PSGR is life changing, literally, for the animals we rescue. Even if they don't realize it, the rescue means everything to them and their second chance at life. PSGR means a lot to the people that cross paths with it as well. It's near impossible for this place, these animals, not have some impact on everyone who walks through our gate. Especially the core group of us who choose to spend the time that we do here. I often say that my work with PSGR is my therapy. It is my happy place. Yes, I am helping animals but just as much, they are helping me. They demonstrate unconditional love, trust, resilience, courage, forgiveness and so much more, every single day. Discovering this place and the work that Barbara does, I feel as though I have finally found what I am here on this earth to help do. I am grateful to be given the opportunity to be a part of what Barbara has created. I've discovered my true passion and will forever be grateful.
Baby Finn and I last winter
Baby Finn and I last winter
For the past 4 years volunteer Emily has spent her Saturday's at PSGR: "I've always thought that bumper sticker that says "Who rescued who?" was a bit cheesy, but after I started working at PSGR I realized that as cheesy as it was, it was also true. I love the goats for who they are, and I have really enjoyed learning the skills to take proper care of them. But what I didn't expect was how much they would help in my process of recovering from the abuse I experienced as a child. They really are therapy animals for me. Goats by their nature are sweet and silly and usually quite gentle, and they are an anchor for me. A reminder that there are beings in this world that it is safe to connect with; that mothers can and do protect their children; that tiny babies really are precious and worth protecting - worth rescuing from the muck and mire of a slaughterhouse. It's been nearly four years since my first volunteer day, and not a week has gone by that I haven't been grateful for their presence in my life." -Emily
Emily
Bonnie has been involved with the rescue for over 10 years now: "It has been about ten years since I have met Barbara and the PSGR volunteers. When I retired I knew I wanted to do something useful and needed. Farm animal rescue was perfect. Many people are not aware of the need to help these creatures, or the farming practices that contribute to the need for rescues. Barbara has been rescuing long before I gave it a thought. Many animals have come and gone over the years. Many lives rescued and given another chance for a good life. Goats, chickens, calfs, alpacas, sheep, lambs, dogs, llamas.....
The work is rewarding - to see a very ill animal recover, to see a happy family picking up their new family member, to hear back from them and see pictures of how well they are all doing. So much to be thankful for all around. Thankful the rescue is there for the animals; thankful for the dedication and hard work Barbara and the volunteers contribute to our little corner of the world; the thankful adoptive families, and the thanks from the people who contribute resources and money to the rescue. That surprised me the most, people thanking me for doing the work. It has meant a lot to me to help explain the mission of the rescue, to educate people about the reality of what has to happen to put meat on the table, to see the animals get well, to see peace come into their lives. Most of all I am thankful to be a part of it.
There was the time Barbara and I sat with a troubled pregnant goat, it was the middle of the night; oh, it was so cold and snowing, no light or heat in the barn. Misery. Mama goat decides that sooner or later her baby is going to come. She did not not have an easy time of it, Barbara knew what to do and pulled the baby into a new world while I talked and sang and tried to comfort mama. When it was over, that big, tired, thankful goat gave me big licks all over my face. So gross, but she was telling us 'thank you'. I was thankful this did not happen too often." -Bonnie
Bonnie
We all have experiences from our time here that will stay with us forever. More memories and moments I am thankful for are made every time I walk through that gate.
No post about gratitude would be complete without thanking the person at the heart of all of this, Barbara. She has dedicated her life to saving these animals and making their lives not only safe and healthy and happy, but possible. She has created a place that has not only saved thousands of goats and sheep and various other animals but she has also created a place of meaning and purpose for many animal loving people. Thank you Barbara, you are much loved by your PSGR family, 2 and 4 legged!