Rescue frustration (or sometimes we can't do anything right!)

[cowgirljenn]

As background: many of you know, I run Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society. I'm a Certified Humane Investigator and have been involved in rescue for years. I've been involved in many neglect/abuse investigations, I've been involved in seizures, I've gone to court, I've rehabbed horses on my own dime. I do this because I feel like I should and feel like it is where I belong. Most of the time, I love what I do. Now, I don't LIKE seeing abuse and neglect, but I like that I can help (if that makes sense).

For many reasons (the economy, drought, etc.), neglect cases are on the rise. Two months ago, we were involved in a seizure of 57 horses and ended up with 33 of them (24 went to another rescue). We then took in misc. horses from neglect cases, a stray horse, and this past week we took in six abandoned mares.

Our rescue has over 100 horses in foster homes, over half of them are available for adoption. We actively seek adopters - we advertise on-line, in print ads in horse magazines, via Craigslist, etc. We hang flyers, we talk to people. We send horses to professional trainers to make them more adoptable. We've revised our adoption policies to enable adopters to rehome their horses if they need to (with some restrictions) instead of requiring the horse to come back to BEHS if they can't keep them.

We almost never take in donated horses - our horses come from neglect cases, are abandoned or found wandering as strays (estray).
So... my frustration? A week or so ago, we got a report of neglect in NE Texas. I am out of state for a month with a terminally ill mother, so I started searching for a volunteer who could drive by and verify there were horses there before we got law enforcement involved. We started getting emails and phone calls about how we were not doing anything. We explained we're working on it, but the org. is primarily volunteer-run and we can't be everywhere at once.

So on Friday, the sheriff's office decided they want to seize the horses. I said that we're full and cannot take them in - I have NO MORE foster homes, NO MORE space. There's no where for these horses to go. They call again and I tell them if the sheriff's office can find a place for the horses to stay a few months and will pay for hay/grain, then I'll take them into the rescue but that's the best I can do (that gives us time to move out some horses, get some new foster homes). I also offer our volunteer man-power to help perform the seizure and a volunteer to go to court to testify. I'm doing what I can...

So I tell the complainants who are emailing that we cannot take the horses in but that this has been turned over to the sheriff's department.

And I get blasted for 'dropping the ball' and 'letting the horses die'.

And I've heard that several times "If you don't take those horses in, they're going to starve to death and it is your fault". The public puts rescues in an impossible position - we should only take in what we can handle (I agree). And when we reach that point for the first time in -11 years-, we get yelled at for not taking them in, for not pushing ourselves beyond our limits. So we're damned if we do, damned if we don't.

In this case, the horses have been seized - but I don't know what's going to happen to them. We're reaching out to other rescues to see if they can take them (oh, and they're stallions. Isn't that just great?). If they can't - what do we do? Will horse rescues be forced to start euthanizing horses like dog/cat rescues euthanize cats? And how many people will scream then?

I realize this is mostly a big vent - but maybe it'll reach some of those people who think rescues can take in every horse that comes their way. And they'll think twice before criticizing the hell out of good rescues who are forced to say no.

[Laurierace]

No good deed goes unpunished. You are echoing the cry of every rescuer. My favorite is "if you don't take this horse right now I am sending him to slaughter." "Sorry, I can't take your horse right now." "You mean you are just going to let him die!!??" Hello, I am not the one sending him to slaughter, you are so you are the one letting him die. Ugh. Just do the best you can, the ones you do help are eternally grateful.
BTW, I am all for humane euthanasia regardless of the circumstances.

[Skeezix]

Jenn,

It's the age old blame game :( Everyone is really quick to pass the buck on and blame someone else for not being able to fix the mess. Too many times forgetting how those poor horses got that way in the first place. You can't be everywhere and everyone at once. And these same folks who are blasting away are really quick to forget just how much you have done and that you can only do but so much. Wonder how many of those "blasters" have shown up to help--either with their dollars or their sweat!

Many many good thoughts coming your way . . .

[magnolia73]

I think you should tell the complainers how much it costs to care for the horses and ask for a nice donation with their complaint. They can offer to foster or adopt even. You are right- you can not take on more horses than you can care for.

If you take on more than you can manage, you'd become the problem!

[Coreene]

Jen,[edit] You do a spectacular job, everyone knows you do a spectacular job, and the short-sighted douchebags who can't see past the end of their own noses can go take a flying screw at the moon. Much to be said for a good "What part of 'TOTALLY FULL' can't you understand?!?" Turn it into a media opportunity of how it's so bad now that even the rescues are overflowing and build that into more donations. There's always lemonade to be made from the lemons. :yes:

[Bluey]

Don't take those people seriously.
I would guess those are kids in the summer, time on their hands, reading animal rights sites and just doing what kids do, overreacting and don't really know the real situation how life works and sometimes doesn't.

The economy is bad, the new administration scary to most in business, because no one knows how what it is doing will affect them, so they are backing off hiring, or even cutting back and letting people go.

There is more to what is happening with abandoned horses than just an oversupply of horses and people not caring for them.:(

I said before that we were heading for animal control now having to take in and euthanize unwanted horses, just as they do dogs and cats.
No one paid attention then, but it is about there now here too.:cry:

[Tamara in TN]

Our rescue has over 100 horses in foster homes, over half of them are available for adoption.
Will horse rescues be forced to start euthanizing horses like dog/cat rescues euthanize cats? And how many people will scream then?
.


I hope you take this in the spirit it is intended...but maybe you need to have a needle party...you know what stands any chance at all of finding a superior home...you are a rescue not a hospice for horses....

regards

[cowgirljenn]

My favorite is "if you don't take this horse right now I am sending him to slaughter." "Sorry, I can't take your horse right now." "You mean you are just going to let him die!!??" Hello, I am not the one sending him to slaughter, you are so you are the one letting him die. Ugh.

I've been ignoring that line for years. :) We get dozens of emails per week from people wanting us to take their horses .... once in a while, we make an exception and take in a horse, but it is rare. I've been told if I don't, the horse will go to slaughter - but I cannot help that. I decided my focus is on the neglected, abused, and abandoned. I give owners info on how they can rehome their horses themselves, and if they decide to ignore that info, I can't help them.

(I'm not as cold as I sound - I DO care about the fate of those horses people want to donate. But I had to narrow my focus years ago to avoid being overrun. And neglect/abuse is why I got into rescue, not to take in horses people wanted to dump off).

[cowgirljenn]

I hope you take this in the spirit it is intended...but maybe you need to have a needle party...you know what stands any chance at all of finding a superior home...you are a rescue not a hospice for horses....

regards

I did/do take it in the spirit it is intended - and think about doing just that often. And we're already probably quicker to put horses down than a lot of rescues. I just cannot pour thousands of dollars into one horse with poor prognosis and ignore dozens others who could be rehomed. I think there are worse things than euthanasia...

I've "grown" or "changed" thanks to rescue. A year or two ago, I might have screamed at you for suggesting such a thing. Now I think about it quite often and wonder how handle increased euthanasias without costing us donations, volunteers, etc. (everything is a balancing act!)

