RANCH RULES
Here are just a few of our important
ranch rules:
Volunteer hours are each Saturday at 4
PM or 5 PM during Daylight Savings Time (summer).
Volunteers may not
attend the ranch at other hours unless approved by Shelley Patterson
or Laurie Waggoner and you may NEVER attend the ranch alone.
Volunteers may bring
guests by permission of Shelley or Laurie only and all guests must
sign a Release Form.
Volunteers are not permitted to bring
their own dogs or other mascots to the rescue ranch.
SFSPCA
LIBRARY
HANDLING HORSES
TYING HORSES
LEADING HORSES
GROOMING HORSES
SADDLING/BRIDING
HALTERING HORSES
DAILY CHECK/VITAL SIGNS
ADDRESS & DIRECTIONS |
A Young Person’s Point of View;
Why I Volunteer at the SPCA
By: Mikaela
Kursell
 Everyone
has a passion. At some point in their lives, every single person will
find that “special something” that for them just works; a favorite
past time that blossoms until the person simply can’t remember how
they survived life without it. For me, the SPCA is that entity; it has
comfortably settled into my daily schedule, and has quickly mushroomed
into something much more than just a piece of paper checkered with
community service hours.
My friends don’t understand it: How
could someone my age actually enjoy working, when making my bed is a
struggle? What could possess me to voluntarily give up countless hours
of ‘hanging-out’ time for the sake of a clean stall? Being a volunteer
is anything but glamorous; there are stalls to clean, horses to groom,
and Lord knows that many times, the weather doesn’t cooperate. Summer
nights are hot, and summer days even hotter; not the ideal temperature
for shoveling shavings nor for wheel-barreling sand from ring to ring.
But nevertheless, volunteering at the SPCA is perhaps the best thing I
have ever done for myself not to mention, it is the only whole hearted
act that this self-centered teen has done for others.
Obviously, the awareness that I’m giving back to the community is a
big part of it. Today’s world is hardly a friendly one; and growing up
in it is hardly easy. There are serious issues we all have to deal
with, both internally and externally. Volunteering, however, serves as
a constant reminder of the good that thrives and the efforts being
made to preserve it. The fact that I can contribute is phenomenal. For
me, the hours I spend training young horses or nursing the injured are
sources of self-confidence, not to mention great for reflection and
for some peace of mind.
Then, of course, there are the gifts
that the SPCA has given me, making it a truly symbiotic relationship.
Each day, something new is happening, and with it new lessons are
born. The SPCA attracts a “dim sum” of different people; individuals
who are interesting and knowledgeable, and have talent and wisdom
which they wish to share with others for the sake of each and every
horse, pony, cow, pig, goat, dog, cat, raccoon, or even llama that
steps foot, hoof, or paw beyond its heavenly gates. Volunteering has
allowed me to make irreplaceable friends, and has given me the
opportunity to connect with others who are equally as passionate as I
am about animal rescue. Their dedication is truly amazing and
inspiring.
And, most importantly, there are the many grateful
faces of the animals. Their sweet sighs during an anticipated “bubble
bath” is enough to do it for me.
So, if anyone asks me why I
choose to volunteer at the SPCA, the answer is simple. I tell them to
open their eyes. Look at the thoroughbred with his protruding ribs and
matted mane; go play with the Paso mare with the scarred face and
troubled past; and watch the emaciated foal tremble, sore and lonely
from abandonment.
I think the gleam in their eyes, that flutter
of hope, will speak for itself. |
