What Is Really Going On With The Equine Rescue Boat?

It is late. And I could not sleep. Worrying and wondering what is really going to happen with the economic situation.
That and a late night call from my renter telling my why she can't afford to pay the rent. Again...*sigh*
The sad part is, I can't even be mad anymore.
Because, I get it. Things are tough all over. For a lot of people.

And then, I have to ask myself, what am I doing? And what am I thinking? Equine Rescue is necessary. Right?
At least, I believe that.
Or maybe, because, I love horses, I HOPE that...
But when, do animals become more important to people, than people?

I wonder things like that. When, I hear about, a rescue horse having thousands of dollars of medical treatment.
To become?
A companion horse only. Or, a permanent resident of, a rescue or sanctuary.

Or when, I see a rescue soliciting to raise ransoms, or funds, to purchase horses at sale venues.
And in the next breath? Stating, a very real need for financial aid to buy more hay.

I understand that there are a great many people who firmly believe that animals have far more value than people.
Somedays, I have come close to being one of those people.

And I understand that it is very hard to resist that knee jerk reaction of, "Oh My God!!! Do whatever you have to just save them", when they are suffering.

But here is another thing I am thinking about. We received a newsletter from our local vet.
Suggesting vaccinations for the coming year for horses. Announcing a new to the practice vet who really likes working with horses.
And a standard form letter notifying horse owners that all accounts now require a credit card on file.
And no service will be rendered without payment first.

You know what that tells me? With the new policy even less horses will be getting UTD on their shots, general health care, or emergency treatment.
Kind of scary.

Horses cared for properly have never been cheap. They are expensive of time as well. And knowing, the crisis the world as we knew it, is facing?
Where do responsible rescues draw the line?

It has always been a given that we can't save them all. So, who do we save? How do you develop a criteria for that?
Knowing that for every one you save? There are hundreds very similar to it that are going to die.

That is the problem that keeps me awake at night. Knowing I am fighting a losing battle. And who am I to play God?
Or Hitler.
NEVER HAS A COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTION BEEN PRESENTED... And yet, the money keeps going towards legislation efforts. And rescue efforts. And education. And publicization of this "problem".
When people talk about preventing the extinction of endangered species? That makes a lot of sense to a lot of people.
Domestic equines have never been in danger of that.

The greater number of small animal shelters do euthanize to handle their overpopulation issues.
But, the cost of euthanizing, and disposing of small animals? Are much smaller than, dealing with large animals would ever be.

I get very frustrated with the attitude of aggressively addressing it now. Educating people to be more responsible, NOW!
"Aggressive addressing and Education are great". But neither, will even come close to solving the problem, "now".
Or, in a timely fashion for the equines.

Read any equine message board in the land. People are talking about breeding and getting ready for foaling season.
It is their right. For some it is a business. Their LIVELIHOOD...
So, the idea that everyone will stop breeding deliberately? Let alone, by accident or ignorance, in their backyard? In an organized effort to resolve this problem?
Is so far away from reality that it has its own ZIPCODE in Faeryland...

But I keep hearing the same, forgive me, ridiculous answers, to a problem that is not going away.
There are more horses than there are appropriate homes for.
Euthanasia isn't going to solve the problem.

Someone who lost their job, is struggling to pay their own expenses, generally does not have the funds necessary to do this.
A lot of people put up free ads as a last desperate effort to save their animal from starving to death or going to auction.

The Rescues are generally full. They cannot meet the demand and that has always been true...
So, what is the criteria folks?
Walk through the sale barn saying eenie meeny miney moe?
Or the daisy petal pulling method? You live, you die, you live, you die.

This isn't sour grapes on my part. It is someone who has lived both perspectives. I have some nice horses. I have some dead weight.
I love them all.
But if, we were talking saving only the absolute prime? Not one of mine would make the cut.
If, I were approaching this, solely, from the vantage point of making money? From performance stock?
Over half would not make the cut of "my criteria".

Next question, I have had to ask my self. Donation supported rescues? Hoarders with someone elses money to foot the bills?
Or, necessary and viable, for the protection of equines?

A business is a business. Whether, for profit or a cause. The product of equine rescue is, saving and restoring horses. And other equines.

We are Never going to be able to SAVE them All! That would require every Human on the planet, being on the same page, at the same time.
And THAT has NOT happened, since, time began.

