It is the policy of this charity that adopted horses are only adopted into “Forever Homes”.
A forever home is just that: a home for the entire duration of the animal’s life.
Just like having children, animals are a lifelong responsibility. When they are sick, injured or elderly is exactly when they need their people to stand up for them, not abandon them. Sadly, all too many animals are abandoned, neglected or euthanized for ‘lifestyle’ reasons, such as moving house, starting or ending relationships, vet bills, deciding to start a family, trips overseas and so on.
We do understand that there can be exceptional circumstances in which animals need to be re-homed, such as due to debilitating accidents or illnesses that may leave an animal’s person unable to care for them. But just as with children, the re-homing of your animals needs to be taken just as seriously as if they were your human children who needed to be taken into care by family.
Re-homing animals is stressful for them, can break their trust and sense of security, and can put them at risk of future abuse and neglect. And these animals have already been through so much in their lives that they well and truly deserve to know that they are safe and loved now and until the day they pass from this world.
Honouring your animals in a forever home not only benefits the animal, but also the whole family. What better lesson can there be for children then:
- to see the committment and responsibility needed for an animal;
- to value life at every stage of the life cycle, from birth to death;
- to problem solve and manage difficulties as they arrive, rather than giving up and abandoning their duties;
- to learn what it means to give and receive love for an eternity, not just an hour;
- to learn to accept another living being even if the total package doesn’t always live up to their hopes or expectations;
- to learn to value life just because it is life.
A forever home also means that euthanasia is only considered in extreme situations. Money is rarely a reason to euthanize an animal. (Again, you would not euthanize your child for monetary reasons.) There is always ways to find money:
- work extra hours;
- hold a family meeting and decide what each member of the family can do to raise money;
- sell unwanted items in your home through ebay or the Trading Post;
- forgo Christmas and birthday gifts for donations from friends and family;
- approach veterinary schools and vets to see if there is pro bono work available;
- get publicity and ask your community to help fund your animal.
There are always options.
Unfortunately, incurable and debilitating pain and illness might be reasons to consider euthanasia. This might be one of the most difficult things you have to do. Look to your network of family and friends for support during this time to make this transition.
Charlie’s Angels Horse Rescue works with every person who adopts a rescue horse to ensure that these animals get the loving forever home that they deserve.
