Gratitude: recognition and appreciation of the good in the world.
January is officially observed as National Thank You Month: the entire month invites us to nurture gratitude and kindness in the coming year. Who knew? I, for one, appreciate the encouragement to consider the legions of people who enrich my life.
I run Catskill Animal Sanctuary in Saugerties, a non-profit that rescues farm animals and offers them what most have never known: safety, comfort, and the touch of kind hands. We’ve rescued thousands and helped thousands more through programming that encourages humanity to adopt plant-based living. If you think that work can occur without the goodwill of the community, read on.
Our work requires dedicated staff and volunteers willing to show up no matter the weather, ready to offer individualized care to hundreds of animals, particularly to the elderly, the blind, and the newly rescued, who often arrive on the verge of death. These good people individualize meals, toss hay, clean stalls and pastures, wash dishes, and repair fences, barns, and roads. They sit fully present with our beloved animals when their quality of life is gone and it’s time to say goodbye. They are back the next morning, their hearts broken but still intact, ready to begin anew. The rest of our team raise the funds to support our work, share our stories, introduce delightful pigs and cows, sheep and chickens to a world that sees these animals only as commodities, and manage “the back end” that ensures the smooth functioning of our organization. It’s no small order.
These peaceful warriors are supported by local veterinarians who show up whenever we need them, and by farrier extraordinaire Kevin Post. We are supported by local media who cover our work, whether we’re welcoming 40 starving sheep or piloting a plant-based support program. Local businesses offer discounts–a much-appreciated helping hand as we climb out of the abyss created by Covid. One business, Tiano Excavation, has done so much for us that they deserve their own shout out: they are neighbors we are truly blessed to have. Thousands of visitors from the Hudson Valley and beyond come down our driveway each season, eager to meet the animals. And when they do, oh my: having a turkey fall asleep in your lap and a cow lick your face changes good people, who often become ambassadors for the billions of animals relegated to become our food. And so, we are grateful to animal lovers who visit Catskill Animal Sanctuary, whose changed perspective becomes a force for good in the world.
In other words, it truly does “take a village” to do this work. Take away one part of this network and we crash like a Jenga tower. All successful businesses, whether non-profit or for profit, have support systems like what I describe. What better time to thank those who are a part of it than National Thank You Month?
From one grateful human to all of our neighbors and friends working to help make the world a better place: THANK YOU…and Happy New Year.
Kathy Stevens is the founder and Executive Director of the 150-acre refuge, Catskill Animal Sanctuary in New York’s Hudson Valley,