My Trip to SARA
Paul and I celebrated my birthday by spending Saturday at SARA; the society for animal rescue and adoption. SARA is located about 40 miles outside of San Antonio and the drive brought us to a part of Texas I had never seen before. I knew we were out in the country when every home we passed had cattle grazing in the front yard. It was a beautiful drive and although it was slightly cool (for Texas) the sun was shining- perfect weather for spending the day outside.
When we arrived we were greeted by Hector, one of the full time employees at SARA. Hector gave us a tour of the sanctuary and background stories for so many of the animals and let me just tell you there were a lot of animals. Way more than I even imagined. It was beautiful and sad at the same time. So many animals rescued from dire situations, so many animals who have suffered horribly at the hands of their human owners. Being at SARA made me happy to know a place like it exists in my backyard and sad that it needed to exist in the first. Such emotional turmoil.
After our tour, Hector gave us a list of chores that needed to be done so Paul and I set off to help out the best we could. Our morning was filled with; emptying and filling the water troughs, feeding the roosters, feeding the donkeys and horses, cleaning the chicken coop and feeding the birds. We helped bring a blind sheep that was being left at SARA because the owners could no longer care for it into it’s new (temporary) home. The sheep would only be there for a few days as it was already set to be adopted- happy ending. We helped out with some minor tweaks being made to a pavilion. And we fed the pigs. Lots and lots of pigs. Baby pigs, potbelly pigs, and wild pigs. There are hundreds and hundreds of pigs. Some there to save them from being killed by the area residents, some there because families didn’t want them any more. Each little pig had personality and I was quickly falling in love.
Between all of the chores Paul and I made sure we were able to interact with all the animals. That meant lots of time petting dogs, donkeys, cows, longhorns and horses. By the end of the day we had learned a lot about SARA, met the owner/operator Tracy (whom we love and admire greatly) and fell madly in love with the animals. I must have thanked Paul a dozen times for giving me the best birthday present ever. It was a day I will never forget. I cannot wait to go back. I plan on making the trip there once or twice a month. It’s really the least I can do. SARA is an amazing place and thankfully I was able to take some pictures at the end of the day so I can share my experience with you.
Robyn is an angel. One of my favorite dogs. She was raised as a fighting dog but is now docile and loving.
This donkey wanted to get in the Kia and come home with us. How cute?
Axel was another one of my favorite doggies! He loves to be around people and the other animals.
So many piggies!
Roosters and Turkeys!
The kitties!
Donkeys!
Cows and Longhorns!
Doggies!
My favorite: horses!
If you are interested in learning more about SARA, animal rescue and adoption or learning how you can donate or help please visit SARA’s website: SARA
Thanks for reading!
thirtyfourandfabulous 