Lighting A Candle...

From Jim: The old saying, "Better to light a candle, than curse the dark" sure fits the rescue/sanctuary business. We get calls and E mails several times a week asking for help with some poor horse that has fallen on really tough times. We do what we can. The reality is that with 80 critters, we're full. We're just barely keeping up with the costs of feed and care and Donna and I are not youngsters anymore. The six or so hours of daily work to maintain the herd is about all we can do and still keep the household going. This is not a rant, and please don't take it as one. It's a request that more of you great folks step up and rescue a horse, donkey, or mule that has run out of options. We, our society, needs more homes for these critters. It's a reality that cannot be "opinioned" away. The issue of slaughter as a solution is repugnant and wrong. The failure to control irresponsible breeding and to enforce animal protection is inexcusable. The notion that it's just someone else's problem is a cop out of the highest order. If you have the room for a needy critter, then you really need to step up. It is never the animal's fault that our kind is so incapable of getting it right. For those of us who "get it", there's a moral mandate to do the right thing. You'll have opportunities to make choices that require sacrifice and selflessness. You'll find a million reasons why you just can't "be there" for a suffering animal. Well, Yes you can! It will be difficult and expensive and people will tell you you're crazy. There will be heartaches and headaches by the number. It will be one of the best things you've ever done for yourself! You will touch the face of that sweet creature and look into those soft eyes and your soul will rejoice! You will be a better person. I'm not selling snake oil here, folks. I'm telling you the truth as I've come to know it. Loving and caring for a living thing that truly needs you is an act of kindness that you just shouldn't miss out on, Really!