When is an animal "rescued" ?

Some might think the rescue is complete when an animal arrives at the farm, but that's only the first hurdle of many.

Are they rescued once they're physically healthy? Treating illness and injury is most definitely of utmost importance. That step begins immediately upon arrival...vet visits, special diets, treatments and care plans.

But, what about the scars we can't see? The invisible wounds from years of neglect and cruelty? We must help carry the weight of these scars until one day they don't feel as heavy. Stand gently with them until they learn not all hands are cruel. Show them what love is because some have never known it.

Then one day, something is different. It may be a simple little thing. You reach out and the pony doesn't pull away, the goat runs to and not away from you in the pasture, a donkey abused by a farrier lets you lift his hoof or the scared pig flops over for a belly rub. Maybe that moment...maybe then...when our hearts feel so full and our eyes well up...I think that's when we are all rescued.