SweetTiva Farms

07/04/2025

Remembering Mindy: A Life of Unyielding Spirit and Unconditional Love
Today, I want to share the story of an extraordinary soul who crossed the Rainbow Bridge on June 19th, 2025: my beloved Mindy. Born April 12th, 2012, she was a Golden Border Collie mix, but more profoundly, she was my best friend, my PTSD support dog, and a survivor against all odds.

Mindy's life began with hardship. Rescued from St. Maarten, she was the sole survivor of her entire litter, found as a tiny five-week-old pup. Her original name was LaBelle Creole, named after the place where she was found. I called her Mindy, in honor of the person who transported her to the United States, but to me, she was always Mindy LaBelle. From the moment I adopted her, she was home. Her resilience was tested early when, at eight months old, she battled mange and nearly lost her life due to an ivermectin overdose. This terrifying incident was, in fact, how we discovered her collie lineage, as collies are known to be extremely sensitive to ivermectin. For ten harrowing days in the ICU, she defied death multiple times, becoming the first dog outside a university to receive life-saving lipid therapy. Though temporarily blind and unable to walk, her spirit prevailed, and she made a full recovery. Even as a puppy, her incredible story earned her a centerfold in a newspaper in Paris.

A Protector, Companion, and Farm Dog
Mindy's true heroism shone brightest in 2016. During a traumatic raid on my home, she bravely put her life between me and armed police. This raid occurred despite me being a medical cannabis patient registered with the state of Connecticut; at the time, dispensaries were not yet open, leaving patients like me in a legal gray area. From that day forward, she always got the last bite of my meal – a small tribute to the profound bond and her unwavering loyalty. She then trained to become my ADA-certified PTSD service dog, performing outstandingly for ten years, a constant source of comfort and stability.

From 2019 onward, when h**p became legal and I started SweetTiva Farms, Mindy truly thrived. She spent countless days and nights by my side, helping in the fields. She never needed a collar; her training was remarkable. We had a system called "voluntary check-in" where every 5 to 10 minutes, she'd check on me, and I'd do the same for her. She had more freedom than any dog I know, yet she was also the most behaved. She truly enjoyed her life on the farm.

Life, however, threw another cruel twist last summer. On August 18th, 2024, fleeing rising floodwaters and seeking shelter, Mindy and I were met with an unimaginable betrayal. After trying to warn others and being dismissed, we found ourselves arrested. Mindy, my service dog, was torn from my side during a PTSD episode, just days after she'd had stitches from a cancer surgery. When I finally reclaimed her, her stitches were ripped out and her protective cone was gone – a heartbreaking neglect that I believe contributed to her rapid decline.

Her Final, Loving Days and Enduring Legacy
She started fading around Christmas, and her health continued to decline. Yet, even in her final days, Mindy's nurturing spirit shone. The very day we took biopsies for her DNA preservation, we traveled to Sterling, Connecticut, to meet a puppy we'd waited almost a year for. I'd told Mindy for months she was finally going to be a mommy. When that little puppy lay beside Mindy, she didn’t push her away. Mindy was comfortable; the puppy didn’t bite. I could see the potential for a support dog in the puppy, and Mindy seemed to recognize it too.

As we prepared to leave, the puppy actually picked up Mindy’s leash and pulled her toward the door. That night, they slept together, inseparable. The next day, Mindy watched her playing in a new cement mixing trough filled with water, seemingly utterly content. Later that afternoon, I fed Mindy thinned turkey baby food with a syringe, as she hadn't eaten in days. Around 8:00 PM, I took all the dogs upstairs, and the puppy settled right beside Mindy on the bed. We all fell asleep.

Mindy passed around 10:00 PM on June 19th, 2025. When I woke, the puppy was whimpering, lying on Mindy, alerting me to her passing. Even in death, Mindy was surrounded by love, and she passed that love on to her chosen successor.

