Project Hope - In Defense of Animals

Happy Day Everyone,

It's so strange how the mind works. I've been back from California for two weeks, and it seems an eternity ago. I am so thankful to have Robin at my side. She is great. So energetic, caring, thorough ... What's left to be said? I am so hopeful for what we can accomplish here. Struggles diminish when teamwork thrives.

We have had a busy week. We placed five dogs. Hershey and her sister Reeces went to the same home (Yeah!). They were surrendered to us by a dear woman that at one time could have been classified a collector. Belmont Bell, the pup we rescued from the Belmont pound when we engaged in the case involving the poodle breeder went to her new home. Marshall and Shelton (not Sheldon) went to their new homes yesterday. The familles that adopted them were so endearing. Misty, clearly the alpha human female in Marshall's new home, cried with joy when she made the decision to adopt him. He was headed home to snuggle under the covers.

We are set to participate in PETsMART's "pet" photos with Santa for the next two Sundays. It's a lot of fun. I am being really grown up about letting Robin be Santa the first Sunday. It is a hoot being mauled, dragged off your seat and disrobed by huge dogs who think Santa is a bit strange. Some of the dogs simply remove your beard and hat with one swipe of their big tongues.

We are seeking a meeting with Amy Tuck, our State LT. Gov., and Tim Ford the House Leader to ask for their support and assistance with our 2001 legislative efforts. We have our work cut out for us, but have a broader support team this year. Pet Theft action, and other regional groups are enjoining with us.

This has been a week of putting out the word that IDA has a standing reward for the arrest and conviction of anyone poisoning, shooting, or stealing animals. With the opening of "deer season" "still huntrs" and property owners often take to extreme their efforts to stop hunting dogs from crossing their land.

Sapphire, our new heifer is really content. We are considering taking in two donkeys to keep Seeker company. Sapphire would not stay in his pasture. For his safety he can't be in with other horses. The four operations he had for colic and following hernias left him with a very weak protrusion on his belly. The jacks are part of a rescued herd, and are supposed to be very gentle.

We are working numerous horse neglect cases. My brain nearly drowns in the dismay of knowing how people callously ignore the most basic needs of animals they just have to have. I am sick of listening to people tell me how they love their animals, how they take good care of them, they've just been too busy to care for them. I will retract my fingers before I say what I might.

We are looking into the basest neglect of over forty horses that we know of I am going to cut short. I am using a friend's computer to say hi. I hope to have great photos for you to see on our web site very soon. Another friend is working with us to catch up on our dreadful lapse in updating the photos of the nearly two hundred creatures we are blessed to be caring for.

Take care, and thank you for your support.

Doll

Past diary entries