Simple is Better...

From Jim: Donna and I run a sanctuary for equines. There's some goats and calves and dogs and cats and chickens and guineas, but it is a sanctuary for equines-donkeys, hinneys, mules, and horses. We have over 70 equines here. They're all ages, breeds, and have a variety of special needs. Every single one of our critters tries to be the very best they can be. They take life as it comes, keep their peace, and welcome each new day with all they have. They have come to understand that here they are safe, that there will be food and water, that their injuries will be cared for, that only gentle hands will touch them. They are expected to be safe to handle and cooperate with their care. If not, there are lessons-never punishment. Our ground rules are SIMPLE. This place exists for the resident animals. The folks that are here are part of the resident animals. Our kind and their kind have an equal right to be here. The quality of LIFE is critical for all that live here-except flies, mosquitoes, ticks and other rotten pests-they all get to die a lot. Our herd animals live in herds. No critter is the only one of his or her species-everyone has a friend or two. Friendships are respected. Animals that are bonded are never separated from each other. If one is ill or injured, his/her friend is stalled next door. Small turnouts keep less dominant sorted out from the too dominant. Every critter here is considered to be a treasured pet and worthy of love and attention. The most stand-offish are still spoken to gently and given treats-even at arm's length. Consideration for what is best for the animal(s) gets top priority. We check and double check to make sure we're staying on task. WE GET OFF TASK! And, then, we get back to the real work at hand. Our test is simple-is the sanctuary really and truly a sanctuary? Activities and attitudes that interfere with that banner question are avoided or eliminated. Behaviors and sentiments that answer in the affirmative are amplified and encouraged. Simple! Ya Think?