A 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