[Tamara in TN]

(I'm not as cold as I sound - I DO care about the fate of those horses people want to donate. But I had to narrow my focus years ago to avoid being overrun. And neglect/abuse is why I got into rescue, not to take in horses people wanted to dump off).

Calvin said a man came to buy hay yesterday morning...he said he was going to give one of his MANY horses to a rescue because it had navicular and he wanted it to " just wander around a big field the rest of it's life" because he "didn't have the heart to put him down"

ok, you'll condemn this 6 yo to stumble around a pasture in search of food on navicular feet for the next 20 yos because you don't have the heart to kill him??

grief...I thought "grow up and do the right thing by that animal"

[Angela Freda]

It's incredibly frustrating.
The rescue I volunteer with seems to run the same way you do, not really taking donated horses but the most needy, before they end up somewhere dire. It is incredibly frustrating to clean up other peoples messes [whether their fault or not] and then get slammed by others who think you're not doing enough, fast enough, long enough.

Then there are those rescues' who rake in dough and aren't really saving horses, but brokering/dealing in sales horses. Those take donations that could do so, so much more [save more, rehab more, advocate for more] in another organization. *sigh* like that is ever going to change any time soon, though.

I feel very strongly in that idea that this 'problem' we are seeing is not just for rescues and law enforcement, but the horse community as a whole to step up and do what we can. If we each did what we could, either volunteering, donating, or offering help to an individual who is about to slip closer to the slippery abyss... perhaps we could start to make a dent.

The bottom line, one that so many just do not get, euthanasia is not inhumane and for many [the horse getting put down and the horse who can then have that horses spot in a rescue] it is the kindest answer available right now. Let's hope that changes soon, until then we really have to be painfully realistic.

[Tamara in TN]

I've "grown" or "changed" thanks to rescue. A year or two ago, I might have screamed at you for suggesting such a thing. Now I think about it quite often and wonder how handle increased euthanasias without costing us donations, volunteers, etc. (everything is a balancing act!)

I had the same talk about 8 yos ago with a nice lady here...she was annoyed but in the end rescuing past "pulling out of a burning trailer" must be a logical decision made on the quality of life an animal will have...

I cannot tell you how many people have come here after getting a "rescue" and they ask basically for the nastiest,cheapest hay and complain about the animals' many problems...I am certain that is not what the rescue had in mind when they sent them out to the folks...

just something to think about...a fav vet of mine says about shelter dogs "we can only place in society what society wants in their lives" there comes a point where "horse society" will not want <x> animals...due to age or illness or disposition or whatever...you are essentially a "shelter" for horses...and killing more than a few of them will be a natural result...

and perhaps a kindness...

best

[Angela Freda]

just something to think about...a fav vet of mine says about shelter dogs "we can only place in society what society wants in their lives" there comes a point where "horse society" will not want <x> animals...Adding to this, we're also so many generations away [in many cases] from the agricultural society we were. Thanks to that so many dive in without knowing what they are getting into. They then do not want to deal with the dirty or ugly aspects of animal stewardship, for a lack of understanding that it's not always pretty, clean or 'butterflies an rainbows'.
We're a society who wants to take 6 months of lessons and then waltz out into the ring and take the blue in every class, without learning how to clean a stall, saddle the horse or actually ride more than one push button horse.
Horsemanship, in my mind, is dead. And to be honest, we stood by while it was murdered.
Things are not going to get better until we are all better horseman and stewards.

[Wayside]

I'm sure it's incredibly difficult, but you made the right decision. And though people are lashing out in frustration, I'm sure that anyone with half a lick of sense knows that you're doing the right thing by taking in only what you can manage.

You don't sound cold-hearted at all. You sound realistic, and sad as it may be, sometimes it takes a healthy dose of realism and practicality to make things actually work.

I was in the position of actually needing a pasture puff about a year and a half ago, and knowing I could only afford to bring home ONE horse was bad enough. You have my sympathy.

Thanks for making the tough call, and doing right by the animals already in your care.

[Bluey]

---"just something to think about...a fav vet of mine says about shelter dogs "we can only place in society what society wants in their lives" there comes a point where "horse society" will not want <x> animals...due to age or illness or disposition or whatever...you are essentially a "shelter" for horses...and killing more than a few of them will be a natural result..."---

So, I will bring up the elephant in the room everyone so carefully avoids, that slaughter was a way to have one more use of some of those unwanted horses, rather than now those horses adding to the problem we hvae always had of some horses that didn't get adequate care.

Slaughter may have had many problems, but if we had worked on them, no matter how long that would have taken, not closing slaughter blindly, we maybe would have enough room and assets still to help the truly needy horses that fall in bad situations.

[cowgirljenn]

grief...I thought "grow up and do the right thing by that animal"

When people call/email us with those types of horses, I've told them that they need to discuss making a 'quality of life' decision with their veterinarian.

Most recently it was someone with a mustang gelding that bites, kicks and attacks people. Our fostering coordinator told her she needed to put the horse down. The woman said, 'Oh no, I am an animal lover. I can't kill him!'

We even offered to PAY for the euthanasia if that was the issue - but no, she's an animal lover. (rolling my eyes) We, on the other hands, are animal haters I guess. :)

[Angela Freda]

---"just something to think about...a fav vet of mine says about shelter dogs "we can only place in society what society wants in their lives" there comes a point where "horse society" will not want <x> animals...due to age or illness or disposition or whatever...you are essentially a "shelter" for horses...and killing more than a few of them will be a natural result..."---

So, I will bring up the elephant in the room everyone so carefully avoids, that slaughter was a way to have one more use of some of those unwanted horses, rather than now those horses adding to the problem we hvae always had of some horses that didn't get adequate care.

Slaughter may have had many problems, but if we had worked on them, no matter how long that would have taken, not closing slaughter blindly, we maybe would have enough room and assets still to help the truly needy horses that fall in bad situations.
As many or more horses are going to slaughter this year as last and the year before when there were plants here in the US. Slaughter is still a very viable, legal and booming business in this country.

That navicular horse who is in need of retirement is not legal to ship, per USDA regulations if he can not bear wt. on each leg.
The skinny ones who are part of a neglect case aren't what the plants want.
The one full of cancer the person cannot afford to put down ins not what the slaughter plants wants.

Slaughter is not a business designed to help dispose of our 'garbage', it's a business that relies on 'quality' animals in good weight to feed a demand.
Does it reduce the number in our country? Sure.
Does it take the nicer horses [sound, decent wt., etc]? Yes
Does it encourage breeders to keep breeding [whether quality horses or not] providing an outlet for their 'culls'? Yes.
Do they offer top dollar for those animals they then make multi millions off of? Uh no.
Unless and until slaughter actually takes any animal, all conditions, they really can not say they are helping with the 'horesy overpopulation problem'.

[cowgirljenn]

So, I will bring up the elephant in the room everyone so carefully avoids, that slaughter was a way to have one more use of some of those unwanted horses, rather than now those horses adding to the problem we hvae always had of some horses that didn't get adequate care.

