When I cry so do they...

Its amazing to me how our four legged fur kids know exactly what we are feeling.   On the days of recent when my stress was higher than normal they were all growly and hyperactive, when I cried out of joy this weekend they licked my tears while wagging their tails.  Now that I am sick with the flu (Cold version) they are all giving me the best sleepy all day kind of day.  Everyone is just relaxed and sleeping. 

So what does that tell you?  Do animals FEEL?  Do they have EMOTION?  How do you explain dogs and cats with extraordinary ability to tell their owner when a seizure is coming, or lay on the foot of the bed when the owner is dying.  They are not just a living creature they are a feeling, emotional creature who have a 7th sense about them and their humans' needs.

This will be an entire chapter in "Through Barkleys Eyes, A Love Story with a Rural Animal Sanctuary",  A book I have been working on for the past several months.

There are so many good books about animals and emotions/how they indeed feel - I reccomend you start with Jeffrey Moussaieff Massons Books:

The Pig Who Sang to the Moon (the emotional lives of farm animals) & When Elephants Weep (the emotional lives of Animals)

Dogs and cats are no different, so remember the next time you see a stray cat or dog who is pleading with your for help dont turn your back, when you see an animal on death row at a kill shelter dont turn your back.  We are their voices when they have no choice.  Work harder, raise awareness, donate, transport, volunteer, foster and love our kids and the world would be a better place.

Payton on the left and Poppie on the right were rescued at only 4 and 5 ounces and bottle fed.  The entire litter is as emotional as we are!  They seek humans out, they are comforted when they are held, they purr when you talk to them, and they abolutley love each other. 

The end is only the beginning...

After much thought and consideration I resigned as the President and Director of Safe Haven of Iowa County today.  I started it 5 years ago on Dec 15th, 2005.   It was a difficult decision on the one hand but so easy on the other.   I wasn't meant to be a Director for the long haul, I am a home body who loves to work behind the scenes but was willing to be at the head of the last 5 years to get Iowa Counties first animal sanctuary going.  I am so proud of the people who have worked so hard along side of me to make a dream a reality.  I have big things planned to help even more animals in need as you will see in my resignation letter below:

12-12-10

            It has been my honor to serve the animals of Iowa County and beyond for the past 5 years.  A dream has become a reality.  Iowa County has its first ever animal rescue group that has saved over a thousand animals.  I am very proud of my role in making this happen.  However, I feel it is time to move away from the role of President and Director of Safe Haven and do what I enjoy the most which is being with the animals.  I will have so much more time to devote to one of my favorite activities…scooping poop at the havens…and even more importantly spending some time with my own family.

I will continue to foster, post animals in need of fostering, sponsors etc as I am able.  I will attend events and help with fundraisers whenever I can.  I have no intention of disappearing because the animals need each and every one of us.  This is an amazing time for new leadership as SHIC continues to grow and there are some incredible volunteers that make this the best group in Iowa County!

            I will do whatever I can to continue to support Safe Haven of Iowa County just not in the role I have held for the last 5 years, as long as the mission remains the same.

            I am looking forward to starting The Barkley Foundation and the Animal Rescue Help website www.animalrescuehelp.net which I have wanted to do for many months and never had time.  It will benefit many animals in need including animals at SHIC.  I look forward to continuing my work in rescue and helping animals in need.  I also look forward to the day that the permanent building is up and I can look at it and be proud of all that was done to make it happen.  

Rinthea Satterlee
Founder Safe Haven of Iowa County

So while one chapter changes a little a whole new one opens.  My mission in life is to help save the lives of animals one at a time and I will do it til my heart stops beating.  Merry Christmas and God Bless from Rinthea and The Island of Misfits