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No-kill facility offers refuge for unwanted animals
It shows in the smile on her face and the glint in her eye -- Second Chance Barnyard founder Shawn Abell of El Dorado Springs has truly found her life's calling in rescuing animals and either finding good homes for them or providing them a good home.
And though what she does may sound simple, nothing could be further from the truth. Abell started her little enterprise about four years ago with a genuine desire to help animals. That humble beginning and heartfelt yearning have grown into a full time job. On many nights "I don't get to bed until 2 or 3 o'clock in the morning," Abell said.
Her little idea has turned into a Department of Agriculture regulated licensed rescue shelter with a current population of about 50 dogs, 30 cats and one blind horse. In her four years she has had all kinds of animals in her care. Birds, bunnies, parrots, a snake and other critters have found their way into the "Barnyard" and been given a second chance at a healthy, happy life.
Abell and her facility, just south of El Dorado Springs, know no county, state or political boundaries. They will accept an animal from anywhere and have in fact taken in animals from as far away as California and New York. The Barnyard actually has what might be called a satellite in New Jersey that has sent Abell "a couple of dogs from the Manhattan Animal Shelter whose time was up." There is also an affiliate in Kansas City that sends animals to her shelter. One of her contacts in New Jersey is soon to return home to Israel and Abell expects to be receiving animals from that part of the world in the future. Needless to say, the facility will accept an animal from just about anywhere.
Part of the reason for this is because there is no euthanasia at the Barnyard. All animals are either adopted out to loving homes or they are allowed to live out their lives in a caring atmosphere of love and dignity right on Abell's 10-acre property.
The growth of her operation has led to many changes. "We've kind of become the local Humane Society," she said. It seems that just a couple of weeks ago a concerned individual called her about a cat that had an arrow all the way through it. She and some volunteers managed to capture the animal and transport it to a Veterinarian's office where, unfortunately, it didn't survive the operation to remove the arrow. Most of the local animal shelters and rescue facilities like Vernon County People for Pets and Cause for Paws in Stockton also work closely with the Barnyard.
The barnyard also works with the American Red Cross to rescue animals from disasters. Abell said they haven't done anything on the scale of a tornado or flood, but they have taken in animals from three different home fires until their owners could resume care of their pet, and they work with the Lia House to care for pets of battered women until they can resume a normal life with their animal.
Her facility has a memorial area for the animals who die there, because many of her animals are "special needs animals." Part of her work is as a hospice facility for animals. Presently she has a paralyzed dog, a blind dog, a blind and deaf dog, numerous aged felines and one blind horse. Many of her animals will never be adopted out, but Abell and her all volunteer staff have made a commitment to care for them no matter what. And an adopted dog or animal will be taken back if those adopting can no longer care for it for some reason. "That way we know that they are taken care of," Abell said.
There is an education area being developed too! Right now students, church groups and interested individuals can tour the facility, but in the near future, the staff will offer programs to educate participants about animal breeds, health and the commitment one makes when they decide to adopt a pet as part of their family.
A recent donation has made the construction of a winter quarters building possible; it is almost complete and will have two lofts for visiting volunteers to sleep in if need be. There is currently a sleeping area above the grooming room. All dogs are regularly groomed in the neat well kept building.
A special area at the farm has been designated in tribute to the veterans of America. Abell has a special program called Battle Buddies, whereby a veteran or "Wounded Warrior" with an injury can receive a pet that has had extensive obedience training and intense social conditioning so they may provide the veterans with a pet and the therapeutic value of their companionship. She has developed a very poignant slide show presentation on this special program. However, any veteran can adopt a pet from the Barnyard,
And all of the animals at the barnyard are spayed or neutered and given all of their shots before they are given homes. Surprisingly, there are no adoption fees at the Barnyard. If you are matched to a pet, you take it home and the Barnyard will consider its expenditure of approximately $200 dollars per animal money well spent.
This facility requires hours and hours of love every day seven days a week. Every pen is neat and well kept and every dish and bowl, clean and full. There are constant improvements being made and new ideas being implemented into the facility. The only drawback that Abell could think of was when a beloved animal passed. She did, however, say that, adopting out a pet was worth all the effort. "When we unite a special person with an animal, we all cry, every time."
For more information about becoming a volunteer or adopting a pet from Second Chance Barnyard call Shawn Abell at (417) 876- 7665, or one of the volunteers at (417) 876-9958, 876-1760 or check out their Web site www.secondchancebarnyard.org.