Slaughter may have had many problems, but if we had worked on them, no matter how long that would have taken, not closing slaughter blindly, we maybe would have enough room and assets still to help the truly needy horses that fall in bad situations.

I'm not shooting you down - but I see a couple of issues.

The big one is - I can't blame the increase in neglect on not having slaughter as an option. Horses are still shipping out of Texas - and these people we end up seizing horses from don't want their horses going to slaughter. Most of them wouldn't send their horses to an auction even when given that option by law enforcement (the 'You can take your horses to auction and get something out of them or we're going to seize them and you are going to go to court' deal has been offered to many of these people).

And as a rescuer, if I took in horses to send them to slaughter, that would be the end of my rescue. I'm not speaking from MY emotional place where I can't stand slaughter here, either. But from the view of the donors, the foster homes, the adopters. They would run for the hills.

I think the closure of US slaughter houses may be a bigger issue in increased neglect and abuse in places further from the border. I can't imagine hauling horse from he midwest to a Mexican slaughter house could be at all profitable right now, but there are still slaughter buyers at work in Texas.

I do understand where you are coming from, Bluey (I think). If we're to the point of talking about euthanizing horses we don't have room for, it seems a shame to waste anything useful. I'm not so attached to the "bodies" once the horses are gone (although I might change my tune when it is one of my personal horses).

It is a tough subject all around (rescue frustrations, slaughter, what to do with the horses, etc.).

[Bluey]

I agree to all you have to say, but in our area, the closing of slaughter definitively was the main reason horses are being abandoned, as a very direct result, as it is too far to travel to get just a few here for those traders that bought the lower end horses.

Now, traders are only concentrating in the places that are closer to the foreign plants.
That disrupted the horse market where they are not so nicely situated, as here.

That is why the closing of the plants caused horses to be abandoned, in our area and I have heard many others.
I know that was not the only reason, but it is one more reason.

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

Jenn - I know, I know. And I am so, so sorry.

That is why we started Special Horses, to help out because many of us can't foster, and to help educate.

Big hugs. I know this is an especially difficult time for you. I just wish these people could see the situation from your eyes.

[FatPalomino]

As someone else said, no good dead goes unpunished.

I've seen first hand how folks involved in rescues and seizures will lie and throw the one honest person under the bus. The only was I can explain it is that: people can really suck and life can really be unfair.

I've found out firsthand, if you try to help the horses all the time and always be available to do the right thing in a volunteer based organization, you'll do so at the of yourself and your family. Then, who is left to care for the horses? One thing I will guarantee is that the critics won't be there to help.

Take care of yourself, first. And, hang in there ;)

[poltroon]

I thank you for all you do, and I thank you for not letting yourself get overextended.

[Classic Melody]

Jenn, I am so sorry that you have to deal with so many frustrations, considering all the good work you do. I know you're not begging, but simply stating your situation. Still, I just made a donation, and I hope others will too.

And if it comes to the "needle party" for the worse cases, then it comes to that. You give the horses a better ending than they would otherwise have. Don't waste your time or energy on "complainers."

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

Bluebonnet is a fabulous organization and, as for so many, donations are way down. So any bit of help is appreciated!

[YoTambien]

The world is filled with backseat drivers and Monday Morning Quarterbackers. And the folks who complain the loudest are usually the same people who will not donate one dime or expend the slightest effort to help out.

All you can do is keep doing what you feel, in your heart, is the right thing to do. Sometimes you have to let up for a bit because no one can be a rescue machine - it takes too large of a toll on your family and personal life.

[lemonpoppy]

I think anyone who has any experience in large or small animal rescue understands the finite nature of shelter space and volunteer time.

I know it's easy to say and hard to do, but please don't be too discouraged by the few people who don't understand this basic fact of taking care of animals. I think the vast majority of us do understand, and we really, really appreciate the work you do.

[Tamara in TN]

Now I think about it quite often and wonder how handle increased euthanasias without costing us donations, volunteers, etc. (everything is a balancing act!)


had somethings to do earlier but now I'm baaaaacccckkk :)

anyway....I have a needle party about once a year...most of my horses are teens to the oldest at 30....and I see it this way...horses are made to do <X>

run
fart
fight
play
trot
roll
splash in water
commune with other horses

and so on....when something come up that makes <x> things hard I take
a SERIOUS look at things for them...if an old gelding with ringbone constantly hobbles along behind his best herd mates in pain even low and chronic I am doing him an injustice...now sometimes I can modify things a bit and make him happier but sometimes that is only for awhile and then we make the call...

why should you be hampered in your decisions by a fear of losing donations...do you want the money of someone who thinks keeping totally blind horses in 24x24 pens (while fat and fed and watered and on and on) is just peachy ?

how can anyone see that as kindness???

I don't...I don't think you do..horse people I hang out with would not...there are hard things to think about...and honestly it's not like you take and ad out and say "we are killing these on friday the 22nd"

you simply say "Dobbin was put down to complications of chronic pain,RIP Dobbin" or whatever the reason was....

who knows your donations might increase.....?

best

[equinelaw]

When the fine people of Texas voted to strengthen and enforce animal welfare laws, why was no $$$ set aside to care for the animals that were seized? Its such a strange thing that when a criminal law is enforced civilians with donations must do the work.

Do rescues have to house the criminals too? Its a transitional phase where everybody wants to do the right thing, but they are not ready or willing to pay for it. The police seize horses and you pay for it. They should be funded to help pay for it. Somebody has to be taxed to take care of all these horses. It can't be all your responsibility.

Tell the people to stop yelling at you and to start yelling at their legislators.

[Laurierace]

Just out of curiousity, do you get funds from the city/state/county/whatever when you do agree to take one of their seizures? There is a local "rescue" here who does do good work by the horses it takes but will only take seizures as they are paid a daily rate by the county. Then they solicit donations on top of that. To me that is an employee not a rescue, but whatever. I do think if you are on the payroll you have to be a little more accomodating when they knock on your door with another seizure even if that means someone has to get put down to make room. It definitely sucks either way.

[Larksmom]

:sadsmile::( I am so sorry so many asshats are pestering you at the moment, and I cannot offer anything financial at the mo, because i have just been hit myself with nearly $500 in small animal vet bills this month. But the real reason I am writing, is in sympathy for you about your mom. How heartbreaking you are dealing with this, and people bleating to you to do something maybe they should do themselves. So sorry

[Fixerupper]

The police seize horses and you pay for it. They should be funded to help pay for it. Somebody has to be taxed to take care of all these horses. It can't be all your responsibility.
Tell the people to stop yelling at you and to start yelling at their legislators.

That sounds so.....Canadian ;)

Recently in Toronto a branch of the Humane Society was investigated because they were 'alleged' to be allowing animals to 'suffer to death' because they have a 'no euthanasia' policy. Another (small animal) rescue was in the news because they refused to euthanize a dog that had been adopted out and subsequently attacked the new owner's child.
Humane euthanasia is not slaughter and it is not cruelty. In tough times it becomes necessary to triage in order not to over-extend the availability of care.

