Big Red and Black Beauty

"Big Red" came to us from the Shippensburg kill pen, December 2015"

"I hope you will grow up gentle and good, and never learn bad ways; do your work with a good will, lift your feet up well when you trot, and never bite or kick even in play.” -Anna Sewell, Black Beauty

I have this thing where I often look at people and animals and fancy them when they were babies; safe and warm with their mother, so young-so innocent and full of wonder with their whole lives ahead of them.  And then  I  fight back the tears, thinking about what has happened to alot of them from that point.  The pain.  The suffering.  The loss of innocence.  I look at them now and think, how on earth could this all have happened?  It has  been ingrained in my heart to try and make things better for everyone.  And I fail miserably at it most of the time-mostly because it really is out of my control.  

But I still try.  

 I have been reading alot about rescues lately-all the pros and cons, the ethics and the sad realities.  I just read an article asking if it is better for an animal to experience the terror and fear of being in an unfamiliar shelter or auction lot, alone, left to die, or to be adopted out into a possible situation that might be ultimately worse where the "rescuer" or adopter was possibly not properly vetted or prepared and might not honor the "right of refusal" contract if they came into a situation where they couldn't care for the animal anymore. 

 That animal could potentially end up in the wrong hands, and get passed around and around and essentially his pain and suffering would be prolonged for much, much longer than if it had just ended at that earlier time.  That's what happened to a Budweiser Clydesdale.

And this is Big Red's Story:

Big Red came to us at the end of last year, it seems, and literally at the end of the line.  His registered name is "Face of Trouble" but that name didn't seem to fit this kind-eyed chestnut.  

I first learned of his plight when I woke up one morning to a message in my inbox from a friend saying this boy's time had run out.  He was going to go to slaughter within the week if someone didn't step up to the plate. 

I sighed a heavy sigh; we already had our hands full with our horses and were not in a position to add anymore to the herd.  Watching his video, I could see he had such a kind eye as the rider trotted him past "the truck". This truck that would be transporting this unsuspecting, terrified horse and many others to a slaughter house shortly. I watched him being ridden past the pile of horse shoes and bridles that had been pulled off several unfortunate horses when they were loaded on that truck before him and for the last time.

I read he wasn't sound.  This sweet horse was trying so hard for the man who was riding him. He was wearing a severe bit and trying to answer the obligatory walk, trot and canter requests.  Fighting back the urge to judge whoever had let him end up in such a terrible place, I racked my mind for who might be able to take him in.......  

We learned later that his previous owner had had no idea her horse had ended up there.  She wrote to us and thanked us for saving her childhood friend.

 I believe every living being deserves a second chance.  We live in a throw away society.  If something doesn't suit us, or our lifestyle, we get rid of it.  It doesn't matter if its a car or a horse, dog, cat, hamster, whatever. We are programmed to think that something is replaceable and "out of sight, out of mind."  I realize it is easier said than done, but we need to take what we have and work to do right by it.   What if each of us was accountable for the animals in our life from beginning to end?

 It turns out, Big Red had an angel in the form of a lovely lady with a big heart who saw the same beautiful horse I did beneath the kick scars and bite marks.  It took some figuring out, but he arrived safely at our farm, thanks to Sue and her husband, Dave. it was Sue who named him Big Red, in honor of Secretariat.  

 It is her wish for him to be the mascot for her tack shop in Gettysburg,PA: The Horse You Rode In On.  

Red  will live out the rest of his days in peace.  He will have his mane and tail brushed and braided, his coat polished to a beautiful copper sparkle and all the hay he can eat.  Hopefully those wounds on the outside and inside will  heal.  He has been so forgiving.  He absolutely understands more than we will ever truly know.  And, like every horse should, he will be loved by a little girl.

“We call them dumb animals, and so they are, for they cannot tell us how they feel, but they do not suffer less because they have no words.” 

-Anna Sewell, Black Beauty

 If you think I am over exaggerating or being too dramatic about the suffering of these unwanted animals, please educate yourself by reading some hard facts here.

I believe if an animal comes into your life, you become the steward of it.  Their life depends on you. You are in charge of their destiny, literally.  You get to decide if that living thing deserves a chance at a decent life. You get to make the call if that animal is worthy.  I realize every situation is different.  Things happen.  Life happens.  Just try hard not to get caught up in the moment when you see that cute fluffy baby at the start of things.  I know it can be very, very hard. 

And if that time ever comes when you are considering placing your beloved pet in a rescue, or with someone else, please do your research to make sure they are everything they say they are.  And remember to follow your gut feelings.  Please, don't take the out of sight, out of mind stance when an animal leaves your care.  There are many good souls out there, but don't assume.  Too much can happen. These animals are living, breathing creatures that deserve to be treated with dignity, care and respect.

 Keep informed. It all starts with education. This article focuses on horses specifically,but it's a good place to start and  it sheds light on a hard topic: http://www.unwantedhorsecoalition.org/qa/  Familiarize yourself with resources in the area even before you might need them.  I've heard both sides of the topic regarding humane euthanasia and how some vets say it is unethical.  The best advice is to have a good relationship with your vet and make your wishes clear in the event that something happens to you.  

 Ask yourself those hard questions BEFORE you make the decision to bring an animal into your life.  It all has to start somewhere.  It starts with you and me.  While you might think what you do is small, like anything, it adds up to something much larger and can ultimately make a difference.

“Do you know why this world is as bad as it is?... It is because people think only about their own business, and won't trouble themselves to stand up for the oppressed, nor bring the wrong-doers to light... My doctrine is this, that if we see cruelty or wrong that we have the power to stop, and do nothing, we make ourselves sharers in the guilt.” 

― Anna Sewell, Black Beauty

Have faith, have hope.  We CAN make a postive difference.

  

“It is good people who make good places.” 

― Anna Sewell, Black Beauty