11 years ago
Friday, October 16, 2009
off to another rescue
tomorrow I am meeting Law Enforcement to rescue some more horses. I have not seen anything, I don't know where we are going. I don't know what they look like or where they will go. But it will be a sad, long day.
Yes it is our business
There is quite a bit of rambling in this post. sorry. but I wrote it in several different sessions and even different days and finally just got tired of rambling and pushed the "publish post" button so here you go.
There have been many dogs and horses rescued around here lately. And a lot of it is making the news too! I am so glad the horses around here are finally getting some respect and help. This is what needs to happen. People have to keep reporting these things when they are unlucky enough to see them, so that other people, those with the authority to act, can then do what they do.
I know for an absolute fact that this is working.
Lately I have been called to assist a Humane Officer with horses in a couple of different situations. The latest was a report of a horse who could barely walk. The report was called in to me, and I always have to explain that I don't have any legal authority but then I always give them the name and number of the right person to call. and I always check to make sure they did call. Well this person did call, right away! And I am so proud of her for following through right away. Then, the person with authority to act, called me and asked me to help. That is exactly how it is supposed to work! The horse owner said he had seen on the internet news all the animals being taken away from people. And there is now a Vet appt. scheduled for the reported lame horse, so its suffering will end, one way or another.
So, it's working. People know that if they don't take care of their horses, there is a good chance they will make the news about it and end up on the wrong side of a legal situation. People know that if they have a sick or injured horse, they need to take it to an equine Vet, or they have a good chance of making the news for it. Not because of the injury, we all know that horses get injured. But because of not dealing with the injury in a humane way. If we own animals, any animals, cows, dogs, cats, horses, we need to expect there will be some Vet needs and Vet bills along the way. And if we don't want to deal with the Vet stuff, then we shouldn't deal with the animals at all. I mean we shouldn't own animals if we aren't going to assume and accept that Vet bills go along with that ownership.
And people also know that if they have too many horses they need to find new homes for them -- before they reach the point of emaciation. And quit breeding so many of them too!
That is why you are not seeing the super skinny horses at the salebarns anymore. Well, that and because the salebarns are telling those people "no."
Because, of course, neglect is neglect. And a person who drops off an emaciated or seriously injured horse at a salebarn should be questioned just as a person anywhere else should be questioned. It used to be that, well, at certain little delapidated salebarns, the owners thought "if I can just make it to the salebarn I won't get in trouble." But this "safe haven" for neglectful horse owners is disappearing too. Which needs to happen.
Horse owners need to not have all of the little excuses and reasons and convenient dumpsites for their unwanted horses. They need to be forced to be responsible horse owners. We have all had plenty of time to become this on our own, just because it's right and because we believe in humane treatment, well, and because a lot of us really do love our horses and we don't want them to be suffering. But others need to be forced to do this. Because they have no heart, they have no compassion.
The person who reported the seriously lame horse told me that she hesitated with her reporting. Many people do. Because, even though they know in their hearts and minds that it is the right thing to do; all of the people telling them "it's none of our business, it's not our horse," makes them think twice. But you know what? It is our business! I told the caller, "you did right, it is our business, anytime we see a living thing suffering, it is our business." I am so proud of this caller for doing what she did. And I am so so so glad we are all starting to understand that horses are horses. They are not "pets" like dogs and cats. And they are not livestock like cows & pigs being raised for slaughter. (The SD Animal Industry Board told me that they know of no one in our state who raises horses for slaughter.) Horses are in a class all their own. Those of us who are fortunate enough to live with horses know this. they are in a class all their own. and it is a very classy class.
I don't know how all the sadness about all the horses around here that need rescuing can possibly bring me happiness. Directly, it doesn't. But the fact that there is so much more help for them now around here, and so many more people understanding the big picture, that makes me happy.
What is the big picture? The big picture is the same as it's been since we started doing rescue 7 years ago. Way back when the slaughterhouses were still open in the US. Way back when you could dump anything off at your little delapidated neighborhood salebarn. Dump them off and drive away, so no one will know it was you that brought them here in that condition. What ever happened to wanting to have the highest selling horse? instead of the lowest selling, skinniest, most neglected horse. The big picture is the same. TOO MANY HORSES. Too many horses being bred & born and then never trained, never dewormed, barely fed, never cared for, never loved, never wanted. Still the same big picture. TOO MANY UNWANTED HORSES!
What has changed is the view and the focus of this big picture. People are getting it, finally!
We cannot continue to empower and encourage people to treat their horses like this and say, "that's okay, it happens."
We have to keep reporting things that look like neglect, people who don't have time and money for horses need to find new homes for them -- before they reach the emaciated state. And people who are breeding their mares and complaining that no one will buy the babies need to quit breeding. WE DO NOT NEED ANYMORE UNWANTED HORSES!
