It's been 3 years since situations came about that would change my life forever. It was called the 3 Strikes Mustang Ranch. Three years sometimes seams like yesterday. What this situation did; was open my eyes to what is going on in the real world.
As much as I love animals, I had no idea of what was happening to so many, throughout our entire country. How nice it was to have my own little world going on here at the ranch, with our content and happy dogs, cats, horses, and cows. It was easy to not know about the fate of the unfortunate ones.
I had no idea of the war going on for the horses; and it continues. I hate to admit this, but I had no idea of the slaughter issues (who slaughters a horse?) - or puppy mills, abuse to farm animals, etc etc. Why would I look that up on Google?
Now I know. It's heart-breaking to see. So many stories of rescues gone bad, for whatever reason - that doesn't help the good ones. So many stories, pictures, and videos of animal abuse - horse slaughter in a sick and demented way - calves having their skin peeled from their body while they are still alive - horses being stabbed in the neck over and over with cheers in the background - animals being dumped to fend for themselves, without food or water - BLM rounding up horses (for what reason, really?) while helicopters run them to their death?
I used to think I couldn't do anything to help. That can NEVER be ANYONE'S cop-out reasoning again. There's so much you can do; from writing letters, donating (research for the good and ligit ones), making phone calls to officials, and just pure and simply doing the right thing and standing up, in some way, for the animals that cannot speak for themselves to those who refuse to listen.
A challenge; look in their eyes and tell me they can't speak. They just can't cry out in words we understand; but they cry out. So do something for them, no matter how small a task. One letter can make a difference.
If you're not sure where to start, here's a suggestion: http://www.rtfitchauthor.com/ or http://www.animalsangels.org/ or check out your local animal shelter; I'm sure they could always use help in some way.
And God Bless the people that care for the animals.
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Dear Vicki,
ReplyDeleteThank you for being a good neighbor. I am so sorry that your initial concerns were not addressed immediately.
You see, my family's wild mustang, Gypsie, was featured in your town's newspaper in 2008r~ the one of Jason kissing Gypsie. Jason shared with us the article and apologized that the article was not accurate in saying that she was a 3 strike horse. My family and I were moving and no longer had a place for horses. Gypsie was our wild mustang, and even so, she was fiercely loyal to my family and me. She took care of our other 3 domesticated horses whenever we had mountain lions around. We loved her and knew that she would be better off at a refuge where she could run free. 3-Strikes Ranch was recommended by the BLM, with what we thought was a positive place, we had her transported there in spring of 2007.
We made sizeable (our perspective) donation yearly to defray the costs of hay for Jason. Then this horrific incident happened.
My family and I looked with desperate hope that Gypsie survived the ordeal in the countless pictures posted on the website, but I have not found her, and believe that she died. We contacted Jerry Fitch and gave him Gypsie’s freeze mark number but never heard from him~ but I do not blame him. Those involved in the seizure and rescue efforts had their hands full, and I thank them for the rescue of the surviving horses. I only hope Gypsie forgives us.
Vicki, thank you for being courageous. We need more people like you. I hope to meet you someday.
With warmest regards,
Colleen Broce
Colleen.broce@gmail.com