The Truth about Animal Heaven Animal Rescue - A visitor experience 5/02/2017

My Impromptu visit to Ahar (5th-7th February 2017) As a supporter and adopter of two dogs from Ahar I have wanted to visit for a long time. I would not call it ‘a dream’ because that makes it seem unreal and Ahar is very real to me. At very short notice I had the opportunity to go as Gail Burgess and Carly Ferguson of Allsorts Dog Rescue had decided to visit and I was able to join them. So last Sunday we flew to Ireland wearing our muck boots and wet weather gear and headed to the farm. On arrival at the locked gates at Ahar we waited for someone to let us in. I was glad to see that security was tight as anything less would be detrimental to the protection of the animals. After a short while we were welcomed by a volunteer who drove down from the farm to meet us. Sunday is a day when Suzanne tries to have a day off and delegates to her volunteers. There were several there that afternoon/evening, who were efficiently caring for the animals. After disinfecting our boots in the tray at the entrance we rolled up our sleeves and with Gail and Carly experts in the role of animal husbandry I assisted them with the dogs. All the dogs were excited to see us and loved the attention. Every pen was clean. Food and water was plentiful. We refreshed bedding, refilled food and water bowls and socialised with happy and affectionate dogs. Not one dog threw itself at the food in hunger. They were more interested in a cuddle or a play. Each pen had the names of the dogs and any relevant instructions or medication attached or which one was booked for a home. For the first couple of hours we independently worked alongside the other volunteers and were able to access every part of the farm. Being such an avid animal lover I was keen to explore so snuck off a few times to meet the different animals. I was impressed to see sectioned off areas where puppies were in quarantine whilst their vaccinations were taking effect. The entrances to these had additional disinfectant trays for extra protection. They were all in comfortable softly bedded crates with heat lamps. Pound dogs were also in quarantine in the packs in which they had arrived. Various horses, ponies, donkeys and a mule were happily munching on fresh hay in their stables and whilst some were timid they were also curious and alert and tempted by my offering of carrots. Some of the stables had big signs on saying ‘Quarantine. Staff Only’. Next to the larger area where the majority of the dogs were living there was some partitioning which you could not easily see beyond. As I am quite inquisitive I had a little look behind the screen. It was the remainder of the arena and there were a variety of horses and donkeys calmly grazing on the fresh hay. I got some inquisitive glances from a few and some carefully approached enticed by my orange root vegetables. In a sectioned off area thre cows were chewing the cud. I don’t think they even noticed me they were so peaceful. All rescued as Suzanne proudly told me their stories and how one was named Scarlett after one of her favourite vegan kids from the UK she fondly calls, a mini me. In all of this time we were able to explore and access any part of the farm we wanted to. I kept wondering if I would discover any animals playing sleeping lions or hide and seek. But nope, not a sniff or a whisper could I find. Not even in the muck heap. All animals visible and accounted for. The ones I had seen in photos from the pound or the fair wherever each had been abandoned or she paid to take them to a better life. So far everything I had envisaged Ahar to be had been confirmed and I wondered when I was going to meet Suzanne. It felt a bit like what I would imagine it would be like if you were to meet someone after internet dating (not something I have ever done but know people who have successfully met their partner that way). Would she be what I had anticipated? Would I be what she was expecting? Would I like her? Could I have made an error in my judgement? And most of all would I understand a word she said in her fast Irish lingo? It wasn’t long before we arrived, that she landed and of course Gail and Suzanne were excited to see each other again. Of course both hugging and crying. Suzanne explained to me how much she loves Gai. I was greeted warmly and I was struck by how genuine and normal she was. Pint sized and prettier than her picture portrays. My mind puzzled at the things I had read about people being scared of her and thought how easy it would be to walk away or even restrain her to defend myself, child or animal if need be. What a ridiculous scenario people had tried to fool us all with! She is tiny!! Although it was meant to be Suzanne’s day off she explained that she had been busy with a variety of things including power washing her yard at home and preparing paper work for the equines about to be on their way to their new homes. She grabbed a cup of tea, which she promptly asked me to guard in case her dogs tried to steal a sip, as she rushed off to check on something else and fetch some more shavings for the dogs as all her own dogs followed her like shadows. After ensuring that every animal was comfortable I went round again with offerings of carrot. Not having grown up on a farm or within this kind of environment I was amazed to see Suzanne sweeping vigorously throughout the premises. She even went over an alleyway that I had already tidied up. What cheek – my attempt was not adequate. The energy with which she drove that broom left no speck of sawdust in peace and I considered inviting her and her broom to my house. Weren’t we supposed to believe that Suzanne was lazy and careless with standards? My observations told me differently. This kind of sweeping apparently happens in good livery stables and clearly this is the foundation of Suzanne’s ethics. She is obsessed by perfection. We said goodnight to the animals and there was