When we read the Advent stories, we focus on the humans that are in it: Elizabeth and Zechariah, Mary and Joseph, the Shepherds, the Magi, the innkeeper. We do acknowledge the donkey who carried Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem. There are more four-leggeds in the story:
· Mary was tremendously pregnant when she and Joseph embarked on their journey to Bethlehem for the census. It would have been extremely difficult for her to walk all those miles. Graciously, a donkey carried her to Bethlehem, as well as carried baby Jesus when the family fled to Egypt.
· The animals of the stable would have helped to keep Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus warm during cool nights as they sheltered there, awaiting the census to be completed.
· There were the sheep in the field and the herding dogs that helped the shepherds keep their sheep.
Back in ancient times, these animals were treated well. They had direct impact on the livelihood of their owners. Without them, their owners could not make a living. The sheep provided wool, turned into yarn and woven into clothing. Cows and goats provided much needed milk and meat. Donkeys carried loads and helped in the work of the field.
They were cared for.
Today, we recognize that not all animals are treated humanely. Many are abused and neglected. Rescues do such important work to ensure that all animals have an opportunity to live a safe and loved life.
I remember when I decided to foster a dog when I lived in Albuquerque. She captured my heart. Her story was not as sad as other dogs who were looking for new furever homes. Her owner had surrendered her because she could not handle her. Poor Pippa (the foster dog) had been in a home of an elderly woman who could not walk well. Pippa decided it was her job to protect her human. She became aggressively protective on leash. She was protective of her human at home. Pippa was a beautiful loving pup, yet she had learned that she was the one who was to keep everyone safe.
I brought her home. It was a lot of work to allow her the space to heal and learn to be a pup. She had no idea how to play. She had no idea how to walk on a leash. She had a hard time eating. She was anxious. I had to teach her how to play, how to be a dog.
The problem I ran into was that I was the only human in her house. She bonded with me in a similar way to the bond she had with the elderly woman. She needed to be in a home where there were too many humans for her to protect so that she could learn it is the job of the human to care for her. I did my best to help her understand it. When it became clear, she went to a different foster home.
It broke my heart to not be able to help her fully. I gave her the gift of Love, Joy and Play. She was more of a dog when she headed to her new home. I learned that after some time in a home with a family, Pippa was able to play with other dogs, able to relax around other people. She needed a 'herd' so she could learn to co-exist within it safely.
She is now in a furever home. She gifted me companionship during the height of loneliness during Covid. I hope she experienced gift back from me.
Our Sacred texts remind us that God has asked us to be good stewards of creation. It is our job to care deeply for our animals, to be sure that they live a happy whole life.
Greenmore Farm Animal Rescue has been rescuing unwanted, neglected, and abused animals since 2010. They are dedicated to diminishing the suffering of these animals by providing them with food, shelter, and healthcare. Their rescue mission includes dogs and a variety of farm animals, such as horses, donkeys, pigs, and chickens. All of the animals they rescue are provided with food, shelter, health care, and other forms of nurturing until they are adopted into permanent, loving homes.
Through your generous donations, we can support the four leggeds who supported the Holy Family that Advent season! We believe in the powerful transformative work that Greenmore Farm does and hope that you will help us make a difference in this community! To learn more about Greenmore Farm click here. To make a donation to Greenmore Farm Animal Rescue through UCC East Goshen, click here. Be sure to designate your payment to "Greenmore Farm".