I do not believe there is more neglect going on. How can it be any worse than our cases of Saint Nick and Jack Frost. What I believe is there is more reporting going on and more action being taken. And more people becoming responsible horse owners. More people understanding the Big Picture. Fewer people willing to look the other way, fewer people "bailing out" the irresponsible horse owners, no questions asked. And instead of making it even easier and seemingly ok for these irresponsible owners to treat their horses this way (because that's what we do everytime we bail them out, we empower and encourage them and tell them it's ok), instead of doing that, more people are doing what needs to be done. Looking the neglect straight on, not looking the other way. And telling Authorities there is something wrong, instead of telling the irresponsible owners there is nothing wrong.
It is our business. It is the Earth that we live on, and it is our business.
There have been many dogs and horses rescued around here lately. And a lot of it is making the news too! I am so glad the horses around here are finally getting some respect and help. This is what needs to happen. People have to keep reporting these things when they are unlucky enough to see them, so that other people, those with the authority to act, can then do what they do.
I know for an absolute fact that this is working.
Lately I have been called to assist a Humane Officer with horses in a couple of different situations. The latest was a report of a horse who could barely walk. The report was called in to me, and I always have to explain that I don't have any legal authority but then I always give them the name and number of the right person to call. and I always check to make sure they did call. Well this person did call, right away! And I am so proud of her for following through right away. Then, the person with authority to act, called me and asked me to help. That is exactly how it is supposed to work! The horse owner said he had seen on the internet news all the animals being taken away from people. And there is now a Vet appt. scheduled for the reported lame horse, so its suffering will end, one way or another.
So, it's working. People know that if they don't take care of their horses, there is a good chance they will make the news about it and end up on the wrong side of a legal situation. People know that if they have a sick or injured horse, they need to take it to an equine Vet, or they have a good chance of making the news for it. Not because of the injury, we all know that horses get injured. But because of not dealing with the injury in a humane way. If we own animals, any animals, cows, dogs, cats, horses, we need to expect there will be some Vet needs and Vet bills along the way. And if we don't want to deal with the Vet stuff, then we shouldn't deal with the animals at all. I mean we shouldn't own animals if we aren't going to assume and accept that Vet bills go along with that ownership.
And people also know that if they have too many horses they need to find new homes for them -- before they reach the point of emaciation. And quit breeding so many of them too!
That is why you are not seeing the super skinny horses at the salebarns anymore. Well, that and because the salebarns are telling those people "no."
Because, of course, neglect is neglect. And a person who drops off an emaciated or seriously injured horse at a salebarn should be questioned just as a person anywhere else should be questioned. It used to be that, well, at certain little delapidated salebarns, the owners thought "if I can just make it to the salebarn I won't get in trouble." But this "safe haven" for neglectful horse owners is disappearing too. Which needs to happen.
Horse owners need to not have all of the little excuses and reasons and convenient dumpsites for their unwanted horses. They need to be forced to be responsible horse owners. We have all had plenty of time to become this on our own, just because it's right and because we believe in humane treatment, well, and because a lot of us really do love our horses and we don't want them to be suffering. But others need to be forced to do this. Because they have no heart, they have no compassion.
The person who reported the seriously lame horse told me that she hesitated with her reporting. Many people do. Because, even though they know in their hearts and minds that it is the right thing to do; all of the people telling them "it's none of our business, it's not our horse," makes them think twice. But you know what? It is our business! I told the caller, "you did right, it is our business, anytime we see a living thing suffering, it is our business." I am so proud of this caller for doing what she did. And I am so so so glad we are all starting to understand that horses are horses. They are not "pets" like dogs and cats. And they are not livestock like cows & pigs being raised for slaughter. (The SD Animal Industry Board told me that they know of no one in our state who raises horses for slaughter.) Horses are in a class all their own. Those of us who are fortunate enough to live with horses know this. they are in a class all their own. and it is a very classy class.
I don't know how all the sadness about all the horses around here that need rescuing can possibly bring me happiness. Directly, it doesn't. But the fact that there is so much more help for them now around here, and so many more people understanding the big picture, that makes me happy.
What is the big picture? The big picture is the same as it's been since we started doing rescue 7 years ago. Way back when the slaughterhouses were still open in the US. Way back when you could dump anything off at your little delapidated neighborhood salebarn. Dump them off and drive away, so no one will know it was you that brought them here in that condition. What ever happened to wanting to have the highest selling horse? instead of the lowest selling, skinniest, most neglected horse. The big picture is the same. TOO MANY HORSES. Too many horses being bred & born and then never trained, never dewormed, barely fed, never cared for, never loved, never wanted. Still the same big picture. TOO MANY UNWANTED HORSES!
What has changed is the view and the focus of this big picture. People are getting it, finally!
We cannot continue to empower and encourage people to treat their horses like this and say, "that's okay, it happens."
