CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?

This has really been such a tough week.  I have missed Marjorie so.  But, we had a lot of fun at Tom O'Carroll's Longear Play day, this weekend, which was great!.  It was really fun to see everybody again.  Unfortunately, we donkeys don't get to talk to each other much, but we have fun trying to out-do each other.  I know I made Marjorie proud, she told me so! From what I could see, everybody was really trying their very best.  We saw lots of Marjorie's friends there too, like Walter and Lee, and Sally. Sally has three little mini's that pull side by side.  It is sooooo cute, and they do a great job. Yes, it was fun. But, you kinda get where you depend on seeing some humans everyday.  I especially love it when she calls me Abigale, or Abberdabbers....yes,.. it is going to be a long week while I wait for my good friend to get back from Arlington, VA.

I am so happy that there are so many who care about wild burros.  Ask Marjorie, I was beside myself with worry, when I learned that 200 of my cousins were gunned down inside Big Bend Ranch State Park. They did not give an honest report either. In fact, Luis Armendariz and Robert Garcia have both spoken to Marjorie, and they state that there were over 200 killed by Mike Hill, Dan Sholly, and Scott Boruff.  Yet, the papers only reported 71. But, at least lots of people really got mad.  Luis Armendariz and Robert Garcia left their jobs with the parks in protest of the shootings.  They really stuck up for my wild cousins. And for a while they quit murdering burros.  Then the Texas Bighorn Society made it clear that they must remove the burros if they were going to release bighorn to the park.

It was so sneaky TPWD to start shooting my family again.  Since August of 2010 they have shot 50 or more in cold blood.  Horrible! Why? They have not done ANY studies.  None.  Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has stated they will eradicate all the burros to the best of their abilities. It is unjustified!  Marjorie, Johnny, Karen, and so many others have tried to find a way to make them stop.  Right now, the only thing that will work will be public opinion.  If you care that my wild burro cousins are a  .National Heritage Species, and you do not want them shot, please speak out to anyone who will listen, but specifically Governor Perry.

I am going to miss my friend Marjorie.....but I am so glad she is going to go and speak out on the hill and at the International Equine Conference on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. She said she would be at the rally on the 25th too.  I am so excited!  Hurry home, Marjorie.  I just hope she will find enough other people who care, to make a difference.  Personally, I can not understand why I could not come along.  I'd like to meet our Senators, too!
Que viven los burros,
Miss Abby  

Wild Burro Protection League Consultant, Miss Abby Discusses What Comes Next

 This has been an eventful month no matter how I look at it! As you know, I am the official consultant to the Wild Burro Protection League! It is clear to me now that the Desert Bighorn Council, and TPWD are actively seeking to annihilate the last wild burro herd in Texas. We have uncovered documents that show that the bighorn council would not release bighorn with my cousins living in the park. How insulting! No offense, but those bighorn have never been honored by the American people by giving them status as a National Heritage Species, burros however, HAVE!

Hypothetically speaking, what if a state wanted to remove something like the Statue of Liberty, or Mount Rushmore we would not let them do it. Why? Because it is a matter of public trust. There are certain things that belong to ALL of us, and the burros fall in that category. Without a single study, not one, they plan to shoot my dear innocent cousins "to the best of their abilities". But we believe they do not have the right because they are breaking laws governing the Public Trust Doctrine.

 Not only that, they are causing economic hardship to local businesses, who rely on the advertising feature of burro presence in the park to draw in customers. This is one of the most foolish, and blatantly ignorant schemes I have ever heard. And, trust me, with these ears I hear a lot! 

They want to call themselves conservationist, yet they are willing to murder my family without taking into account data concerning their contribution to the region. As long standing residents of the Big Bend Ranch State Park, they fill an important niche in the fabric of life. Not only would I endure the loss of my dear wild cousins, I would be forced to endure watching other species collapse there as well. 

The Wild Burro Protection League http://www.facebook.com/Wild.Burro.Protection.League?ref=pb  has tried everything to find a point that will have standing in court. We are confident that we will find a way, but in the meantime they keep shooting, and my family is dying. So, I am asking from the bottom of my heart, will all of you please contact these people to help save my wild cousins? 

