Animals have much to teach us with their innate wisdom about life, including dealing with other human beings. This story by animal communicator, Dawn Hayman, illustrates how animals focus on the positive in their present environment. The tone of this example can help us recognize when we are receiving communication directly from animals rather than lacing it with human projection.
I was privileged to know Sugar, the wise pony teacher mentioned in this story when I taught animal communication courses at Spring Farm CARES in the 1990s.
A Lesson from the Animals by Dawn E. Hayman From TattleTails & Tidbits, Spring Farm CARES Animal & Nature Sanctuary Journal, Jul/Aug 2022 From the day we conceptualized the creation of Spring Farm CARES, we were already certain that the animals were going to teach us what we needed to learn as we moved ahead. Our job was to listen and learn from them. And that is exactly what we have been doing for the past 30 years. The running of this sanctuary has meant entering a continual conversation, or many conversations simultaneously, with the very beings whose lives are in our hands. It may seem like we are rescuing animals, but in reality, it is the animals who are rescuing us.
In 1991 we helped our local humane society with an animal cruelty case and took in our first abused/neglected pony. Due to human carelessness, she endured terrible circumstances and ended up crippled as a result for the rest of her life. Her name was Sugar. It was a name that fit her well as she was one of the sweetest souls you could ever meet.
We spent months rehabilitating her. Although she would never be “normal” on her legs, she was at least pain free. Sugar radiated joy and beauty. People would meet her and be with her for 10 minutes or more before suddenly realizing how crippled her little legs were. But it was not usually the first thing they’d notice about her, and that was because her deformity didn’t define her. She taught us so much. She was tenacious and determined but soft and kind at the same time. It would take me many pages to describe our experience with her. But Sugar left us with a most profound and life changing lesson that we draw on to this day.
After Sugar came to us, her people were charged with animal cruelty. This was our first case and it was so upsetting to see what had been done to her and, quite frankly, we were hoping the judge would hit them hard and that they would get jail time. As the court date approached, we helped the humane investigator put together her case. There was more than enough evidence. We had veterinary documentation and photos and all that was needed. It was a solid case. The night of the hearing we waited here at the farm for the investigator to stop by and tell us the results. We were in the barn standing in front of Sugar’s stall when the investigator came. We knew the minute we saw her face that it was not good. She looked at Sugar and teared up. “Nothing. They did nothing!” We just stood in disbelief.
“The judge basically threw out the case saying the pony was safe now and there was no proof of any deliberate wrongdoing. Oh, and they were told to reimburse you for the initial vet bill of $300 but don’t expect to see that either. They’ll never pay it.” We were all feeling a lot of anger. But Sugar just stood there eating her hay, grateful as always for a nice stall and unlimited food and love. The investigator walked over and petted her head. “I’m sorry girl. I let you down. I tried my best.”
Sugar looked over at me and with tremendous clarity she said, “Don’t be all upset on my account. I’m not angry so don't be angry on my behalf. Don’t carry this with you now as a weight on your back. There is no need. I mean no harm to these people. I feel sorry for them.” I was floored. Speechless. Yet I felt her message deep within my heart. I shared what she said with Bonnie and we understood what she was telling us. It is of course natural to feel angry when we see any abused animal walk in (or be carried in in some cases) to our facility. We acknowledge that anger and then let it go. Because we have a choice. We can carry that anger with us and constantly be exposing this animal to our own anger inadvertently (which keeps their wounds open even longer) or we can let go of the anger and look at the animal who is now safely with us, and focus on the love and care we have for them (and this allows them to heal). It’s our choice.
Sugar taught us that revenge serves no purpose at all. Love heals. We can stay in anger or we can move on to something more healing. If the animals don’t fall into hate and anger, then who are we to do so on their behalf?
