Gentle Words for Weary Rescuers

Rescuers offer an island of compassion

Circulating recently has been one of the poems below. In case you missed it, here it is in its entirety. Also included is another beautifully written piece, both of which I hope give you some hope in your difficult work as a compassionate soul in harsh environments.

The Horse Rescuer’s Prayer

As I walk through the muck and mire of the slaughter lines, seeing the starved, abused, neglected and throw away horses, as I deal with those arrogant, abusive and ignorant people, who have a million excuses why their horses are dying ~ I pray:

Grant me the strength to look upon the abused, starved and mistreated knowing I can save them only one at a time.

Grant me a heart that withstands the anguish of losing an animal with all its’ heart, against impossible odds.

Grant me the serenity to hold a dying animal, lovingly in my arms, as it crosses the Rainbow Bridge.

Grant me the hope that one day humanity will understand that animals are not disposable garbage at their whim.

Grant me the courage to survive the nightmares of the abused I couldn¹t save, so I can to continue to save others.

Grant me acceptance that I cannot change every ones perception, but if I can change just one at a time, it is well worth the effort.

Grant me peace in knowing I am doing all I can and more people join me everyday and that I am not alone in loving and saving these magnificent creatures.

Grant me the ability to keep my mouth shut until I have the animal safely in hand, and only then can I truly speak my mind.

Grant me everlasting joy in experiencing the renewal of hope and life in an animal destined for death with once listless eyes now filled with love.

Grant me the words to express the outrage, wrongness and inhumanity to the next generation, for they are our light.

Grant me my dreams that one day humanity will accept the other beings of this planet, as fellow beings, and just as deserving of life.

Valerie Hinderlider – 2005

Rescue Me

The sparkle of life has long since left my tired eyes

Years of neglect have brought me here

A steel hand is all that I have felt

The bang of an auction gavel sealed my fate

But a golden ray of sunshine comes upon me

A soft voice whispers in my drooping ears

A gentle hand touches my tired withers

Although I flinch, I do not feel the sting of a whip

Calming words and soothing voice ease my fears

A halter & lead rope are gently placed on me

Another trailer stands before me now, I am urged to go inside

I struggle with fear and pull back hard on the rope

Awaiting harsh words and whip lashes, I pull harder

But no harsh words hurt my ears

I only hear more gentle soothing words

With fear and trepidation, I step into the trailer

My entire body quivers in fear

A huge mound of fresh green hay awaits me

At my destination, I am gently led into an enormous stall

with deep, soft bedding.

A trough of clear, cool water to drink from

A feed tub with fresh grain awaits me

I peek out of my stall door to a pasture of lush green grass

I wonder to myself “Is this the Rainbow Bridge?”

The horse in the stall next to mine nickers, “No, it’s an equine rescue.”

Author unknown