However, under any but extreme circumstances, it is a very painful process for the people and not why they got into rescue.
No easy answer.

[equinelaw]

Really? Do they do that up there?

[Fixerupper]

As someone else said, no good dead goes unpunished.

Sorry..but this did make me smile ;)

[Fixerupper]

Really? Do they do that up there?

What? investigate or have 'no euthanasia' policies?

[JSwan]

And I've heard that several times "If you don't take those horses in, they're going to starve to death and it is your fault". The public puts rescues in an impossible position - we should only take in what we can handle (I agree). And when we reach that point for the first time in -11 years-, we get yelled at for not taking them in, for not pushing ourselves beyond our limits. So we're damned if we do, damned if we don't.

Will horse rescues be forced to start euthanizing horses like dog/cat rescues

I'm sorry that you are losing your mother.

I've heard that as well (for dogs). The difference between a good rescue and a bad rescue is that you DO say no when you know you can't possibly take in more. It's the bad rescues that keep taking and taking them in - with no way to feed or care for them.

I've said it before but I'll say it again - ever notice the people that bitch about your rescue the loudest never bother to open their wallet? Just sayin'. :no:

But as to euthanizing, you know... that's a hard one but dog rescues have to do the same thing. A good rescue should euthanize the ones with chronic disease, or are unadoptable for some reason. Perhaps horse rescues with a "no-kill" policy or that are bursting at the seams might want to think on that a little.

If the primary purpose is to rescue neglect or cruelty cases - having a rescue full of horses that aren't being adopted turns you into more of a sanctuary or retirement facility - which means you will not be poised to take in animals in dire straits.

Guess the same morons that castigate you now would burst a blood vessel if they found out you were forced to euthanize unadoptable horses. But I bet they still wouldn't offer a stall or pasture for one, much less write a check.



Please don't take that as criticism of you or your rescue because that's not my intent.

[Ajierene]

Personally, if I ran a rescue and got any mail stating that I was 'not doing my job' or 'letting horses die' when I did not overtax myself from horses, I would have a canned response that states something kin to:

I draw no salary from the rescue. Horse care costs X amount per horse, per month, the rescues gets about X dollars per month and the rescue has X number of horses in their care right now. Donations are appreciated, as Rescue cannot operate without donations and foster homes are always needed. Please let us know what you are willing to do to help these horses in need, since this rescue is nothing without the help of wonderful citizens such as yourself.

On another note, I cannot stand rescues that beg for money and are overrun with pasture pets. I can understand a horse not being on the adoptable list because it is gaining weight, resolving a health or behavioral issue. I believe a rescue takes the responsibility to help horses in need. It is not to house pasture pets because they are 'animal lovers'. Similar to a shelter, animals with certain issues that will make adopting them difficult. Pasture pets, special needs, older horses. It is not an easy decision, but animal ownership of any kind has its hard decisions.

[MunchkinsMom]

Big hugs. I know this is an especially difficult time for you. I just wish these people could see the situation from your eyes.

Ditto to that.

Today as I was mowing my pastures, next to a 17 acre farm that has been vacant for over a year, I was thinking it is such a shame that the farm is going to waste, when there are horses out there that could use the pasture land right now. What a shame that the owners (and at this point I have no idea who owns it now) could not donate the use of the land to the local rescues to use until the property is sold.

There are probably forclosed farms out there in the same boat, the banks might even be paying folks to mow the fields, etc, when a herd of horses could help keep it cleaned up.

Just a random thought I had today.

[danceronice]

Is it random people writing in? Or is it people at the sherrif's department getting on your case? Because if it's the latter...geez. You're not a state or municiple agency, you're a private organization who has been nice to help out *when you're able*. It's not your fault if they seized first, worried about where to put them later. If it's the former, I second the suggestion of a canned response explaining that a responsible rescue only takes in animals that it can pay for, and if they are concerned, donations are welcome.

[HorsesinHaiti]

As background:
Our rescue has over 100 horses in foster homes, over half of them are available for adoption. We actively seek adopters ....
I have NO MORE foster homes, NO MORE space. There's no where for these horses to go. .... I'm doing what I can...
..... The public puts rescues in an impossible position - we should only take in what we can handle (I agree). And when we reach that point for the first time in -11 years-, we get yelled at for not taking them in, for not pushing ourselves beyond our limits. So we're damned if we do, damned if we don't...


Oh Jenn, do I feel for you. Because they didn’t want to let anyone down, the group I work for kept running deficits trying to keep all services open here, to 'not let any PEOPLE die'... and pushed it so far beyond its limits that our financial base has crashed and now we have to drop at least half our dispensaries and hope these very rural communities and other organizations in just as bad a shape can somehow, in a few months, ensure basic health care to tens of thousands of people. If our group had admitted even a year ago that they were overextended, then the transition could have been made with time enough to get things handed over well. If they’d paid attention a decade to exactly the warning you are citing, we wouldn’t have put the key services at risk.
Hold your ground. I’m afraid there will be plenty enough non-profits dying off in this economy for you to have bogeyman stories to tell these people.

[FatPalomino]

HorsesinHaiti: send you an email, but it bounced. Can you PM me with your email?

I agree with her statement that many non profits won't make in through this recession. I've asked everyone I know to support the good non profits who may make it through... we need them.

[HorsesinHaiti]

Yet another economic casualty, I think: I suddenly can't get logged into my email and the error message suggests that the host group didn't pay its bill....

I changed the email address in my profile.

[equinelaw]

What? investigate or have 'no euthanasia' policies?

I thought you meant they had public support for rescues that take in public problems.

[Fixerupper]

Sadly no.
I was referring to the attitude toward the government taxing to provide for the 'public good'.
Though here, if I remember correctly, if racehorses are 'donated' to recognized rehab/re-home programs the owner can get a tax credit.

[cowgirljenn]

had somethings to do earlier but now I'm baaaaacccckkk :)

anyway....I have a needle party about once a year...most of my horses are teens to the oldest at 30....and I see it this way...horses are made to do <X>

run
fart
fight
play
trot
roll
splash in water
commune with other horses

and so on....when something come up that makes <x> things hard I take
a SERIOUS look at things for them...


That's pretty much how we already handle it. We have a couple who are on my 'watch list'....

When I start thinking about euthanasia, I start thinking about those who aren't quite there yet.... those who have had a good year or so with the rescue but are very old or 'pasture puffs' and who just aren't going to find homes.

Mine's complicated a bit because I'm not the ones caring for these guys - they're in foster homes who would throw a fit if I "pulled the plug" on their fosters.

But we already aren't a group who will put thousands into one horse or keep them drugged up to keep them semi-comfortable. I don't find that fair to them, to the rescue or to the other horses who need help.

[cowgirljenn]

Just out of curiousity, do you get funds from the city/state/county/whatever when you do agree to take one of their seizures?

