"... and with love they survived."

Yesterday the Prospector and I took a drive to Folsom. We went down there to get some information and maps about the mining claims in our area. The BLM people were very helpful.
Afterwards we went to Zittels Pumpkin farm across the American River from Old Town Folsom. It used to be my favorite place to buy gourds but the family retired and now they just sell pumpkins. It was a beautiful day and we had just missed a couple of bus loads of students that came to see the farm, so the place was almost empty and a perfect time for taking pictures.

On our way back home we stopped at The Grace Foundation in El Dorado Hills. This is a horse rescue and safe haven for many other animals too. The foundation began with 16 horses that were rescued from an abusive owner. Now they work with Sacramento County to help save as many abuse and neglected animals as possible.
We were greeted by some very nice folks ( and a couple of friendly dogs ), who gave us a tour of the facility and explained what they do and how they do it. They are compassionate and dedicated people that rescue and rehabilitate horses and other animals on a very tight budget. This is a LABOR OF LOVE for them and most of the hard work is done by volunteers. They have youth programs for "special" children, where the child and the animal can interact and have a positive effect on each other. They invite inner-city kids to come out and experence the farm and offer riding lessons for all of the children. They are also working on a wonderful place called PONY TOWN. This is an interactive old town , sponsored by The Rotary Club of Historic Folsom, that will provide hands-on learning about history and life skills.

We were so impressed with the concern and love that these people have for the animals and the vision of where they are going and how they plan to do it, that we not only made a donation but we also will be volunteering our time on "work days" to help their cause.

Please take a look at their website at: www.thegracefoundationofnocal.org. It's a wonderful thing that these people are doing. I think that animals are teachers and we are their stewards. How we treat the animals in this world is a large part of taking care of the earth. Even the smallest effort is an example of man's humanity.

"We can do no great things, only small things with great love." ~Mother Teresa~