Knowing that people are going to do what they do. Which, still includes, spending their money as they please for some.
I imagine equine rescue is here to stay.
There is part of me that says, "THANK GOD"!!! And another part of me that says, "Poor Horses".
Because when you bring people into the mix? It really can change the outcome of the whole theoretic intent.

My Dream solution at this point? Local slaughter facilities. Where you can walk your horse in and steady them for the capture bolt.
Friends to the End, you know?

And rescues that saved viable animals. Instead of cripples, mental rejects, and the incredibly infirm due to age.
It pisses me off to no end to see resources wasted. Because it makes good copy.

If, the truly wealthy people of this world are willing to underwrite the cost of these endeavors?
Great.
But, how many people who don't really have it to give? Have given to their own detriment?
And how many rescues rely on every dollar they receive?

But, more than, ANYTHING, I lose sleep over trying to decide, how to decide, who lives? And who dies?
Because, I really do have love for them all.

That is what rescue has taught me about horses. Leave your common sense at the door. Invest in saving animals that you would never in this lifetime have purchased.
And when it gets too expensive?
Solicit donations from other like minded individuals...

I do not believe that this is a message that I personally want to send. To the World. Or, to my Family.
To be honest it smacks of Big Business. And Selfishness...

I would rather be known as someone who made a real effort to fight hunger and homelessness for families in need.
And as, someone, who made a real effort in all things, to do the right thing as best as I was able.

Horses in this day and age, Are a Luxury. Unless, you are Amish.

I believe they have amazing powers to heal people and build confidence. And share love.
But talk to any animal lover and they will tell you the same thing about their pet of choice.

But, let's be real okay?
Horses are a tremendous investment. Far more expensive to care for than most any other pet.
And they require land to live on. And more land to grow their feed.

And personal experience, not necessarily all encompassing, how many people with horses pay all of their horse bills or personal bills, "On Time"?
I have never yet met that person(s).

In closing, I will say, I wish I could have done more. To save them. But I am not a Superhero.
Or, "Uber wealthy".
So, in trying to stay true to my original intent. Which, was/is primarily, to effectively work to end longtime equine suffering.
This blog, and it's creator, will promote the reinstatement of equine slaughter over the promotion of Equine Rescues.

Because Equine Rescue is very reminiscent of the "Titanic". Too many passengers and too few lifeboats.
JMO

Oh just fricking great! This was meant for Living Beyond The Dream. And now, it is here.

Just Because I Married You Does NOT Mean You Get A Vote!!!

Okay, first he hated my cat. So? I had the cat before I ever even met you. Do you really think she is going anywhere? No...
That was the beginning. Many years ago.
Now? Francesca is the smartest cat. The greatest most skilled hunter. And a infallible judge of character. And an amazing child protector, entertainer, and educator.
Yep. According to HIM.

Then there was the whole flipping houses craze. You know trading spaces and all that. We Should Do That!!!
Again, according to him.
Okay. We bought the house.

Me, "I am running to the home improvement store".

Him, "Why"?

Me, "Because, I need mud and drywall tape".

Him, "Why? Can't you just leave it the way it is? Do you have to keep spending money"?

Me, "Yes, because that is how it is done. Home IMPROVEMENT you know"?

Him, "Another excuse to spend money more like".

Well, needless to say, we don't do that anymore. In his house.
Smaller projects in mine. Like when I repainted the laundry/back porch 3 times.

Him, "Didn't you just do this"?

Me, "Yep".

Him, "Why are you doing it again"?

Me, "Because it didn't turn out the way I was thinking".

Him, "Oh. How much is paint a gallon now"?

Me, "Doesn't really matter I want it the way I want it".

Him, "Yeah, because that is so important in the scheme of things".

Me, "Glad you understand that".

And now, we come to the horses...This could take days/years. Remember he is my newbie husband. New to horses too.
A little bit of a livestock minded man. Oh Joy. Sees something done once? Well, that is simple enough right? Wrong.
Now, he is an EXPERT.
On everything. And I must be confused. Because all my years of study and training don't mean diddley.
Because, so and so said.
I don't care what so and so said.
Unless, it makes sense of course.
Then, I care.
And please, please, please. I can squeeze a buck until it yips. Don't ever tell me I am wasting money.
It makes me angry. Very angry.
Guess who is having mac and cheese with tuna for a few days until he remembers this?