No, we get no federal, state, county, or city funding. I've had one case we did in Arkansas where the owner was ordered to pay restitution. To date, he has not (and he'll probably spend some time in jail for that, but that's all). I've had one or two cases in one of our better counties where the other had to pay the horses' expenses from the time they were seized until the time they were awarded to us (10 days), but after that we were on our own.

Equinelaw - I agree with you. There needs to be money set aside for caring for the animals. But that's just not going to happen. In the 10+ years I've done this, I HAVE seen changes. In the beginning, owners never faced criminal charges - the authorities thought losing their horses was a big enough punishment. Now, most owners also face criminal charges. And just recently, a judge ordered an owner to pay quite a bit of restitution to the rescue - so I am hoping that'll catch on.

Change takes time.. unfortunately.. and I have to remember that.

[cowgirljenn]

I wanted to thank you all - for letting me vent, for your ideas, for your support, for bolstering my resolve.

The seizure of the horses in questioned happened Sat. It was done under our name - but we're reaching out to other rescues and will transfer the horses to other rescues. I am using this as a way to seek out other good rescues and band together, but there will be more neglect cases that no one group can handle on its own.

And I'm devoting some time to really promoting the rescue, bringing in new volunteers and reaching out to find new adopters. I've got a couple of neglect cases we'll be calling various sheriff's departments on this week, and we'll be telling each one of them that we CANNOT help by taking the horses in but can instead help by educating the owners or assisting another group with the mechanics of a seizure (trailering horses, documenting their conditions, etc.).

It isn't going to get any easier any time soon, I fear.

And, for those with condolences with my mom - I appreciate it. It is a rough time and a horrible disease. The doctor has finally labeled it terminal (3-6 months) and we're just doing what we can.

[Tamara in TN]

Mine's complicated a bit because I'm not the ones caring for these guys - they're in foster homes who would throw a fit if I "pulled the plug" on their fosters.
.



right...well maybe it's time to make the them the owners and not fosters....and they sink or swim from there....sign them over,clear title,clean the books and move forward...become a place where people go to look for horses not a place people only seek to dump them....

the old "business" model of running a horse rescue came from a novelty sponsored by a few old ladies with some cash...fix a nice horse who has been "lost" in the shuffle and flood the internet with his show photos a year later....

now there is a flood of horses for various reasons and the business model has to be altered as well....if you want to be a hospice then do it and declare that is what you now are and that the "inn" is full...

if not, make the changes quickly and clearly and plainly....because the "in between time" is going to sink you and what you want to do....

you will not see an end to this tide for (I think) for about 5 more years....if people are not smart enough to budget enough for their own damned house payment, you can guarantee horses will come even father down the list...

best

[JSwan]

Tamara - you took the words right out of my mouth.

What I'd like to know is how to convince volunteers and fosters. My own mother is VERY heavily involved in dog rescue and she and I have knock down drag out fights about priorities. She recently spent 6K on surgery for one dog and I'm like Mom - it's an old dog that no one wants, make him comfortable and euthanize him before winter comes.

Oh boy was that the wrong thing to say.

Jenn - you, your mother, and the rest of your family will be in my thoughts.

Frankly, the "crazy" people in rescue are what keep me from becoming more involved.
right...well maybe it's time to make the them the owners and not fosters....and they sink or swim from there....sign them over,clear title,clean the books and move forward...become a place where people go to look for horses not a place people only seek to dump them....

the old "business" model of running a horse rescue came from a novelty sponsored by a few old ladies with some cash...fix a nice horse who has been "lost" in the shuffle and flood the internet with his show photos a year later....

now there is a flood of horses for various reasons and the business model has to be altered as well....if you want to be a hospice then do it and declare that is what you now are and that the "inn" is full...

if not, make the changes quickly and clearly and plainly....because the "in between time" is going to sink you and what you want to do....

you will not see an end to this tide for (I think) for about 5 more years....if people are not smart enough to budget enough for their own damned house payment, you can guarantee horses will come even father down the list...

best

[Tamara in TN]

[QUOTE=JSwan;4248751]
She recently spent 6K on surgery for one dog and I'm like Mom - it's an old dog that no one wants, make him comfortable and euthanize him before winter comes.

Oh boy was that the wrong thing to say.
QUOTE]

I've got relatives just like her...animals are their release valve to the outside world and not always to the betterment of the animal....

by loving something, they can feel love back...even if it's a sick twisted co-dependent "you are only alive because of ME " love....

[equineartworks]

Jswan, Tamara...amen.

I am all for giving any animal as much as I can, but sometimes there is a time to just let go. Spending thousands on a very old sick animal usually just makes the person feel better...not the animal. :no: Sometimes there is a miracle, and there are certain animals that you can FEEL need that extra care, that are worth going places you normally would not go. Where do you draw the line? I think I have fixed so many animals in my life and after working in the clinic, well you just start to see more what is for the person and what is for the animal.

Fosters? I am on the fence about that. If a horse has been in a foster home for a year then I think the foster family really ought to step up and adopt, especially if they are accepting funds to house the horse. Seriously, do it out of free will or don't do it. Fostering shouldn't be a money making opportunity.

Jenn, bluebonnet is amazing and it is because of your hard work and the work of your devoted volunteers. You can cry, rant and grumble anytime.

All of here at the farm are thinking of you and your family. (((hugs)))

[Bluey]

Jswan, Tamara...amen.

I am all for giving any animal as much as I can, but sometimes there is a time to just let go. Spending thousands on a very old sick animal usually just makes the person feel better...not the animal. :no: Sometimes there is a miracle, and there are certain animals that you can FEEL need that extra care, that are worth going places you normally would not go. Where do you draw the line? I think I have fixed so many animals in my life and after working in the clinic, well you just start to see more what is for the person and what is for the animal.

Fosters? I am on the fence about that. If a horse has been in a foster home for a year then I think the foster family really ought to step up and adopt, especially if they are accepting funds to house the horse. Seriously, do it out of free will or don't do it. Fostering shouldn't be a money making opportunity.

Jenn, bluebonnet is amazing and it is because of your hard work and the work of your devoted volunteers. You can cry, rant and grumble anytime.

All of here at the farm are thinking of you and your family. (((hugs)))

I doubt that any foster is making money on the horses they foster for a rescue.:eek:
When we have fostered, we didn't get a cent, none, zip.
Now, if a horse had some extra needs, like surgery, then that the rescue handled that.
Mostly we helped by taking the horses in and caring for them, feeding them and doing regular vet work on our dime.
The same with dogs.

If you are charging to keep a horse for a rescue, then you are not really fostering, but boarding for them, just as you would anyone else's horses.:confused:

[equineartworks]

Bluey I didn't mean for anyone to think that fostering is bad. And for those that foster, like I said, of their own free will...I applaud them! I wish I had room to do it, I would in a heartbeat!

But there are groups who pay a stipend each month to fosters for feed, vet care etc. some to the tune of $100 - 300 a month. Then what are they doing? Well, yes it could be considered boarding-but that isn't fostering, it's paying board. Some of the horses are pretty sweet, so in a way it is like getting a free horse with a sugar daddy. :lol: Especially when some of these horses are fostered for YEARS.

