Well, early retirement wasn't
going as planned. Caring for my 94 year old mom, my crazy 90 year
old aunt, running mind numbing errands, having numerous aperitifs with
friends, and dealing with the Italian bureaucracy wasn't cutting
it. What to do? While employed in San Francisco I had
always volunteered at Animal Care and Control as a cat socializer, dog
walker, and small animal caretaker (guinea pigs, reptiles, chickens,
whatever). One Sunday morning I was having a cafe and reading the
newspaper at Al Cret when I spotted an ariticle about Evelyn and Zedan
Ranch. Hmm...horses, large scary creatures that I had only come
in contact with as a 7 year old at the Erie County Fair (I'm a native
Buffalonian). Pony rides ring a bell? OK, maybe I could be
of some use. I phoned Evelyn, explained I knew squat about horses
but would like to volunteer. She said "come on down" and she
patiently showed me how to groom horses and feed them tasty
treats. She wisely assigned me to an ancient 35 year old,
Reica, and a gimpy but gorgeous little blue eyed pony, Angel.
What a joy. I soon became comfortable around the beautiful,
intelligent, and amusing beasts and met tons of wonderful, caring
people. A truely international mix. Beware, Evelyn is
charming but does have a manipulative streak. I was recently
suckered into adopting a geriatric hound whose 88 year old guardian had
recently died. Apparently family members didn't want him and were
making "POUND" noises. By word of mouth he came to Evelyn's
attention and ended up at Zedan Ranch. After a feeble "no" I agreed to
adopt Kim who has cataracts and can't hear much, ergo his many aliases:
Tommy, the deaf dumb and blind dog (any WHO fans out there?) Sparky,
Sport, and Mr. Tippy Toes. He is now a most delightful addition
to and the senior member of our menagerie of abandoned and spoiled
rotten pets (Samantha, aka Princess, Isabella, aka Kitty NO, Lillo, aka
Sir Robert Barksalot and of course Kim). Evelyn and Zedan Ranch
are special. Volunteer, donate, come visit. Your spirit
will be rewarded....Mary Bandiera
- Equimag - Barefoot - Link
- Linda
Tellington Jones - DONATION