes, Chickpea Noodle Soup and Zuppa Tuscana, and three fun facts about her life outside Tiny Hooves – her passion for food and 

native plant gardening, love for antiquing, and the joy she finds in events with a costume aspect. Beyond Tiny Hooves, Sandi is a vegan and gluten-free pastry chef, actively involved in native plant initiatives and enjoys exploring vegan restaurants and dancing to industrial, new wave, or goth music in Chicago.

Looking Ahead

With an enthusiastic board, Sandi is excited about Tiny Hooves' future in 2024 and beyond. The sanctuary continues to thrive, driven by the dedication of volunteers like Sandi, creating a haven for animals and a community of compassion!