Mindy was buried in her favorite spot on SweetTiva Farms, where she will forever be a part of this land. Her spirit, her extraordinary genetics, and the hope of her identical twin running through these fields again, live on. Mindy leaves behind tens of thousands of friends, known from coast to coast and even in different countries. She was more than a dog; she was a miracle, a protector, and a testament to unconditional love. Her legacy will continue.

Run free, my sweet Mindy. You were truly one in a million.

06/14/2025

Story:

Mindy is more than just a dog; she's a living miracle, the unwavering heart of SweetTiva Farms, and my intuitive therapy dog who has stood by me through my battles with PTSD for 13 incredible years. Now, as she bravely faces a rapid battle with cancer, I'm reaching out to our community to help preserve her extraordinary legacy through preserving her DNA and eventually cloning through a company called ViaGen who is world renowned in this field.

(Mindy's Incredible Journey - The Resilience)

Mindy's life began against all odds. She was a tiny wild puppy from Saint Martin, the sole survivor of her entire litter and parents who tragically drowned, this is the dark side of many Caribbean islands for stray dogs. Rescued and brought to us, her fight for life continued. Upon arrival, a devastating accidental overdose of Ivermectin left her blind and unable to walk for over a month. She spent harrowing weeks in the ICU, dying multiple times, yet through sheer will and dedicated care, she held on. She survived.

(The Uncanny Connection - Her PTSD Support)

As the years unfolded, Mindy became something truly profound to me. Without any training, she instinctively recognized and responded to my PTSD triggers, becoming my pseudo-therapy dog. This isn't something that can be taught; it's a rare, innate empathy that is incredibly difficult to find in an animal. She knew exactly what I needed, offering comfort and grounding me during my most challenging moments. She has literally protected my health for 13 years.

(The Face of SweetTiva Farms - Her Legacy)

Mindy isn't just a beloved pet; she's a well-known and much-loved figure in our community, the "Cannadog" who became a constant face of SweetTiva Farms. As one of Connecticut's first licensed h**p farmers, I've seen Mindy stand guard over our farm, a symbol of resilience and natural healing, just like the plants we cultivate. She's been a protector of our land and our mission, beloved by everyone who visits or learns about SweetTiva Farms.

(The Current Challenge & The Hope - The Solution)

Sadly, our beloved Mindy has recently been diagnosed with an aggressive cancer that is rapidly spreading. While we cherish every moment with her, the thought of losing her unique spirit, especially her uncanny ability to comfort my PTSD, is heartbreaking. This is why we've made the difficult but deeply considered decision to pursue pet cloning.

We are working with ViaGen Pets in Texas, a leading company specializing in pet DNA preservation and cloning. The initial step to preserve Mindy's precious DNA costs $1,600. The subsequent process to clone her and bring a new puppy into the world, carrying her exact genetic blueprint, is $50,000.

(Why This Matters - The Unique Justification)

We understand that pet cloning is a significant undertaking, and for many, an unusual request. For us, this isn't about replacing Mindy; it's about honoring her extraordinary, almost miraculous qualities. It's about hoping to bring forward a new life that carries that same, rare, instinctive ability to provide comfort and healing, an ability that is irreplaceable and deeply personal. It’s about preserving a part of SweetTiva Farms' history and the unique spirit that has guided me through so much.

(How You Can Help)

Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to our goal and helps ensure that Mindy's incredible legacy can continue. Your support will directly fund the DNA preservation and cloning process, giving us the hope of having a part of Mindy's unique spirit continue to grace our lives and SweetTiva Farms.

Please consider donating and sharing Mindy's story with your friends, family, and networks. Together, we can give this truly special dog the chance to live on.

Thank you for being a part of Mindy's incredible journey.

Help Clone Mindy: The Miracle Cannadog, SweetTiva Farms' My Heart, and My PT… Butch Plude needs your support for Support Mindy's Legacy: A Therapy Dog's Gift

04/01/2025

Here's a rundown of what's going on at SweetTiva Farms since the August 18th flood.

