Nashville Paw News

TEXT BY HEATHER DAVIS / NASHVILLE PAW MAGAZINE. PHOTO OF HEATHER DAVIS & MARE BY KATHY ZIEGLER.

Today, I spent my Sunday with a barn full of new friends — both two and four legged ones.

The HSUS emergency rescue shelter at the TN State Fairgrounds was oddly quiet compared to just a week ago, when droves of people buzzed about. Many of the horses have already been placed into rescue through Horse Haven of Tennessee and Volunteer Equine Advocates. And, as the initial shockwave wears off, volunteer help is on the decline, leaving work shifts running on a slender staff.

The outpouring of help from HSUS, UAN/EARS and local volunteers has already made an incredible positive difference for these horses, helping them to gain strength, health and socialization day by day. But they have a long road to recovery, and your help is still needed in order to make operations run smoothly at the shelter.

Today, like every day, we mucked stalls. We fed, watered and groomed the horses. We put on isolation suits and tended to the sick horses in the quarantine barn. We enjoyed spending time with these beautiful animals and getting to know them, and enjoyed getting to know our fellow rescuers and volunteers. It’s not easy work by any means — just ask the rescuers who are there day and night — but it’s highly rewarding work, and it’s good for the soul!

My rewarding moment truly hit me as I cleaned out the stall of Blaze, a beautiful and gentle yet quite depressed and malnourished horse. After warming up to me, he leaned in, nuzzling his big head into my chest. As I gently stroked his muzzle and neck, softly speaking to him — offering my apologies for the cruelties he’d endured and promising him a better life from this day forward — he began to close his eyes. We stood like that for a long time, his head in my hands, his eyes closed, body relaxed… just soaking in all the affection he’s been denied for far too long.

And that, right there, is what this rescue is all about. At the end of the day, we are all doing this work so that each one of these horses can finally experience the love, care, comfort, health and happiness they so truly deserve. So that each one may experience a lifetime of moments like this very one, in which they are truly at peace.

To everyone who has helped this incredible and massive rescue effort, thank you. You are greatly appreciated and your efforts make such a difference! The work, however, is far from done. Whether you’re an experienced horse lover or just someone with a heart for animals, all volunteers are welcome and greatly needed!

Want to help? Volunteers are needed from 8am - 5pm seven days a week, particularly on the morning shift. Appointments are no longer necessary… just check in at the HSUS trailer at the fairgrounds and they’ll gladly show you the ropes and put you to work!

For more info on this case, see our original posting. And for photos of the rescue effort, be sure to check out our PHOTO ALBUM on Facebook!