Let's put it this way. I know of a boarding facility near me that is like horsey heaven. She has room for maybe three more horses. If someone wants to pay me even $100 to $150 a month each for three horses I will gladly foster them and board them at her farm. But to me that is wrong. Do it because you want to, do it because you can, but don't do it because you get paid. And if someone has had a horse for a year, adopt it! I cannot believe that if you have fostered it that long that you haven't formed a bond with it right? I would think that any group that approved someone as a foster home and has left a horse in its care for months and months would be happy to adopt it out to that home too.

[Kimberlee]

Jenn - you guys have a wonderful website (i.e. you can find out the info you are looking for). I think the training challenge is an awesome idea. The rescue seems to be going in the right direction. Having a strong focus on your mission is great! Stay on track!

Unfortunatly, there are always going to be more horses needing help than can be helped, and there are always going to be people who want to cause strife.

[Lori T]

Why are rescues blamed for the ignorance of others? I too get the same response from people. Around here, people don't understand that we can't just go in and seize the animal and that they have to call AC or the sheriff first. They call us instead and don't like it when we tell them that.

[monstrpony]

Hats off to those of you who do this difficult and sometimes depressing work.

[AC4H]

It's incredibly frustrating.
The rescue I volunteer with seems to run the same way you do, not really taking donated horses but the most needy, before they end up somewhere dire. It is incredibly frustrating to clean up other peoples messes [whether their fault or not] and then get slammed by others who think you're not doing enough, fast enough, long enough.

Then there are those rescues' who rake in dough and aren't really saving horses, but brokering/dealing in sales horses. Those take donations that could do so, so much more [save more, rehab more, advocate for more] in another organization. *sigh* like that is ever going to change any time soon, though.

I feel very strongly in that idea that this 'problem' we are seeing is not just for rescues and law enforcement, but the horse community as a whole to step up and do what we can. If we each did what we could, either volunteering, donating, or offering help to an individual who is about to slip closer to the slippery abyss... perhaps we could start to make a dent.

The bottom line, one that so many just do not get, euthanasia is not inhumane and for many [the horse getting put down and the horse who can then have that horses spot in a rescue] it is the kindest answer available right now. Let's hope that changes soon, until then we really have to be painfully realistic.

Being a rescue that helps horses that are on broker lots, heading to auction or in kill pens and also having recently had a foster home contacted by you and then tons of drama that happened right after that.... I am wondering if you are aware of this particular story back in 05?

As we ALL know this isn't a perfect world and things go wrong. Exposure is one of the great things this program numerous horses saved that would have otherwise quietly shipped to slaughter... We are there to offer them exposure a larger viewing audience and "another chance". Thank God that Kentucky's save was successful and just as an fyi we didn't get anything for our assistance not reimbursement of gas money, hay - nothing... we were just happy to help!

This story was in 2005 http://members.tripod.com/p3_Acres/id296.htm the horse was saved due to the exposure this program offered him - thankfully!

Christy - www.ac4h.com

[Floridarider]

Being a rescue that helps horses that are on broker lots, heading to auction or in kill pens and also having recently had a foster home contacted by you and then tons of drama that happened right after that.... I am wondering if you are aware of this particular story back in 05?

As we ALL know this isn't a perfect world and things go wrong. Exposure is one of the great things this program numerous horses saved that would have otherwise quietly shipped to slaughter... We are there to offer them exposure a larger viewing audience and "another chance". Thank God that Kentucky's save was successful and just as an fyi we didn't get anything for our assistance not reimbursement of gas money, hay - nothing... we were just happy to help!

This story was in 2005 http://members.tripod.com/p3_Acres/id296.htm the horse was saved due to the exposure this program offered him - thankfully!

Christy - www.ac4h.com

It's a shame that folks who claim to be associated with rescue and know how hard rescue people work can't keep the jealousy and cattiness out of the picture knowing that it is just the horses that suffer. Hats off to the professionals out there who save the drama for the soap operas on weekday afternoons. Kentucky was a lucky horse Christy, and how ironic that this particular person making such drama should have searched a bit further and seen the good in what you and so many other great rescue organizations do for so many horses.

[snkstacres]

Cowgirl Jenn, you took the thoughts from my mind this evening when I found this thread. hahaha but in fact, I also checked on the Celieta thread and decided that maybe what I need to do is go there as a volunteer for a short time. I want to know how that woman gets so many thousands of dollars. Why is it that fancy horses are donated to her and we get the sick, lame and aged. The nonadoptables. What is she doing that draws people to her website and horses that we arent doing? What is she saying that has people mailing her thousands of dollars or where is she emailing them? That lady is clearly using her talents the wrong way.
Or is it that you and I dont have time to sit on a computer begging for funds or sending out thousands of emails daily. Maybe we dont lie to people about the animal they are adopting, (the olympics are out)

There are so many good points in this thread and I enjoyed it. I shouldnt have but if felt good. I dont know where rescue is headed in this country, but the economy is not helping. The numbers are not good and we cant save them all. Heck, the tip of the iceburg is the best we can do.

I have come to the conclusion that I do the best I can and thats it. I didnt start this to make friends and those who ridicule the fact that we have no room or funds, arent people I need for friends anyhow. Some days, there seems to be no way to win since we cant please everyone but.......................there are days like Leo day when it all feels ok.

Hang in there hon, hang in there. We are nothing without you.

[equineartworks]

Everyone who really cares about the horses knows this:

The ones who b*tch the most are the ones that give the least. So truly...don't let it bother you because they aren't donating, adopting, etc, they are far too busy b*tching to have time to do that! :D And besides, those who are helping don't have time to b*tch :lol:

You are all the best. You are the examples of how to do it right, eventually those who do it wrong get found out and get what they deserve.

Celieta? I think she gets what she gets because of the drama surrounding her. I honestly believe that if everyone would ignore her she would be gone within a year. Even her lemmings follow for the drama, it is obvious that they thrive on it. Any marketer knows that for every bad review in a situation like hers, someone will donate just because "the mean people are after her and it can't possibly be true!".

That's money you don't want.

[beesknees]

Unless and until slaughter actually takes any animal, all conditions, they really can not say they are helping with the 'horesy overpopulation problem'.

Well said. Thanks for posting that. It's true, nothing is going to truely help the overpopulation of horses unless people stop breeding them. I also wonder how it would fly if rescues "spayed and neutered" mares and stallions before sending them off to new homes.

I've thought of having a small barn in a few years time to take care of a few cases (like 8 MAX) just to give a hand and give perfectly good horses a chance, or older ones a place to live until they pass on.

I appreciate what the rescues do and I wish people could put their money where their mouth is. If they're so head strong about this then they should make a donation to help--complaining isn't getting anyone anywhere. I think even the smallest of donations, like a bag of feed or even a bag of apples, is still a huge help. I would never criticize any volunteer who takes in even just one horse or any other animal.