SweetTiva Farms: A High-Growth Opportunity in Vertically Integrated Cannabis and Agriculture

Executive Summary:

SweetTiva Farms, located in Seymour, Connecticut, is a unique agricultural business positioned for rapid growth. Founded by Norman Plude, a pioneer in the state's cannabis industry, the farm leverages a strong brand narrative, direct-to-consumer sales, and a strategic expansion plan to capitalize on the burgeoning cannabis and craft beverage markets. We are seeking investors to partner in the development of a high-return, vertically integrated agricultural destination.

Our Core Business:

SweetTiva Farms currently operates a successful h**p cultivation, processing, and manufacturing business, generating consistent revenue. We also hold a Farm Brewery license, with a pending Farm Distillery license, allowing us to produce and sell craft beverages directly to consumers and retailers.

Market Opportunity:

Connecticut's adult-use cannabis market is poised for significant growth, and SweetTiva Farms is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this opportunity. Our existing infrastructure and licenses, combined with our established brand, create a strong foundation for expansion into this high-demand market. The craft beverage market also represents a substantial revenue stream, with increasing demand for locally produced, high-quality products.

Our Unique Value Proposition:

Vertically Integrated Operations:
We control the entire production and sales process, maximizing profit margins.

Direct-to-Consumer Model:
We build strong customer relationships and control our brand experience.

Unique Brand Narrative:
Our farm's history and founder's story create a compelling and authentic brand.

Strategic Licensing:
Our existing and pending licenses provide a significant competitive advantage.

High-Growth Potential:
The expansion into adult-use cannabis and craft beverages represents substantial revenue growth.

Investment Highlights:

Established Revenue Streams:
Our existing h**p business provides a stable revenue base.

High-Profit Margin Products:
Cannabis and craft beverages offer significant profit margins.

Strategic Expansion:
We are seeking investment to develop a dedicated distillery facility and expand our cannabis cultivation operations.

Experienced Management:
Norman Plude's extensive experience and vision drive the business.

High Return on Investment:
The combination of established revenue and high-growth potential creates a compelling investment opportunity.

Our Vision:

We envision creating a thriving agricultural destination that combines high-quality cannabis and craft beverages with an immersive customer experience. We are committed to sustainable practices and building a strong brand that resonates with consumers.

Call to Action:

We are seeking strategic investors to partner with us in realizing our vision. Serious investors may request a detailed business plan for further review. Contact us to discuss this exciting opportunity.

03/31/2025

Background:

On August 18, 2024, my farm suffered severe damage due to a flash flood. While seeking emergency shelter, I was unlawfully arrested on charges of DUI and disorderly conduct. A subsequent breathalyzer test, administered after a power outage, may have produced falsified results due to the machine's possible lack of recalibration. Approximately three weeks later, I was again arrested on alleged "fi****ms" charges. The items in question were legally owned BB guns, which were misrepresented as fi****ms in the arrest warrant application and statements to the judge. All charges were immediately dismissed by the judge, who then ordered the destruction of my BB guns.

Potential 42 U.S.C. § 1983 Violations:

I believe the following constitutional rights were violated:

Fourth Amendment (Unreasonable Search and Seizure):

False arrests based on misrepresentations and potentially falsified breathalyzer results.

Unlawful confiscation and threatened destruction of legally owned BB guns.

Unsecured impounding of my vehicle.

Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments (Due Process):

Denial of due process through the falsified breathalyzer test and misrepresentation of BB guns.

Unlawful destruction of property without legal basis.

Forced participation in alcohol classes without cause.

potential loss of property while in police custody.

First Amendment (Freedom of Speech):

Public defamation and "bastardization" by town officials and community members, impacting my business and reputation.

Damages:

As a result of these actions, I have suffered:

Reputational damage.

Emotional distress and psychological harm (diagnosed PTSD).

Financial losses (alcohol classes, business disruption, potential theft).

Property loss (BB guns).

Evidence:

I have collected the following evidence to support my claims:

Screenshots of defamatory social media posts.