We have to keep reporting things that look like neglect, people who don't have time and money for horses need to find new homes for them -- before they reach the emaciated state. And people who are breeding their mares and complaining that no one will buy the babies need to quit breeding. WE DO NOT NEED ANYMORE UNWANTED HORSES!
I do not believe there is more neglect going on. How can it be any worse than our cases of Saint Nick and Jack Frost. What I believe is there is more reporting going on and more action being taken. And more people becoming responsible horse owners. More people understanding the Big Picture. Fewer people willing to look the other way, fewer people "bailing out" the irresponsible horse owners, no questions asked. And instead of making it even easier and seemingly ok for these irresponsible owners to treat their horses this way (because that's what we do everytime we bail them out, we empower and encourage them and tell them it's ok), instead of doing that, more people are doing what needs to be done. Looking the neglect straight on, not looking the other way. And telling Authorities there is something wrong, instead of telling the irresponsible owners there is nothing wrong.
It is our business. It is the Earth that we live on, and it is our business.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Oct. 10 is a date of significance
Last night, Oct. 10, Greg & I went to the Paws to Celebrate fundraiser for the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society. What a neat event! great food and lots of wine to sample. I was high bidder for a spay/neuter from one of the Vets in Sioux Falls. I figure Turtle will need to be spayed in a few months.
Seven years ago on Oct. 10 we were also doing Humane Society related things. But it was not so pretty, not so fun. On Oct. 10, 2002, we assisted the Humane Society with the rescue of 17 horses in Turner County. That is where Spirit and Butterscotch came from. They were 2 of the weanlings found locked in a building with no food and water.
SPIRIT AND BUTTERSCOTCH, SEVERAL MONTHS AFTER THEIR RESCUE BACK IN 2002.
BILLIE, ONE OF THE MARES HIDDEN OUT IN THE TREES ON THE RESCUE OCT. 10, 2002.
I think one thing that has changed over these 7 years is that people are not as afraid to report these situations of starvation. I could never understand this fear anyway. People afraid of getting their "good neighbor" in trouble. What I DON'T understand is how people can look at these animals and NOT report it.
Anyway, I just thought it quite interesting that Oct. 10 should be so eventful for us.
Oh, and this year Oct. 10 involved Law Enforcement just as it did 7 years ago during the horse rescue. But this year, it was because Greg got picked up for speeding on the way home. 65 in a 55.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Accepting sponsors and models for 2011 calendar
Three of our Unbridled Beauties Models have volunteered to be in a 2011 calendar, so I guess the request is officially open to people and businesses interested in sponsoring and/or modeling for an Unbridled Beauties of DoubleHP 2011 Calendar.
Our 2010s are available for sale, and we still have a few 2009s left.
(this was our first one),
if you would like to start a collection of them.
For info. about the 2011 calendar plans, go here. http://www.ubcalendar.blogspot.com/
the photos here are the 2010 inside cover pages (The Wanted Poster, these 2 pages go together top & bottom when you open up the front cover)
The bib overalls on the fence is the 2010 cover photo, the sepia with guitar is the 2010 Centerfold, and the last one here is the 2009 cover photo. As you can see, the theme is "conservatively sexy".
But if you don't like that, or if you are afraid to admit that you do, we have another calendar that is also available for sale. That is our 2010 Horses Only desktop calendar. Those photos are horses only, horses that live at DoubleHP Horse Shelter.
you will find info. about both of these calendars on our DoubleHP website. http://www.doublehphorses.org/
if you have any questions or want to order by phone, just give me a call. 605 359-0961. thanks, Darci, Moonshine's Mom.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
turtle, week 2
Turtle is doing better. She can walk now without tipping over. I don't think there is a neurological thing. I think she was just that weak. She continues to eat well and has now even tried the dry crunchy food. I am always glad when we get to this point. Not as messy. I still give her canned beefy/gravy stuff though too. and the kitty chow with warm water. we take turns. She still has some sneezes but her eyes are a lot better.
VOLUNTEER NEEDED: During Oct. 20 to Nov. 4, 2 of our chore helpers will both be gone. We could really use a volunteer. not necessarily all of these days. mostly Monday Wednesday Thursday Friday. the best would be a.m. or early afternoon for 2 or 3 hours. could you please let me know if you could help out on one or more of these days. mostly cleaning stalls & pens. Thanks, Darci.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
so the little kitty will feel better Amen
Today was Christina Antonsen's birthday party. Her birthday was several months ago, right after her family returned from Ann Arbor Michigan where her little brother Paul had not one but two open heart surgeries. He had already had two in previous years. Paul is 5. Christina's little sister Amanda actually had her birthday party in Michigan during Paul's surgeries. Christina wanted to have her party here, with the horses. So we waited until Mom Deb could get it all figured out for the whole family to be here and a cake and stuff.