[beesknees]

Also, cowgirljenn. I went to the website and I noticed that some menus are off when viewing the page in full screen (they are fine if I make my browser thinner) and I was unable to click on the "horses" section. I'm not sure if others experience this, but I just wanted to let you know :)

[cowgirljenn]

I also wonder how it would fly if rescues "spayed and neutered" mares and stallions before sending them off to new homes.


Reputable rescues geld all stallions/colts - even when we get loads of grief for it (my recent gelding of a bunch of well-bred Arabs from a seizure is still getting my grief. I just don't care on that one). I would spay all of our mares, too, if it were at all affordable. While some people who apply to adopt may lie or decide not to honor their agreement down the road, we do adopt all the mares out with no-breeding contracts and follow-up. And we do lose adopters that way, but we have to do what we feel is right.

[Moderator 1]

We removed some recent posts to keep things focused on the original topic. Please take the other issues to PM.

Thanks,
Mod 1

[Whoanellie]

Jen, sorry to hear about your mother. If you need anything, let me know.

It's been a long, bumpy road since we first started out hasn't it? You started out with Lone Star and I was in the California feedlots. Times change, but the need for rescue hasn't changed. The ability to RESCUE has changed.

I too receive the emails, phone calls, drive ups from folks wanting us to take in their horses. I have for years and so have you and other rescues. It's more frequent now. Some people don't understand the difference between rescue and rehoming because they don't want or can't afford the horse anymore.

Trying to explain that funds are very limited and that each horse coming in impacts the care/feed/water/shelter, etc. of the horses currently in our care seems to fall on deaf ears. I usually get the comment......'but you are a rescue!"

Because we are currently unable to take in any horses due to the economic situation, we don't have any high drama, graphic pictures, horrible stories to put out there. Thus, no "I want to help this horse!" funds. We have horses that need sponsorship and homes.

Part of our adoption contract states that if an adoptor finds themselves in a situation where they are no longer able to care for the horse, the horse will come back to TIER. We have had 2 horses come back within the last year. One quite recently. Trying to find a safe, responsible, knowledgeable home for these horses isn't as easy as it sounds. But we try. Just as many of the rescues out there do.

Jen, you aren't a stranger to the naysayers. We've both been doing this long enough to have experienced many different varieties of "you don't do it right". But.....you're still here. Thank goodness for that.

I understand the frustration when you try so hard. Guess that oughta be on our resume's...."Experienced in High Volume Frustration and able to take the next indicated step without causing bloodshed; may stumble a bit; may vent a bit; most likely to keep on keepin on"

If ya need anything, just holler.

[cowgirljenn]

Jen, sorry to hear about your mother. If you need anything, let me know.


Thanks...

It's been a long, bumpy road since we first started out hasn't it? You started out with Lone Star and I was in the California feedlots. Times change, but the need for rescue hasn't changed. The ability to RESCUE has changed.


Definitely. I think of how far we've both come, how things have changed, how we have changed... and how perception of abuse/neglect has changed. It really is amazingly.. on the legal side, changes happen slowly. But they do happen - I now see more and more offenders in TX prosecuted for neglecting animals. Unfortunately, they only get a slap on the wrist, but they are prosecuted.

Because we are currently unable to take in any horses due to the economic situation, we don't have any high drama, graphic pictures, horrible stories to put out there. Thus, no "I want to help this horse!" funds. We have horses that need sponsorship and homes.


I understand that - it is frustrating that once the horses are in the rescue, many people think they're safe and stop supporting them. Some days the boards like ABR drive me nuts - those people fall all over themselves helping slaughter-bound horses. But they tell me the neglect case horses aren't important because they're not headed to slaughter. *sigh* (There have been exceptions over there, but I have been told that more than once).

I understand the frustration when you try so hard. Guess that oughta be on our resume's...."Experienced in High Volume Frustration and able to take the next indicated step without causing bloodshed; may stumble a bit; may vent a bit; most likely to keep on keepin on"

I do think I'll update my resume. :)

[Watermark Farm]

We're reaching out to other rescues to see if they can take them (oh, and they're stallions. Isn't that just great?). If they can't - what do we do? Will horse rescues be forced to start euthanizing horses like dog/cat rescues euthanize cats? And how many people will scream then?

I hear you! I sit on the BOD of a local equine non profit that works exclusively with Animal Control to assist them with equine cases. We provide rehab, foster care and adoption services for seized and relinquished horses. Our main mission is to bolster the legal system and support AC and the DA in prosecuting cases of abuse and neglect.

Dogs and cats are routinely euthanized because they are difficult to place or the facility is full. It is very sad. I think we are at that point with horses, but people are very squeamish about this, it's politically very touchy. I personally think it's something rescues have to face. How many wild 6 year olds can we place, or how many 29 year olds with Cushings, IR, no teeth, arthritis (and yet a great quality of life!) are people lining up to adopt?

It's tragic and frustrating. I do think horse rescues may have to make some hard decisions about where to focus their efforts and when to make the choice to put certain horses down. I hope the people who squawk about this will step up and adopt the horses that are difficult to find placement for.

Hang in there. You can't good a decent job if you get in over your head. It's imperative that you stay within your means.

[Threebars]

Hang in there. You can't good a decent job if you get in over your head. It's imperative that you stay within your means.

Exactly!!!

Quality over quantity - And I admire a REAL rescue that can find the balance and keep a hold on their heart.

[cowgirljenn]

An update on the original situation that prompted this thread.

The horses were all seized on July 18th and awarded to us in court yesterday. I have contacted all of the rescues in Texas I can find, minus four that I would not send a seized pet rock to. One told me they're going out of business. One told me they can't help but will take highly adoptable horses off my hands (if they're highly adoptable, they're already adopted out!). A few told me they can't help (a couple were a bit rude about it, too).

So far, I have two rescues who are helping by taking in 6-7 of the horses. I'll be figuring out who is getting what and contacting them later today. I've left messages for two large SPCAs/humane societies who deal in horses in the state to see what they can help with. Some of my recent pleas have generated some foster homes who can help with some, but I'm focusing a bigger push on getting horses up for adoption (meaning rehabilitation and evaluation is done) and pushing for adopters.

I'm still a frustrated rescuer, though. :)

[chancellor2]

cowgirljenn,
I can empathize. I have worked in Pit bull rescue and we are so often full. Then you hear about this ONE DOG who really needs a new home. There is always JUST ONE MORE HORSE or JUST ONE MORE DOG. People don't understand.

[Bluey]

cowgirljenn,
I can empathize. I have worked in Pit bull rescue and we are so often full. Then you hear about this ONE DOG who really needs a new home. There is always JUST ONE MORE HORSE or JUST ONE MORE DOG. People don't understand.

