INTERVIEWS:
We occasionally talk with people that work in animal rescue. Maybe their stories will inspire you to take action for the animals!
New interview: Lynn Hummer, Founder of Pregnant Mare Rescue (2/24/08)
New interview: Beverly Sebastian, Founder of Second Chance at Life (2/24/08)
Older interviews:
Laura Beck of Rocket Dog Rescue (3/25/07)
Abigail Christman, Board Member of Operation Scooby (12/30/06)
How did Pregnant Mare Rescue come to be?
“My lifelong love for horses combined with wanting to really make a difference in their lives brought me to the realization that a special rescue was needed. It was with great faith and determination that I relocated my entire family to the coast, bought property and founded this rescue dedicated to pregnant mares, mares with babies at their side and orphaned foals. I still cannot believe these animals are at risk for slaughter everyday.”
How did you personally get involved in animal rescue?
“I have enjoyed many years of working in animal rescue for dogs, and assisting in therapeutic riding programs. But I knew I exactly what I wanted to do, and who I could help in the equine community. I founded this rescue in May of 2006.”
What is a typical day for you like when you are working with/for Pregnant Mare Rescue?
“My goodness there is no such thing! Spring time promises to be busy with mares and newborns. The newborn foals are magic! It is tons of work. My ranch manager handles all the physical labor, details, volunteer schedules and day-to-day tasking. My wonderful volunteers are tremendous... We are young and growing fast, so I am continually working on grants, promotions, and working with my ranch manager to cover all the details of everyday operations. Weekends are full of outside work. Fences need attention, exercising horses, feeding details for the week, volunteer schedules, hoof care, mucking and erecting shelters.
Then each rescue we set out to do is called a campaign. We have to decide who we can save, how many we can take in, raise/ check on the funds, arrange transportation and get them here. Then we vet them, try and settle,them and let them unwind. They arrive frightened, disoriented and feeling abandoned. They know death, they smell death sitting on that feedlot. We work tirelessly to help them adjust. Lastly we put a plan in place for each equine to help them rehabilitate and get ready for a new home. Some horses stay 6 weeks, some have stayed a year. We do things on their healing schedule!”
What is the best thing the average person can do in the interest of these horses?
“1.) Awareness is the first most important item. Most people do not know that horses-- moms, babies and orphaned babies-- are sent to a horrific terrifying end called slaughter. It is inhumane on every level. They should know that Japan, France, Italy and Belgian eat our American horses. Most of the population is unaware that this is ongoing. When educated they generally are against it. When their voices are heard, it will start to end.
2.) Any donation, no matter how small, helps us continue to get these sweet deserving animals out of harm's way.”
-- Pregnant Mare Rescue --
photo courtesy of Pregnant Mare Rescue