There are a couple of ladies I know in Northern Vermont who rescued 16 horses off the slaughter truck. Yep, folks, it even happens around here. Now they are looking for foster/forever homes for these horses. I know two of them are geldings, the other 14 mares... whew. That takes my chances down by a long shot!
So, if you are looking for a horse and truly want to save one who was a breath away from being killed - literally - this is your chance. I don't know all the details, but if you have a facebook account just do a search for Vermont Slaughter Bound No More and there are quite a few pictures of the horses on there. And Kathleen will be the one to contact about them...
Now for the crew. I have had to put Tommy on a D.I.E.T. Yep. Mr. Chunky thighs. I can't hardly feel his ribs through the fat on them. What a difference a year makes. As soon as things get down to a dull roar around here and the weather warms up just a little bit and the wind stops blowing, I will post pictures of before and after. It's been almost a year since I first saw him. We are getting ready to ride. Gulp. No, no, he is doing fine... I'm just a little yellow chicken... b-gawk..... I've only ridden twice this winter and he is BIG! He's grown- I swear he has- not just around, but tall. So, when someone is home, I'm riding him in the pasture for the first few times. I'm sure he will do fine. Had the saddle on him the other night. Thank god it was a western saddle because the girth for the English wouldn't fit around him. Even when he wasn't sticking out his gut.
Too many bad news stories out there - in the past few days, I have heard of three, with more than 75 horses involved, combined. I know I don't have deluxe accommodations, but they have what they need and plenty of attention. I don't know how people can sleep at night or eat knowing their animals are suffering and dying.
I make sure all mine are fed and in usually before I make my dinner every night. And it's something I've drilled in my girls heads since they were little. The animals don't eat? Then neither do you. If you can't afford to feed them, then don't have them.
Ok. Sorry. I'll get off my soap box now. Do some deep breathing exercises. Calm myself down. Kinda ran away with myself there for a few moments.
Ok. Chickens are enjoying their pen - they are staying home - where they belong - and still getting some exercise. The ponies are liking the warmer weather - so is Tommy. The dogs are doing great, as well as the cats and birds. And my hubby is working harder than ever. Two of my girls are playing softball - one a senior, one a sophomore - so on Tuesday, the games begin... so glad the snow is mostly gone. And even though the wood stoves are keeping us very toasty tonight I will be glad when I can have a break from feeding/cleaning them on a daily basis.
Happy thoughts out to the barn, boys... stay snuggled up warm.
:)