That is why animal control shelters are kill shelters.
The others have the luxury to turn animals back when they are full.
Someone has to do the dirty deed, when there are not enough resources for all that are unwanted.
A situation we have created ourselves, by the way, now for so many years and it is still not finding a solution.:no:

Cowgirljenn, just keep on trucking, someone has to try.
If all fold, then animal control will have to add horses to their already full shelters and it won't be as easy to dispose of them as dogs and cats.:(

[hossluva]

Kudos to you, Jen, and to all of us that work in animal rescue and welfare. There're are so many issues when it comes to animals my mind could spin for an eternity, instead I take each case on it's own merits and try not to solve the problems of the world, but the problems for this one particular horse, dog, cat. Sometimes euthanasia is the only answer, nobody likes to hear it. Too Bad How Sad...

Pets are disposable to many but they don't want to do the disposing, they leave that aspect of dumping Fluffy up to shelters and humane societies and then cry about the killing. Are you a no kill? I wish I had a dime every time I was asked that question!! BTW - NO KILL means SELECTIVE ADMITTANCE and your aggressive Pitbull that's bitten 10 people need not apply.... Also, THERE IS NO "FARM".... ;)

Keep the faith. We didn't create the problems we just try to deal with them the best we can for the sake of the animals. And to ALL the cat, dog, hamster, bird, horse, goat, etc., etc., etc. breeders out there all I can say is:

UNCLE!!!!! Enough is enough, you've successfully completely saturated the market, time to stop. :yes:

[Chester's Mom]

Keep the faith. We didn't create the problems we just try to deal with them the best we can for the sake of the animals. And to ALL the cat, dog, hamster, bird, horse, goat, etc., etc., etc. breeders out there all I can say is:

UNCLE!!!!! Enough is enough, you've successfully completely saturated the market, time to stop. :yes:


I particularly enjoy those who imply we somehow make money because of course we are funded. By whom? Oh, the government of course. :lol: Yeah, cuz the government is so willing to send taxpayer money to rescue groups.

<btw, that was sarcasm... for those who don't 'get it'>

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

And this is how Special Horses came into existence. Small potatoes. So, while maybe we can't get someone to donate $1000 in one fell swoop to an organization, we can get 200 $5 votes! We're based on the Dribble Theory.

And it's not just about money, of course. Even small things, even done virtually - I'm in MO, Bluebonnet's based in Arkansas and Texas, and last year, doing 5-6 a day, I emailed/snail mailed to companies/stores that were past donors for their Open House. I did it in sound bytes. Total cost? Maybe $12 for postage, for those I couldn't e mail. Maybe not even.

But that meant that Jenn and other volunteers in the Bluebonnet Trenches didn't have to do that. And there were some responses from those companies and stores.

It's a small deal, really. But so very, very doable. There are so many terrific groups who need help like this. All it costs is time, and even then, in small amounts. Helping to write thank yous. Helping with newsletters, websites.

And then, like me, you can look your horse in the eye and say, "Hey - I did my part!!!"

[hossluva]

Operating for over 135 years - Number of animals saved, adopted out, euthanized... Countless.... 100's of thousands.

Numbers of real, green, US Gov'mt. Dollars in the till - Zero... Unless of course you include the tax exempt status, then we're rolling in it - NOT!

[cowgirljenn]

I particularly enjoy those who imply we somehow make money because of course we are funded. By whom? Oh, the government of course. :lol: Yeah, cuz the government is so willing to send taxpayer money to rescue groups.

<btw, that was sarcasm... for those who don't 'get it'>

Yes, I am rolling in the cash from the rescue activities. :)

At our 57 horse case, one of the owner's big arguments was that we were bringing in a fortune in donations and seized the horses just for the publicity. *sigh*

[cowgirljenn]

It's a small deal, really. But so very, very doable. There are so many terrific groups who need help like this. All it costs is time, and even then, in small amounts. Helping to write thank yous. Helping with newsletters, websites.



It isn't small.. :) Any volunteering anyone does is HUGE to those it helps. :)

[Minerva Louise]

Yes, I am rolling in the cash from the rescue activities. :)

At our 57 horse case, one of the owner's big arguments was that we were bringing in a fortune in donations and seized the horses just for the publicity. *sigh*

Hahaha - that is almost EXACTLY what the poodle lady said last week as we were seizing her 30-some-odd poo-covered poodles - she had a litter of seven, all of them sick with coccidia and worms of all kinds. She thought it was all so the rescues could make money off her puppies - she was going to sell them that week! Gee, the vet care for all 30 some odd of those poor dogs isn't going to completely dwarf the adoption fees, noooo... surely not! (And I surely couldn't be being sarcastic, now, could I??)

[snkstacres]

While the entire thread is heartbreaking, it also had me laughing. Oh yes, I know what it is to get rich from a rescue LOL. What is sad though, is that it does take a horror case to keep on generating funds. Now, there is no way I am complaining, especially with the generosity of the people on this board, but, to keep in the forefront of peoples minds, we do have to have a horror story.

And for the numbers, only taking what we can manage. If there is a siezure of 56 horses, Jenn has to take or place all 56. We dont get to stand around and pick and choose unfortunately.
Jenn, you must have the same phone numbers for rescues that I do hahahha They will take only the highly adoptables. People are always disappointed when they want to come to my farm (shelter) for there next riding horse and i tell them, the adoptables barely get there feet wet here. They are spoken for immediately, put your name on the list. I have even had one rescue call and offer to trade horses. My adoptables for there unadoptables. What a deal.

Can I give you a piece of advice coming straight from my heart. Your moms situation completely mirrors what I just went through with my bro. God rest his soul. The rescue will be there Jenn, we will be there, the problems will be there. Be with your mom. Make your short short time with her your priority. There will be no other chance. You can always do the things you didnt do, but you can never undo the things you did.

God Bless.

[cowgirljenn]

Can I give you a piece of advice coming straight from my heart. Your moms situation completely mirrors what I just went through with my bro. God rest his soul. The rescue will be there Jenn, we will be there, the problems will be there. Be with your mom. Make your short short time with her your priority. There will be no other chance. You can always do the things you didnt do, but you can never undo the things you did.

God Bless.

Thanks.. and you can give advice anytime.

I'm here with her (have been for 3 weeks). She can no longer talk, and even typing is pretty difficult for her so she doesn't do it much. So I spend time watching TV with her and we're going out to see some of her friends here in a bit. And I have spent a lot of time working while I'm here because when she's sleeping, there's not much else for me to do.

I'll be heading back to Texas in a week and then will be visiting up here monthly as long as she's here.

[equinelaw]

[url]http://www.aikenstandard.com/Local/0725rescue :confused::yes::

I don't know how she did it. I think it was just because she refused to believe she had to pay for it.

[DressageFancy]

Go to animallawcoalition.com/horse slaughter. Very interesting study on equine slaughter trends in the U.S. Even before reading this study I was of the opinion that, though abuse/neglect was on the rise, it was due to the overall economy/job loss than to the closure of the slaughter plants. The abuse/neglect of dogs, cats, and CHILDREN is on the rise. Almost daily in the news one reads of a "shaken" baby or a beaten toddler. Back to the subject of rescue horses, as much as I hate to see it happen, some will simply have to be euthanasied in order for the ones most likely to find homes to actually be placed. Humane groups simply cannot fund every horse no matter how badly they want to.