a feeling of calm, peace and contentment. The next day we arrived early and worked our way through cleaning and feeding once again. There was heavy rain until mid afternoon but all the animals were warm and dry within. After the chores were done we had time to socialise with the animals. Yep there I was again with another bagful of carrots from the local Lidl. For the dogs I had selected a few packets of ham and I have to admit I had sneakily wrapped my sausages from my breakfast in a napkin. I am my mothers daughter (she would roast a separate joint for her dog and select her pub meal depending on what the canine would like the most). During the afternoon the sun came out so we took several dogs out for walks. Such beautiful countryside and both humans and dogs enjoyed the experience. Next we groomed several dogs and I became acquainted with a lovely large boxer cross who relished the brushing so much she jumped up on her kennel to show me her appreciation. For Suzanne the day was very different. Paperwork for all the equines had to be thoroughly checked so each was scanned and information logged. I was very impressed at how fearless Suzanne and two of her volunteers were as they herded that animals from the arena in between two gates so they too could be checked one by one. These are powerful and frightened animals who can do damage to each other let alone a petite human. But it was efficiently and expertly executed and all paperwork legitimately completed. I could see that there is so much more to just 'rescuing' then what looks so easy on face book. That and as she explained the costs of rescuing each animal from start to finish to their new home. Just blew me away. Someone like me. Watching from the outside on face book could never work out the maths, until I saw the immense amount of animals that pass through their hands. All I could think of was my own few animals and how expensive they are not to mind the amount at AHAR. One volunteer was busy improving one of the kennel areas where puppies were in quarantine by renewing doors and ensuring they were secure. Passion and Boomer were nearby and regularly encouraging me to come over to rub them and hoping I had another carrot. I watched in awe as Passion was let out for a gallop with a few more equines in the sand arena. I had followed her story from start to now and I think Passion says it all for me. On our last day in Ireland we visited the farm early and again sorted out the dogs. I managed to have a long chat with Suzanne and I asked her a few questions about things that I had read and things that I did not understand. Im sure you feel as I do that when you see someone face to face you can immediately tell from their body language and expression if they are being truthful and genuine. With every question I asked I got immediate and honest answers. No guarded expressions. No time to ponder on what to answer. I asked about the ‘meat horses’ and the allegation that she was dealing in horses. Funding a supply for the dealers. I was promptly whisked around the stables and explained the value of each and every equine. It became quite obvious that Ahar could not afford to buy any horse that would be worth dealing in ( To sell on for profit. All waifs and strays, as Suzanne said she can not afford to buy 'real meat horses for professional slaughter' especially for human consumption as they cost between 400/to 600 eu. Meaning they have a green book. She buys the ones who supply the hunt groups ( to feed the hounds ) and the ones destined for zoos. Until I met her, I never questioned how any zoo fed their carnivores nor would I ever have done any research. Until now. Did you know a zoo has its own abattoir? The zoo. A very famous one. So many fans. We all go to see these amazing animals. Where do you think they get the meat? Did you ever think about it? Or did you think they fed them dog nuts? Soon it was time to leave to get to the airport on time. In a very short time I had gotten to know a lady who has a gift with animals and has done something very selfless which so many of us admire and know we could not do ourselves. There were a lot of tears and I can honestly say that when my husband asked me if I wanted to bring any animals home I said ‘No, I wanted to bring Suzanne home’. We all want to know that the animals are cared for but also that Suzanne is also cared for and the fact that she does what she does is because she is a kind hearted and vulnerable soul herself. If anything she is too trusting and reached out to people who treated her badly in return. We’ve all been there haven’t we? To be honest I found her to be quite ordinary and unassuming – I thought she was going to be a bit of a diva. She has a great network of people who support her but she also has a vicious onslaught of hatred with the aim to ruin her personally and I am amazed how she still has the willpower to carry on. My visit to Ahar confirmed everything and more of what I have seen from following progress over the years. I am sad to say that the hatred campaign has taken a huge toll on donations as individual people have been targeted and doubts put in their minds. To save and run a rescue like Ahar there has to be a continuous flow of funds coming in to meet the needs of every animal there, plus the next ones coming in. There are always more ready to be rescued and Ahar does not want to say no. I am setting up a direct debit of 10euros per month to help towards costs. Although it isn’t much it is a bit like Jesus with his bread and fish. Can I ask that there may be others who would consider doing the same however big or small? One euro per month from 5,000 people alone would make a big difference and secure the future of many needy animals. Thank you for taking time to read my post. If you would like to ask me anything feel free to post on here or send me a private message. All good wishes Inger To donate please go to: http://ahar.ie/support Please sign and share