Thank you to supporters old and new who joined us at our Second Annual ASPCA HELP A HORSE DAY Walk and Family Day! Callie and Valor, our resident mustang ambassadors kicked off the day’s events by starring in our natural horsemanship demonstration. We shared their stories of rescue and raised awareness about the plight of America’s wild horses. The audience learned how to read equine body language and had the opportunity to meet Callie and Valor up close and personal.
Elected official,Town of Brookhaven Superintendent Dan Losquadro, kindly supported our day by cutting the ribbon to begin our walk which was attended by a broad range of participants from toddlers in strollers to seniors in wheelchairs. Our walk began at the barn of Callie and Valor and proceeded through the park where we saw the homes of rescued wildlife from eagles to bears.
In keeping with our mission which is to educate the public and particularly young people about the compassionate treatment of all animals, the second half of the day focused on an animal welfare-themed puppet show, authored by our summer Humane Education Program alumni. The show was performed by our graduates and by members of the Sachem Middle School Critter Club who are also participants in our ongoing community outreach programs.
Other Humane Education Program graduates walked adoptable dogs from the Southhampton Shelter and Gimmee Shelter. They delivered the message: Adopt Don’t Shop. We were happy to learn of three likely adoptions! A scout troop served as face painters and youngsters participated in an animal themed scavenger hunt and mural painting.
We were happy to be a part of the national day of recognition of the ASPCA’s groundbreaking work on behalf of horses. We were especially rewarded by the enthusiastic efforts of our humane education program graduates who are now themselves carrying on the work of the Foundation as they educate others to “be kind to everything that lives.” In the words of Kaeli Kramer: “As knowledge, courage and responsibility light our way so does kindness. Everyone some way, some how affects another .” Our celebration of ASPCA’s national Help a Horse Day brought life to these words.