Petition link: http://www.change.org/petitions/texas-governor-texas-wildlife-commission-texas-parks-and-wildlife-dept-stop-killing-wild-burros-in-the-big-bend-region-of-west-texas 

Contact Information to the Governor’s office: 

Information and Referral Hotline [for Texas callers] : (800) 843-5789 

Citizen's Opinion Hotline [for Texas callers] : (800) 252-9600 

Information and Referral and Opinion Hotline [for Austin, Texas and out-of-state callers] : 

(512) 463-1782 

Office of the Governor Main Switchboard [office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST] : 

(512) 463-2000 

Citizen's Assistance Telecommunications Device If you are using a telecommunication device for the deaf (TDD), call 711 to reach Relay Texas Office of the Governor Fax: (512) 463-1849 

Mailing Address Office of the Governor 

P.O. Box 12428 

Austin, Texas 

78711-2428 

FB addy for Rick Perry: 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Governor-Rick-Perry/130342253669021?ref=ts&sk=info 

Texas Parks and Wildlife Commissioners page link:

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/business/about/commission/commissioners/ 

While we await legislature to reconvene in 2013, so that we can introduce protections for the last remaining wild burros in Texas, we must save the few of my cousins who have escaped the carnage so far. So, Wild Burro Protection League is launching a campaign of awareness to help the locals in Alpine, Terlingua, Ft. Davis, Presidio, Marfa, and Marathon fight to save the burros who represent the west, and a culture that has been present in the area for hundreds of years.

They want my dear cousins to stay, and they want their voices heard.  TPWD  never asked them their opinion about the burros.  So, we are going to have town hall meetings very soon.  Stay posted for times and places, and please attend if you can. 

On a good note, my friend Marjorie and I went to the Longears Playday at Tom O'Carroll's. It was great fun, yep even I enjoyed playing games, although the marathon was a bit much for my beautiful curves. Shall we say I am a little Rubenisk right now, since we have been focused on saving my cousins we have not been showing. This was just what Marjorie, Johnny and I needed. 

I helped Marjorie win first place in reinsmanship, and a second in the marathon. We were both happy about that. 

Now, back to getting the work together to talk to Congress about my cousins. I will have to hold down the ranch while Marjorie goes to Washington to a rally and Arlington to speak at the International Equine Conference about the plight of the wild burros. I sure hope she can get someone to listen, my cousins are in so much danger. 

 Please help, please call, please care. 

 Que viven los burro,

 I love you, 

 Miss Abby

MISS ABBY DOES NOT LIKE FIRE!!

I am writing this from Tom O'Carroll's training facility in Navasota.  The fires raging around our rescue proved to be unnerving enough that Marjorie and Johnny decided to get all the old folks and youngsters out of the smoke.  Of course, I had to go too.  I hated leaving the ranch.  What will they do without my supervision to keep this rescue effort on the right track?

I was there when Marjorie turned those crazy mules loose to run the whole 150 acres.  I sure hope they don't go after the mini horses.  Oh, okay, Marjorie is telling me that they kept them separated.  That is a good thing, because those mules are awfully mean to the little ones.  I get on to them all the time, but they say it is just in fun. Naughty mules.  Well, I hope Marjorie and Johnny know what they are doing.  If that fire gets any closer to the ranch, they will be in deep deep trouble to be sure.  They seem to think everyone will be able to avoid burns, which is why they just moved the ones who need to be away from smoke, plus me.  They must think I am special.  It is so nice to be loved.

We sure need a hurricane!  I don't say that lightly because as you know, I am a donkey, and donkeys don't "do" water.  Ugh!  But, if it helps with these fires, I can tolerate a little of it.

Intelligent donkeys credited with leading rebels to success in Libya

I love history!  Especially when credit due is given.  Our kind have died by the thousands in wars defending nations.  Some of those nations deserved our help, and some did not.  The point is that when we were asked, we served.  We always have, we always will.

Intelligent donkeys credited with leading rebels to success in Libya

By Suzi Cretney - Posted on 31st August 2011

Tagged:  

• News release

A report in the national press today quotes a Libyan rebel leader crediting donkeys with helping to free the town of Gharyan by keeping supplies running to fighters trapped in the besieged town. Thanks to their intelligence and stoic natures, donkeys and mules have played a vital role throughout history in supporting armies and keeping supplies moving under otherwise impossible circumstances.
Colonel Gaddafi, in a broadcast on state television on 20th August, blamed ‘the donkeys of the gulf’ for keeping rebels supplied with weapons. As highly intelligent animals, donkeys are usually better known for their work as lifelines to humans worldwide, living and working amongst some of the poorest communities on the planet. However, they are also often used in dangerous conflict situations which other animals would be unable to cope with, particularly in countries where the terrain is rough, such as Libya or Afghanistan, where many areas are inaccessible to vehicles making donkeys the preferred method of supply.
The Sanctuary’s donkey behaviour expert Ben Hart says: “It is a common misconception that donkeys are just small horses with big ears, but in fact they are an entirely different animal, particularly when it comes to intelligence. Donkeys have phenomenal memories and are able to remember complex routes, plus recognise humans and other donkeys even after many years of separation. Their temperament coupled with their intelligence makes them better equipped to cope and remain calm in difficult situations.”
The Kosovan conflict made use of donkey-power, with the charity becoming involved in the extraordinary case of a mule and two donkeys who had been placed under arrest by the British Army in 2002. The rebel fighters were using the animals to smuggle guns across the border and had trained the donkeys to travel unattended to prevent fighters from getting captured. In the absence of humans to take into custody, the army placed the animals under arrest. The Donkey Sanctuary was contacted by a British Brigadier for advice on caring for the donkeys and mule and the three were signed over to the charity’s care. All three were transferred to the charity’s sanctuary in Spain, El Refugio De Burrito.
During World War II, mules were used to carry supplies behind enemy lines in Burma. Due to the danger of the situation, the thousands of mules used for this task underwent a procedure removing their voice boxes to keep them silent during manoeuvre. Andrew Trawford, director of veterinary services, said the wartime practice of de-voicing mules was taught as a history lesson at vet school. He said: "The operation is quite simple and not too traumatic for the animal, but its welfare afterwards can be a concern. The animal is not able to communicate and mules are naturally noisy, especially when trying to attract a mate and it is said their call can be heard to up to two miles away. It is not an operation I have ever had to perform."
To remember the many animals killed in wars a memorial was erected in Park Lane in London in 2004. The main dedication reads: ‘This monument is dedicated to all the animals that served and died alongside British and allied forces in wars and campaigns throughout time’. A smaller inscription reads: ‘They had no choice’. The western section of the memorial features two heavily-laden mules climbing the steps. The memorial has the name of our founder, the late Dr Elisabeth Svendsen, inscribed on the wall - 'honouring the fallen'

