Michelle and Steve Payne are treasures to Leilani Farm Sanctuary.

For more than six years, they have been devoting their Monday mornings doing the animal rounds.

In between filling food and water troughs and scooping manure, the Paynes always pause here and there to cuddle cats, brush the donkey, and feed treats to the tortoises and other animals. They especially enjoy how Lehua the donkey calls out to them when she sees them arrive. The tortoises have become familiar with Michelle and Tom’s voices and will quickly emerge from their burrows, eager to receive brushing on their shells and snacks of apples and carrots brought especially for them.

Michelle says, “The interactions with the animals are our favorite part of the Monday rounds. I always leave feeling happier than when I arrived. The animals put smiles on our faces.”

When asked if they have a favorite animal, they explain, “Each Monday a different animal will do something really cute, making them the highlight of that day.”