<p>About two years ago I became involved in an online chat group for Another Chance 4 Horses rescue. Through the conversations on the group I learned many things, many depressing and upsetting things. I learned about how using a cattle method to slaughter horses was inhuman, how horrible accidents happened in double decker trailers and the injuries that occur when shipping a horse in a double decker.</p> <p>I learned how politics worked and how lobbyists were paid to work. I learned how horses that were children's pets, racehorses, work horses, show horses were sold for a few dollars to be brutally slaughtered. I learned how bad for the environment the slaughter plants were. It just didn't seem right to me. During this time I adopted a horse that was slated for slaughter. She came to me so scared and skinny but in time began to trust. I had to do my part to stop this from happening to other horsese like her. So I decided to start writing letters to my state representatives. I got other people involved and they wrote letters. Eventually we were successfull and the last horse slaughterhouse in the US was finally shut down in August 2007!</p> <p> In 2008, I focused more on getting another bill passed that would prevent American horses from shipping to Canada and Mexico for slaughter. I stopped keeping abreast of what was happing in the legislative world in the states. I was very narrow minded and all I knew was there was a secret hold placed on the bill by Senator Larry Craig and that the agenda was to GET THAT BILL PASSED! With 2008, there was also promise of a new President and with it came new Hope.</p> <p> Sadly, the economy was getting worse and worse. My husband lost his job in November of 2008 and with the loss of the extra income, I became depressed. With the depression came feeling of hopelessness. I started feeling insignificant and powerless. I didn't send one letter or email for 3 mos. What was the point?</p> <p> Then I heard the news. Due to the state of the economy, pro-slaughter advocates in 7 states were able to get bills written to explore the feasibility of horse slaughter in their states. I was blind-sided and had no idea any such discussions had been taking place. Had I kept abreast with the news and information portals then maybe I could have at least done something to help.</p> <p> I decided some good had to come of this. I dedicated more of my time to helping. I contacted magazines and was able to get free ad space and booths for the horse rescue. I wrote a letter to the editor about the slaughter bills and it was published. I became a board member for SaveDaHorses.org and created flyers to educate the public. I became involved with the Top Ten Rescues, a group dedicated to raising funds for rescues, those on the frontlines working for animals. I learned there will always be peaks and valleys and just because things look dismal, doesn't mean that some positive can't come from it.</p> 5 2009-03-02T17:55:11+00:00 0 22 22 1 2009-03-02T17:55:11+00:00 23 0 I've always been drawn to horses for as long as I can remember. Growing up, we always had some kind of pet from cats and dogs, to birds, fish, gerbils and hamsters. As a child I always looked forward to visiting family, not because I felt close to them and enjoyed their company, no, because almost all of them had horses. I would sit patiently until one of them would ask me if I wanted to go to the barn and groom and feed the horses. Well, of course, I was out the door before the entire sentence was said. As the years have gone by, friends, children and others have gone their seperate ways, the one constant in my life has been a love for horses. I had thought about it for years until finally one day, I decided to just do it. So I went to the local horse rescue and applied to be a volunteer. My family said, "Oh yea, I can see you, scooping horse poop and getting stepped on or even getting bitten!" Needless to say, I went for it anyway, even recruiting my husband and daughters along for the ride. Well, what a ride it's been! I've floundered for years trying to make sense of my life, things like, why did I marry that jerk, or why didn't I go to college, to just what does this life mean... well, I think I finally figured it out! I've been volunteering for the horse rescue for 4 years now and haven't looked back since. I've seen all kinds of cases come in, all look so sad, like they've done something wrong and they are being punished. Some are victims of abuse and neglect, while others are just another unfortunate victim of our fading economy. These wonderful creatures are here by no fault of their own and we as humans are obligated to give them everything they deserve. While I've never had the opportunity to have a horse of my own, for the time that I spend at the rescue barn, every horse there belongs to me. They come up to me for a pat or a scratch in that "special spot". They search my pockets for a treat and they seem genuinely glad to see me. They don't care if my hair is not combed or if my pants may be torn in a spot or two. It all makes sense to me now. I was put here for them, every moment I spend there makes up for all the floundering times in my life. Because of those times is what brought me to this place, with the rescue horses. I've recently been voted on to the board of directors, I send out correspondence to potential and regular donors. I organize and help out with fundraising events. I manage our website, take photographs, making flyers, networking with other rescue groups. I do alot for the horses, and I love every minute of everything I do for them. Yes, it finally makes sense! Our horse rescue is Appalachian Horse Help and Rescue and our website is http://www.ahhr911.iwarp.com/ 5 2009-03-02T17:55:11+00:00 0 38 38 1 2009-03-02T17:55:11+00:00 86 0 A terrific book. I guess the author has written this and has been realeased just at the right time when the things are going tough in the world and everyone needed some hope and strength to come out of the "Valley" and turn it into a "Peak". Kuidos Sir.. looking out another such book. Neville 5 2009-03-02T17:55:11+00:00 0 49 49 1 2009-03-02T17:55:11+00:00 125 0 I went to jail for a crime I did not commit. Instead of playing the victim and becoming angry I started a jail house ministry of helping those who could not read or write and began prayer groups in the morning and the evening as well as daily Bible studies.The size of the group grew from 5 men to 25 men and remained active for the four months I was there. I was refused an attorney for four months, but continued to be faithful helping others. Suddenly my charges were dropped, I received an attorney and was released from jail. As I am putting my life back together I realize the great impact this has made on my wife and my children as well as extended family. Gradually we are rebuilding our family and other relationships to be stronger and more loving than ever before. I thank God for this book and Spencer. Also for my precious wife who gave it to me for Christmas. Together we are turning our valley into a peak! 5 2009-03-02T17:55:11+00:00 1 67 67 1 2009-03-02T17:55:11+00:00 202 0