Email correspondence with the Attorney General's office and others.

Documentation from alcohol classes.

Medical documentation (physician and psychiatrist).

Police reports and court documents.

I am seeking an attorney with experience in 42 U.S.C. § 1983 litigation to represent me in pursuing justice for these violations. I am available to meet at your earliest convenience to discuss this matter further.

03/04/2025

SweetTiva Farms: A Connecticut-Grown, Farm-Focused Beverage Innovation

SweetTiva Farms is dedicated to showcasing the potential of Connecticut agriculture through a unique and sustainable beverage production process. Our focus is on creating a refreshing, farm-made drink that supports local agriculture while providing a valuable resource for our farm and partner suppliers.

Our process begins with Connecticut-grown farm products, carefully selected for their quality and flavor. These products are then utilized in a traditional brewing process to create a base beer. However, our vision extends beyond conventional brewing.

We employ a proprietary process to extract the alcohol from the beer, utilizing it for industrial purposes, specifically in our existing CBD extraction operations. This extracted alcohol serves as a valuable resource, reducing waste and maximizing the utilization of our farm's output.

The remaining beer, now with minimal to no alcohol content, is then remodeled and carbonated, transforming it into a delicious and refreshing alcohol-free beverage. This product is intended to be sold as any other carbonated drink offering consumers a farm-fresh, Connecticut-made alternative to traditional beers.

Our intention is clear: to provide a refreshing, farm-made drink that embodies the spirit of Connecticut agriculture. By utilizing a proprietary process, we not only create a unique beverage but also support a network of local farms that supply the materials needed for our operation. This approach strengthens our local agricultural community and promotes sustainable practices.

SweetTiva Farms is committed to innovation, sustainability, and the promotion of Connecticut-grown products. We believe our unique beverage process represents a valuable contribution to the local economy and offers consumers a truly exceptional farm-to-bottle experience.

Norman Plude
SweetTiva Farms

03/03/2025

10/09/2024

Thank you Allen's Plumbing in Seymour Connecticut for helping us out with the heating system after the flood. My furnace was under water during the August 18th flood and we have been without heat since. August and September weren't an issue but getting into October it's starting to get a little cold. This morning I woke up to a 42° house and a 70° Greenhouse. I called Allen's and Julio put together a Mr Cool Mini Split for a great price to work as my primary heat system. It'll be a week or two until it comes in and I could get it installed but just knowing that I have something on the way is a great relief. I've dealt with the Allen's for many years and they've helped me out immensely on the h**p Farm. Anybody that had any type of damage from this flood we've all become family and Allen's is no exception. I grew up in construction and my father used Alan's for many years they've been friends of our family as long as I can remember. If anyone in Seymour needs any Plumbing, Heating or HVAC work Allen's is the place to go. As a matter of fact they're the only place I go and I would never think of going anyplace else. Thank you for years of great service SweetTiva Farms appreciates everything you've done for us.

Allen's Plumbing Supply

10/09/2024

SweetTiva Farms: A Plea for Help

Dear Friends, Family, and Community,

I'm writing to you today with a heavy heart and a desperate plea for help. My farm, SweetTiva Farms, a local CBD farm, has been devastated by the recent flood, and I'm facing a crisis that threatens to destroy everything I've built.

The flood caused immense damage to my property. One of my greenhouses is about 90% complete, another is only halfway finished, and the third hasn't even been started. To make matters worse, the state grant I received to rebuild the greenhouses can only be used for that specific purpose. It's a cruel irony that my greenhouses are now warmer than my own home, as I still don't have the funds to replace the furnace that was destroyed during the flood.

Imagine waking up to a temperature of 42°F in your house while your greenhouse sits comfortably at 70°F. That's the reality I'm facing. The GoFundMe campaign I started has fallen far short of my goal, and I'm still close to $225,000 in debt.

