Sunday, December 16, 2012

Leave Hoof Prints Home! - My Thoughts.... Helmi's From Daughter

All friends that know myself have a pretty good understanding of my thought process and feelings regarding the equine population and how I speak only facts (learned through experience) as to how the world goes round. Those of you that my not necessarily know me, please take a few minutes to educate yourself as to where your "fluffy" may end up when you have decided you have found their new, amazing future home.
Though many of us may not see eye to eye, I KNOW when it comes to the health and well being of our horses (as owners, breeders, caretakers ect) we ALL have the same goal/responsibility, which is to ensure these horses have the adequate care each and every one deserves. Sometimes hardship comes upon us throughout life which may force us to part with the ones that mean the most and our primary thought is "Will I find a home that will give them everything they need and more."
With that being said, I can't help but feel the need to educate others with my experience and put the word out that there is now a way to maintain accurate documents tracking "fluffy's" whereabouts and care.
For as long as I can remember, my mother, Helmi Bishop (founder of Flip My Lip), has not only encouraged me to see the big picture , but has shown me exactly how it operates. "When taking on the responsibility of an animal, you have obligated yourself to ensure their future will always be determined based on THEIR best interest NOT your selfishness."
Over the past 25 years I have encountered many neglected, abusive, and/or plain old unwanted situations. When I was younger, I may not of always comprehended the extent of the situation, but I ALWAYS knew my mother was "giving them another chance" As I grew older, it became more clear to me.
After many years of my mother arriving home with what I thought were just new ponies to play with, I had a chance to see where they were actually coming from....At the age of 12, I was fortunate enough (many may not think so) to experience my first horse auction.
After driving for what I thought felt like forever we had reached New Holland, Pennsylvania (from Massachusetts) We pulled into an enormous parking lot filled with all kinds of trailers. I was so excited to get inside to see all the horses, maybe even a new one to bring home! There was so much commotion and horses lined up EVERYWHERE once we got inside. I remember my mother telling me, "DON'T LEAVE MY SIDE." I Obeyed my mothers request and walked beside her up and down aisles, upon aisles of horses. At the time I thought I was in heaven, horses everywhere! But soon learned we were not in a "happy place."
After reaching what I thought was the end of "Horse Heaven" I had caught a glimpse of a pile (by pile I mean a 5ft high 10 ft wide MOUND) of halters and right beside it was a pit of horse shoes. I recall asking my mother why they were there..... Her response was something I will never forget.... Those trailers will never look the same again.
Anyone who has ever had to part with their "better half" due to unforeseen circumstances always hopes for the best but may never think of the worst. After this experience, I will ALWAYS think of the worst and will do everything in my power to ensure the best possible outcome.
After taking the time to read my story I hope that you will remember, there is a way to leave hoof prints that cccan always bring "Fluffy" home....


1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Well said!