Posted: 16 Nov 2010 02:00 AM PST
I wrote about the wonderful DreamCatcher Sanctuary in the beginning of the month as it is our  Bucket Fund equine charity for November.  Here is the link to that extensive post…

Today, I wanted to share that DreamCatcher Sanctuary helps many other animals as well.   In particular, the wild Burro.  But first, a short re-cap.

WHY I WANT TO HELP THE MUSTANGS AND WILD BURROS!

I am worried about the welfare of our wild Mustangs.  It is my belief that the management of the BLM is ordering  gathers which are happening too often, too harshly and under inhumane conditions.  Too many horses are dying.
I do think not enough smart, equine welfare consideration is happening in the upper divisions of the BLM.

I’ve heard all too often that the reasons for gathering the Wild Mustangs and Burros is because they are starving out there.  Yet, I have not seen one, not one, photo of an unhealthy Mustang or Burro before the gather.  I have seen no skinny Mustangs or Burros.  Not one.

And, why — why are cattle just fine in Mustang territory?  Why is it alright to let larger and larger herds of cattle graze where the newly removed Mustangs were not able to thrive.  Something there stinks a bit…

And, another part of this that bothers me… I don’t think the mares should be sterilized and re-released (as it creates many social issues) and I don’t think their land should be given to cows/big business… and for sure, I don’t think the Mustangs should be trucked off their native lands to holding facilities in South Dakota (to land no one covets).  I believe in a few years we will see very few Mustangs in the wild — and those very few will be non-breeding (captured, sterilized and re-released).

Hence, sooner than later extinction.

SO, I WANTED SOMETHING TANGIBLE THAT I COULD POINT TO AND FEEL…

There are many advocacy groups out there and I support several.  However, for me, I really wanted to do something concrete and real for the mustangs right now before it is too late.  I am not opposed to working through legislation, I’m just not seeing the results we anticipated and I feel that Big Business and Lobbies outweigh our efforts.

So, I chose to support DreamCatcher Sancturary, a 501 (c) 3, that is actively returning the captured Mustangs back  to the wild on native range lands that DreamCatcher Sanctuary has secured.  The Sanctuary is located in Northern California and I know the Director personally.  I’m not saying that she is a friend and therefore I’m donating to her.  I’m saying that I have had the pleasure to meet her and watch her work, first-hand.  Barbara Clarke was the Director of Redwings Rescue, a very successful Equine Welfare establishment.

I think the world of Barbara’s ethics and I know her determination and will are locked and loaded, totally focused on the Mustangs.  If there is a way, Barbara will find it.  I know she will use our money wisely.

MUSTANG RELEASE SANCTUARY

DreamCatcher Sanctuary is an established Mustang release Sanctuary.  , they have released herds gathered from the Pryor Mountain, McCullough Peaks and Red Desert horses.  They also have a smattering of horses from other herd areas… Twin Peaks in California, Calico Complex in Nevada, Seven Troughs in Nevada and Hart Mountain in Oregon.

DreamCatcher is doing it!  They are releasing captive wild herds on private property.

BURROS, TOO!

I wanted to add today that they also release wild burros.  I know that the burros get lost in the shuffle sometimes.  They aren’t as exciting as Mustangs… (I love my burro and think EVERYONE should have a donkey) and therefore often left in the BLM holding pens.  Ach.  So sad.  They are so wonderful.

But, DreamCatcher has several wild burros living free!

HUGE AND WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY RIGHT NOW!

Right now, DreamCatcher Sanctuary has the opportunity to lease another 20,000 acres next door to the present location.  It will take money to acquire the lease and money to support it, of course.  But, 20,000 acres would be such a great addition to the Mustangs/Burros!  So many more could be released!

This land has ponds, buildings and great potential.

Knowing the expertise inside Barbara Clarke’s knowledgeable and forward thinking mind makes me want to support her efforts.  I KNOW something will happen and it will be done well.

This is why I chose DreamCatcher for our November Bucket Fund.  We can truly help the Mustangs by giving them more land.  The opportunity is here!

DREAMCATCHER GROWS THEIR OWN HAY

But, they don’t just acquire land at DreamCatcher… they think.   They want to sustain themselves.  One way of keeping costs down is growing their own hay.  I think the idea of growing hay is forward and correct.  At DreamCatcher, they grow their own grass and alfalfa which saves them approximately $50,000 per year!  And, the hope is to expand this to help others with hay needs in the future.

THEY HELP PLACE ABANDONED DOGS

Dogs seem to go with horses even though horses don’t really like dogs.  At DreamCatcher, unwanted and abandoned dogs are purposefully and secretly dropped off  in their abundant fields.  It is sad and irresponsible that the previous owners are doing this.  It is unfortunate and needs to stop.

Luckily, however, DreamCatcher will find the dogs great homes.  They have an very proven track record… and we think it is because these dogs are given a great rehabilitation.

While the dogs are at DreamCatcher awaiting adoption, they get to run free (supervised, of course) and be a dog.   In a short time, the handlers watch the dogs bloom and learn their gifts and shortcomings.  This helps with proper evaluation and lasting adoptions.  Win-win.

COYOTES DOING THEIR JOB

I found this interesting on the DreamCatcher website…  I like this thinking.

“We have many coyote pairs inhabiting the sanctuary acres. Once they were hated and shot on sight by ranchers. Today there is still an enormous amount of ignorance surrounding this animal. For us they perform a very important role in the sanctuary ecosystem, rodent control. Coyotes are allowed to hunt our fields unharmed. They keep the rodent and rabbit population in check which keeps the range grasses healthy.”

OH GIVE ME A HOME WHERE THE ANTELOPE PLAY…

And, this…

“Last November, once hunting season was over, we had over three hundred antelope temporarily grazing our alfalfa fields. Frustrated hunters would slam on thier brakes and stop right in the middle of the county road next to our fields when they saw the herd.”

BALD EAGLES

DreamCatcher has a pair of Bald Eagles in residence.  Nice… that says something about the place.

WHAT AN INCREDIBLE PLACE FOR WILD ANIMALS!

Like I said before, I know Barbara Clarke is a force.  I know she will do what is best for the wild animals in her charge.  I know she will create workable and efficient plans, she will always think ahead, she has an incredible business mind and … I’m sure she will work until she drops for the animals.  I’ve witnessed her in action.

Let’s help her procure more range land for the wild horses and burros who are now stuck in unnatural and confining BLM holding pens.  Let us help her keep this wild place wild.

WE HAVE A HUGE GOAL THIS MONTH, BUT WE CAN DO IT!

Yes, the goal of $1000 is a bit more than the HORSE AND MAN Group Bucket Fund has ever raised.  But, we can do it!  We are already more than half way there!  We can give back to the Mustangs and Burros – one acre at a time!

Please click here to donate and give your Starbucks money or car seat change to this WONDERFUL Sanctuary.   Many, many thanks.

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