I have as most of you know a soft spot for animals; I like them more than people that is for sure. I especially have a soft spot for dogs and rabbits, which is of course why I have them for pets. A little rare known fact about me (other than my close friends) is that my ultimate goal, as if in I ever won the lottery and could spend money however I want, is to own a large farm where dogs and rabbits that no one wanted could have a place to go. A dog and rabbit refuge so to speak. I picture a farm where dogs could run and play and big rooms full of couches for them to rest on if they so desire. I also see a little roadside stand that sells baked goods with the proceeds going to pay for dog food. 🙂
There is a place here in Washington called Old Dog Haven, it’s the organization that I like to donate money (when I have it) to. Taking on a senior pet is hard. Crazy Cocker Spaniel turned 11 this year and already she has gone to the vet more times that I like to think for just random little things she never had before. She likes to grown fatty tumors. She likes to have skin conditions. She likes to limp and go have her joints checked out (yes, she’s been on pills for that). She takes puppy Prozac because the move was stressful to her (she does very well on it). She takes allergy pills because like her mom she is a big mess when the pollen count goes up. All of that cost money and sadly it is why a lot of people abandon their pets as they get older. 🙁 So I appreciate all that they do there.
So there you have it, what I would do if I ever won the lottery….what would you do?
Beefy Dog Treats
1 ¾ cups whole wheat flour
1 cup oatmeal (quick)
½ cup milk
¼ cup hot water
1 beef bouillon cube
¼ cup beef drippings
Dissolve bouillon cubes in hot water.
Add milk and drippings and beat.
In a separate bowl, mix flour and oatmeal.
Pour liquid ingredients into dry ingredients and mix well.
Press onto an ungreased cookie sheet and cut into shapes desired.
Bake at 300 for 1 hour. Turn off heat and leave in the oven to harden. Refrigerate after baking.
Raquel.Erecipe says
I salute you on your goal there are few people who think like that maybe because you are an animal lover…I have pets at home I have 4 little chicken =) have 6 hamster and 3 dogs 2 local dogs and a sitsu…=)
Bridget says
Like you, I would find a place to keep homeless/abandoned/unwanted animals. It’s my fondest dream.
LOVE the photo!
Barbara says
I adore cocker spaniel faces!
And this one is a dear! You are a good mommy!
Ashley says
Whenever we have extra money, my husband and I actually have to split it up so I can give it solely to animals and he can give to some sort of people-cause. My yellow lab is my best friend and from birth she’s had thousands of dollars of health problems, but all I keep thinking, is that I am so grateful she’s mine because any other parent might not be as devoted to her and so easily recognize any problems she has or be as committed to solving them. I am so thankful I have her and winning the lottery would just cause me to start an animal sanctuary with friends for her. 🙂
Elizabeth says
Along those same lines, I would have a rescue for horses. Although it just kills me to have to have one put down, I know in their twilight years they deserve love, kindness and care.
Becca says
I don’t like seeing older dogs in the pound because I know there is a more than likely chance they wont get adopted. Good for you for donating to the Old Dog Hevan 🙂
CCS is really adorable, and I love her face. Cocker Spaniels are some of the prettiest dogs out there.
Ali says
I feel ya. There is a similar place that I try to give to, which I really need to do more often.
http://www.rollingdogfarm.org
They are really good people as well.
Adam says
My pup is turning 14 this year. You’ve never met a happier dog :). She has arthritis too (for a long time), she’s waaaay overweight (for a long time) but she’s full of life.
I can’t say I’ve ever put a lot of thought into some type of animal rescue/outreach, but if I won the lottery I would definitely fund people to do it. I love animals but I would probably make a disaster of the thing :).
Should I win the lottery aside from the pay this, buy that, and celebrating. I want to take pastry/baking classes and open my own bakery :). Go figure :). At least that’s goal number 1 :).
CW says
I like the idea of an animal sanctuary. I also like the idea of a sanctuary for kids. An orphanage of sorts, but way better. One that gives the kids inspiration and responsibility. (Its funny that I ever had this idea because I don’t want to have my own children.)
If I ever did win the lottery, I would hope it is enough to settle my education and car loan debts so I could start over from scratch. I don’t need to be a millionaire. I just want to be able to afford to quit my job and take more interesting (and lower paying) jobs in my career field, or even look into other career options like going to a culinary academy. Ah, to dream…
Paula says
I like your lottery winnings scenario. My husband & I’ve discussed who we’d share our winnings with (and who we’d give some to just to shut them up & get them away!) I think a larger house with a larger (fenced-in) yard would be at the top of our list so we could have more animals,…or at least the one Drama Queen we have now could run more.
Steph@PlainChicken says
I would open The Kitty Ranch if I won the lottery – same type of thing. I guess I need to play so I can win!
Janet@fromcupcakestocaviar says
kudos to you for the taking care of animals wish. Animals, children and our elderly always get shoved to the back burner.
I always dreamed that were I to come into a lot of money, beyond having about 50 acres of land and a decent house, we would have lots of animals, including livestock as pets :-D. I also want to find five struggling families a year and support them while they go to school to try and make a better life. I ALSO would love to be able to take care of a few gazillion seniors. I have a soft spot for old people.
Sobaka says
Me too! Except just for dogs. When I can I donate to Rolling Dog Ranch, which is a sanctuary for special needs dogs, cats, and horses. My dog is 14, and you’re right, as they get older they start with the strange growths and sudden limps (which usually occur after hours so as to incur the vet’s “emergency” service fee). But it just makes me love him more. And I’m sure he’d love that recipe.