Thoughts on Rescues

Many of you have asked some great questions. Some we can answer. Maybe some of you will have answer the others.
First of all to rescue means to save. Sounds plain and simple, but it is not. Rescuing involves so much more and there are many kinds of rescues needed.
(1) There are those who rescue herds. Their intent is to make sure the herd is protected.
Take for example Madeline Pickens who set up a large preserve for the wild horses. That is a true herd rescue. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is not a rescue. Their name says it all. They manage land, not animals. They remove animals from the lands they are managing, and they do not care for the welfare of the herd. Look at the tactics they use in removing the animals, penning the animals and the requirements once you adopt the animal. No, animal welfare is not their concern.
There are other large herd "rescues" all over the country and I'll leave it to you to decide which are true rescues and which are just money makers. We'd love to hear about the good ones.
(2) There are rescues who rescue, rehabilitate, retrain and rehome. Many of these are wonderful places. They truly have the animals' welfare at heart. We are proud to be associated with one of these -HorsePlus Humane Society- once Norcal Equine Rescue.
These folks rescue and care for all animals. They have high standards for the animals' care. Their facilities are animal friendly and their adoption policies are strict.
They try to place the animals in the best homes, but when an animal is badly injured, unplacable or no home can be found after a long stay, then the animal is humanely and kindly euthanized This is not cruel nor insensitive. This is not done without great consideration. This is the result of owner irresponsibility. There are just too many horses- too much breeding. There are abused, starved and untrained animals. There are sweet, kind animals who are just too old for most people who want a "useful" animal.
(3) There are rescues who rescue and then provide permanent sanctuary to animals. This is what Home At Last does. We do not rehome. Once an animal comes here they are truly home at last. We believe in quality of life whether it be for one month or a years of care. The animals' needs come first.
(4) There are hoarders who believe only they can care for an animal. They collect more animals than they can care for. (The crazy cat lady is an example). The animals suffer because there are just too many of them in one place. Every rescue must carefully watch that they don't take more than they can care for. Home At Last is nearing our limit.
(5) There are folks who call themselves rescues who may even have a legal non-profit status, but they are horse traders. They get horses for a low price or even free, "train" the horses, then resell them. The difference between them and a legitimate rescue is that the animals are not properly cared for, not fed correctly, not under a vet's care who will evaluate the horses' needs, and not properly housed Lame horses are given pain meds to make them appear healthy. The sale is what is important, not the horse. If you have one of these near you, do everything you can to shut them down. Horses suffer.
More later.
News from the sanctuary. Tomorrow is volunteer day. Love to have the happy helpers here. We'll go to another ranch to care for two of our fostered ponies and help the good people there.
Today after our regular chores we will go to an estate sale and pack all the unsold items. It is supposed to be 100 + degrees in Chico where the sale is being held. These items are then donated to the Thrift Store 611 Walnut Chico. We will deliver them on Tues as the store is closed Mon. and our Sunday is full.
Our newest horse is fitting in so well, as is Teddy. Everyone is knee deep in hay and looking shiny. Even our thin ones have a glossy coat. Every horse is under Dr Darling's care.
The goats, calves, dogs and cats don't seem to mind the heat. They find a shade tree, a cool spot under the porch or a damp place in the garden and snooze the day away. The chickens and guineas are less happy with the heat, but have dust nests in their pen. The morning glories and beans are climbing the trellises and making even more shade for them.
We, however, start grumping about the heat as soon as we get up. I'll admit I'm ready for the cool, cold and rainy weather. Though I'm a California born type, the sun has stepped beyond its limits. Hey there, big guy, turn it down a bit.
Well, Jim is hungry as is the herd. Think good thoughts today about all those who help others-be they people or animals. Do one random act of kindness and tell no one.