Him, "Why didn't you sell that gelding to the people that had the money"?

Me, "Because, I didn't feel comfortable with the situation and they are too far away for me to monitor".

Him, "You know you have spent almost $700 on hay in the last couple of weeks right"?

Me, "$682.30 including transport to be specific what's your point"?

Him, "Well, I am just saying".

Me, "Well don't".

It really isn't that bad. Well, somedays it is. And then, I had to order Class 5 to repair the subfloor in the barn.
And buy grain.
And order wormer.
And pay for the cutdown on my new saddle.
And make arrangement for 2 more to go to permanent sanctuary.
That was a tough give for me.

The point is, I am already not in the best of moods. And he should know this. So maybe, today isn't the best day to tell me what so and so said.
Or, to tell me how much money I am spending. There is never a good day to do that.
Must have been the look on my face that clued him in. I believe I was even smiling.

Him, "Am I packing"?

Me, "Would you like some help"?

*I forgot to add followed by very pregnant pause here.LOL

Him, "How about I get a start spreading that Class 5"?

Me, "Sounds good. I will be out in a bit".

Him, "Take your time".

Do you suppose that is what is known as, "The Spirit of Compromise"? Or, a man who has learned to recognize a losing battle? No matter what so and so said.

QUIT WASTING RESOURCES WITH FALSE COMPLAINTS!!!

How many of us know someone who has become involved in a pissing match with someone and pulled the false complaint to some sort of authority card?

Women have a tendency to say, "Well, I am just going to call social services and that will show them". Show them what?
That you are unbalanced and a flakey bitch? Or, that they should FEAR you?
Sorry about this ladies I really don't mean to discriminate but most mens minds don't come up with this one.
Unless, there is a custody battle or child support involved. Those two things can change the formula as to how I arrived at my opinion.

Guys call building, city, and county inspectors on each other.
Or, they shoot each others dogs. Or, the neighbor ladys cat. They are the ones who get creative with poison too. But the whole poison thing can be applied to both sexes.

And now we come to animal lovers. Oh My God! I was on the phone with 3 different humane agents. And we were discussing how much time and resources are wasted with vendetta calls.
WTF?

I love animals. I don't always like their people. And I have probably said a thousand times that someone may be a real asshole or bitch but at least they take care of their animals.

So, why do people who claim to love animals do this?
Because they are stupid. And unbalanced. Clueless and Petty. Oh, and let us not forget that they can do this anonymously so there are no consequences to them for making a false complaint.

Here is a thought. Every call must be investigated. How many calls do you suppose the average agency gets per day?
Now, how many are real?
Poor neglected and abused animals. I guess they will just have to wait until the AC can wade through all the BULLSHIT to get to them.
That is so sad...

When you can't beat em Do you join em?

Hell No... But you can have an opinion that is not per say, "Diplomatically Correct". This is the place where I do not have to be polite. Nor does anyone else. But any and all who enter here need to realize one thing.
I can have an opinion. You can have an opinion. Sure bet that anyone reading here will have one too.
But there will be no victims here... NONE...
This is where I am going to quote others who do not practice as they preach. I will even feature them.
Yep, just because I can. There are no language prohibitions or restrictions here. I suggest that children do not play here but if their parents don't stop them neither can I.
This is where what's sauce for one goose is sauce for me. This is where if I come across pure nastiness somewhere else I will expose the purveyor here. Again, just because I can.
Oh and this is also where I will vent with regard to all the bullshit "RESCUE" drama being perpetuated everywhere I look.
I should have just called it, "My Turn".
Don't like it? Leave. I don't like what you post? I just might delete it. Because, I can.
Think of it like a cyber dictatorship. My World and My Rules. How fun for me...
Besides, the other facets of my personality need a place to express.
I read all these postings on the internet. Talking seriously crazy shit. And this is where I am not going to turn the other cheek.
I have noticed that people like to bitch, fuss, and fight. I have noticed when there is too much sunshine and light some folks just do not know what to do with themselves so they start venting on inappropriate subject material.
So Seriously, What Is Everybody So Mad About? Tell us all here. I am almost certain that someone somewhere will be interested. They might even agree with you. You can commiserate.
Have fun and rock on. ..