In addition to the loss of my greenhouses and home furnace, I've also lost next year's income, my vehicles, which are essential for transportation and farm work. Without reliable transportation, I'm unable to tend to my farm or even get to basic necessities. As the weather continues to get colder, the situation becomes even more dire.

I'm not just asking for your financial support. I'm also asking for your prayers, your encouragement, and your compassion. Your kindness and generosity can make a world of difference in my life and the future of SweetTiva Farms.

I know that many of you have already donated to my GoFundMe campaign, and I am incredibly grateful for your support. Every dollar you've given has helped keep the lights on and provided some relief during this difficult time.

But I need more. I need your continued support to rebuild my farm, replace my furnace, and get back on my feet. I need your help to ensure that SweetTiva Farms can continue to thrive and provide for our community.

Please, don't let my story fade into obscurity. Remember SweetTiva Farms and the challenges we're facing. Remember the loss of income, the destroyed home, the lack of transportation, and the harsh reality of living in a cold, unforgiving environment.

Your support can make all the difference. Please donate to my GoFundMe campaign and share my story with your friends and family. Together, we can rebuild SweetTiva Farms and create a brighter future for myself and our community.

Remember, SweetTiva Farms is more than just a farm. It's a vital part of our community, providing essential CBD products that many people rely on for their health and well-being. By supporting SweetTiva Farms, you're not just helping me; you're helping to ensure the continued availability of these important products for our community.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity.

Norman Plude "Butch"
SweetTiva Farms

Help Butch Plude and SweetTiva Farms Recover from the Naugatuck River F… Butch Plude needs your support for Rebuild Butch Pludes Life Post Naugatuck Disaster

09/01/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/PVTdhvGnhja41CJg/?mibextid=oFDknk

03/05/2024

If your clones don't start out clean and sterile you'll never have a successful grow.

Your Connecticut h**p farmers are professionals and have the best clones available. Unlike corporate cannabis, SweetTiva Farms clones are free of mold, pesticides and any other thing that corporate cannabis decides to dump on their plants.

SweetTiva Farms has over 50 clones available now with well over 200 in the wings.

We have available

THC:
Nicole Kush x Ambrosia Haze
Sour D
Jack x Skunk
Cinderella 99 x Ambrosia Haze
Space Queen
Cantaloupe Haze
Reign Man
Dr. Sleep

On the way,
Original haze from 1969
Blueberry Haze x Jack

CBD:
YOUNG SIM 10

On the way,
Cherry Wine

02/29/2024

Woof woof! It's Mindy the h**pound here, from sunny Seymour, Connecticut!

I'm so grateful to everyone who's helped me reach 6th place in America's Favorite Pet contest! But with the round ending in just 11 hours, I need your help to climb to 5th place and stay there! 🆘

Every vote counts, and donations (which are always used to help other rescue pups) get me even more votes! So if you have a spare moment, please head over to and cast your vote.

Thank you from the bottom of my furry tail!

Mindy, the h**pound dog

Mindy is a rescue from Saint Martin who is now living in Connecticut on a h**p Farm. She'll be turning 12. She can still chase squirrels

02/27/2024

Attention Connecticut Residents: CBD Under Threat
Connecticut residents,

I am writing to inform you about a concerning development regarding access to CBD products in our state. Proposed legislation threatens to ban virtually all CBD h**p products, potentially impacting your health and well-being.

While Connecticut has legalized THC, a psychoactive compound in cannabis, it appears to be moving towards restricting full-spectrum CBD, a natural compound with potential health benefits. This inconsistency raises concerns, especially for individuals who rely on CBD for managing various health conditions.

If you use CBD products and are concerned about losing access to them, I urge you to contact your state representative. Express your opposition to the proposed legislation and emphasize the potential negative impact on your health.

It's important to clarify that many people who use CBD do not seek the psychoactive effects associated with THC and would prefer not to obtain CBD from adult-use dispensaries due to the potential stigma associated with them.

Let your voice be heard. Contact your state representative and advocate for continued access to safe and legal CBD products in Connecticut.