So today was the day! We got out Prince and Flicka and the kids wanted Prince to be completely clean before we put the saddle on. I told them they better put up a tent with supplies. With this recent rain, well, the horses, have had wonderful mud rolling opportunities and took full advantage of it all. They did a nice job of brushing the horses out though. (okay, so Dad Randy helped a little). And around and around and around and around and around and around and around and around and around the arena we went. Today was the first day I can remember Gabe wanting to ride. He liked it too! The kids were all very interested in the new kitten Turtle. Turtle is getting stronger every day. She had a good day today. Before we had birthday cake, Paul suggested a prayer. And he delivered. The gist of it, which was entirely clear, was "we pray for the little kitty so it will feel better, Jesus, Amen"
Friday, October 2, 2009
bugs and turtles and too many horses
this bug photo is from a few days ago. when it was still warm out. it's been cold and windy and today rain all day long. Did I miss summer? I can't remember having one this year.
new kitty Turtle is some better. She went to the Vet on Monday. RJ went along. RJ got some shots and got spayed. Turtle got some blood drawn. She doesn't have any of those deadly catchy kitty things. so we decided she needed a chance. Dr. Michelle kind of thought she might have a neurological disorder. that would fit with Greg's observance of her not walking right. But now she seems to be doing better. Maybe she was just that weak and cold and dehydrated. she has a long ways to go and I spose it could go either way. but she is eating and drinking and pooping. (sounds like my horse evaluations).
I got a call from a woman who needs a new home for her old mare. They brought a new gelding and stallion home, put them in a separate pasture, and the old mare is acting "out of control," running the fence, etc. The woman thought the mare didn't want the boys there. I asked her if she considered the possibility that she was acting that way because she wanted to be with them (well, the gelding would be good anyway). anyway, I tried to convince her to find a way to keep the mare. she has arthritis etc. and can't be ridden. told her things would probably be better if the stallion wasn't there. what I really suggested is that she have a trainer type person or at least a very experienced horse handler type person come and take a look at the situation. Maybe the mare just wants to be with the gelding. I can't tell from here, but with all the hundreds of horses needing new homes, we all really need to try to keep our old, lame, unrideables. I really cannot imagine kicking my old guys out just to make room for younger ones.
here is a link for you.
there are 2 huge horse adoption/auction type things. One is the 80 some horses rescued on SD Indian Reservation last winter. the other is a wild horse herd in ND. 90 or so I think. I don't believe either agency is putting breeding restrictions on these sales/adoptions. They are missing the whole point. They need to quit breeding these horses.
just want you to know what it's like out there. hundreds and hundreds of ponies available. Do we need to add any more to the pot right now?
here's the link for the SD horses. http://www.ospra.org/pages/default.aspx
I couldn't get the one for the ND ones to work but here's what i have.
http://www.grandforksherald.com/event/article/id/134784/
new kitty Turtle is some better. She went to the Vet on Monday. RJ went along. RJ got some shots and got spayed. Turtle got some blood drawn. She doesn't have any of those deadly catchy kitty things. so we decided she needed a chance. Dr. Michelle kind of thought she might have a neurological disorder. that would fit with Greg's observance of her not walking right. But now she seems to be doing better. Maybe she was just that weak and cold and dehydrated. she has a long ways to go and I spose it could go either way. but she is eating and drinking and pooping. (sounds like my horse evaluations).
I got a call from a woman who needs a new home for her old mare. They brought a new gelding and stallion home, put them in a separate pasture, and the old mare is acting "out of control," running the fence, etc. The woman thought the mare didn't want the boys there. I asked her if she considered the possibility that she was acting that way because she wanted to be with them (well, the gelding would be good anyway). anyway, I tried to convince her to find a way to keep the mare. she has arthritis etc. and can't be ridden. told her things would probably be better if the stallion wasn't there. what I really suggested is that she have a trainer type person or at least a very experienced horse handler type person come and take a look at the situation. Maybe the mare just wants to be with the gelding. I can't tell from here, but with all the hundreds of horses needing new homes, we all really need to try to keep our old, lame, unrideables. I really cannot imagine kicking my old guys out just to make room for younger ones.
here is a link for you.
there are 2 huge horse adoption/auction type things. One is the 80 some horses rescued on SD Indian Reservation last winter. the other is a wild horse herd in ND. 90 or so I think. I don't believe either agency is putting breeding restrictions on these sales/adoptions. They are missing the whole point. They need to quit breeding these horses.
just want you to know what it's like out there. hundreds and hundreds of ponies available. Do we need to add any more to the pot right now?
here's the link for the SD horses. http://www.ospra.org/pages/default.aspx
I couldn't get the one for the ND ones to work but here's what i have.
http://www.grandforksherald.com/event/article/id/134784/
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