Story: Proud Spirit Horse Sanctuary

by Kristin Dewey, BlogPaws Special Projects Manager

BlogPaws Community member Melanie Sue Bowles and her husband Jim have dedicated their lives to horses no one else wants. They started Proud Spirit Horse Sanctuary in 1991 with five acres of land, and today it’s an award winning 175 acre Georgia facility that’s rescued, adopted or intervened on behalf of more than 500 horses. Proud Spirit is one of very few true horse sanctuaries in the U.S. The horses are not adopted out. Once they arrive, they are home, and the deep bonds that horses form with their mates and offspring are maintained and honored.

The Bowles' were not born horse people. The long and humorous story of how two firefighter/medics in Sarasota, Florida came to rescue their first horse, an emaciated and abused Thoroughbred mare named Cody, warrants and receives its own chapter in Melanie's first book, The Horses of Proud Spirit. One day, after a few months of love and care, Cody lifted her head, tall, proud and incredibly dignified, even after all she'd been through. Melanie remarked to Jim, "No matter what they endure, their spirit remains proud," and the Proud Spirit Sanctuary was born.   

Proud Spirit is one of very few true horse sanctuaries in the U.S. The horses are not adopted out. Once they arrive, they are home, and the deep bonds that horses form with their mates and offspring are maintained and honored.

Melanie likes to say, "When you open your heart and your home to animals in need it sort of becomes like a field of dreams: Build it and they will come." Jim and Melanie presently care for 51 horses, 13 dogs (all part of the family, all in the house and all over the furniture), two pigs and two cats - without any additional staff or volunteers. While they network with dozens of rescue organizations for dogs, cats, horses, and other animals, they prefer to do all the work themselves and steer clear of the bickering, drama and hurt feelings they've seen disrupt many volunteer organizations. Proud Spirit is dedicated above all to healing, and avoids negativity at all costs.

A PBS producer was so moved by the stories in The Horses of Proud Spirit that she filmed an Emmy Award winning documentary about the sanctuary, which described their program as "exemplary" and a "model for other organizations."

The sanctuary is funded by contributions, the Bowle’s own savings, and the proceeds from Melanie's three books: The Horses of Proud Spirit, Hoof Prints: Stories from Proud Spirit, and the newly published The Dogs of Proud Spirit. 

Their urgent need right now is the $10-12,000 2012/13 winter hay fund. For those who want to help Proud Spirit continue their wonderful work, contributions are greatly appreciated, of course, but buying Melanie's books - for yourselves, or as gifts - are gifts that give twice. You can buy them on Amazon.com. Melanie says that simply telling others about what they're doing is also important.

They're aware of how important social media is to animal welfare organizations. Unfortunately, as a two person operation, Melanie and Jim just don't often the energy to blog or update Facebook page as much as they'd like. While Proud Spirit isn't open to the public, they are happy to arrange tours to show off their horses and would especially welcome pet bloggers who'd like to write about the Sanctuary. Their contact info is on their website at HorsesofProudSpirit.org. Tell them BlogPaws sent you!

All photos courtesy of Proud Spirit Horse Sanctuary.

 

 

Comments

[Laurie Eno]

Thanks for spotlighting this fabulous place and Melanie's and Jim's work. I'm a big fan of the books and recommend them to all my readers. They are heartfelt, honest and genuine. Go Mel, go Jim, go Proud Spirit critters!

[Jan Myers]

Thank you for giving Melanie, Jim and Proud Spirit the recognition they deserve. It was Melanie's books that drew me further into animal welfare and gave me the strength to stand up and be heard.I have all three of her books with two of them signed by Melanie. I hope to visit the sanctuary again to have her sign her last book for me. They will forever have my heart and support.

[Cokie the Cat]

Thanks for the great comments, guys. Melanie and Jim really impressed us, too. They're hoping this story in Be The Change For Pets will inspire animal lovers to blog, post and tweet about Proud Spirit Sanctuary and Melanie Sue's books, to help support their wonderful sanctuary.

Kristin Dewey