OUR CO-FOUNDER SPEAKS OUT!!!

I am so proud to be the consultant to Wild Burro Protection League.  Karen Van Atta is one of the voices of reason, behind our movement to adopt Reserve Design in the Big Bend Parks.  We can promote the wonders that surround my wild cousins, and embrace the park as a partner rather than an enemy.  Won't that be a grand day!  Karen, you are included with my close friends, Johnny and Marjorie, when I say humans are catching up.  One day they may just develop the common sense of the animal kingdom.  We have faith in humans becoming civilized. 

We may not have a WILD burro overpopulation, but we DO have wanted burros going to slaughter. Why? because its hard to get them matched up to people who can re-home them. To me it seems that for every burro needing a home, a burro shown in a good light beside a loving human is the light of hope for the ones who still need homes. For every devoted loving bond that needs not be described, because it is told through the image, those are the images that will save the burro.

Seeing them not only wild, will help their cause. People need to also see them in the real and legitimate roles they played now and throughout our history. To me, when we acknowledge the relationship that exists between the captive members and mankind,it is only acknowledging what's been true for thousands of years. It makes no sense to try to deny the complex and evolving relationship between ALL of these noble beasts.

It is this myriad of roles and achievements inextricably linked with humans, that leads to the regulatory complexities and conflicts that we are now observing that harm wild burros and horses. No one need seek to prove one role native, indigenous etc to achieve protection for the wild burros, that distinction can only help so much. Witness the many threatened and endangered species who are shot whether listed or de-listed. There is more protection yes, certain protection no.

We need to take a species that many love, but who also have detractors who consider them a "trash" animal  or an unfortunate victim of the times, or sadly making a noble sacrifice to make way for the big horn which the prevailing science says is appropriate.

We can ask for paradigm change in the prevailing science, which is a giant, untenable, uphill battle that will always remain a vulnerable position requiring constant defense. We are seeking community policy and consensus building. It seems wise to try to show how incredibly multi-faceted the wild and domesticated burros are today and the immense joy they bring to our species. While it may be argued that a burro should be loved by only another burro, and humans have no right to bring them into our world, this I would argue is not so. Clearly there are many many burros born into or brought into captivity that have lived full and wonderful lives in deep, trusting an loving relationships with our species. It seems to me, that there are many - too many activists who fail to remember the most basic fact that makes our creatures so vulnerable.

Because we cannot understand their voices, they do have them. Its erroneous to say they have no voice. If we could understand them we could ask them what their preference is. If they have never known the wild life, and have no tv or magazines etc. I seriously doubt they are pining for the wild life. I believe there are quite a few sources in ancient philosophy which center on this. When asked, the captive animal replies that he has no interest at all in changing his rather safe conditions and reliable food and water for the risky and often hungry life. This is just guidance but it certainly makes no sense to me when the plight of many animals entails so much suffering regardless of whether they are wild and free or serving the uses of mankind, or distributed into households.

Each animal is very much an individual the same as you or I. We need to strive to eliminate the worst cruelties and the burro is the ambassador of this change. Surely there is no other creature on earth who has so much to give and deserves so much. And what a great day it will be when animal cruelty exists no longer, and mankind accepts its own true role as a member not the ruler of the Kingdom Mammalia.

As perhaps we all know, the many roles of the burro have been critical to mankind. Our acknowledgement of that fact is what fluctuates. I hope that for every human who has a voice, or a vote, or a dollar and love for the burro or a need and respect for the burro or an interest in the many ways burros contribute to society TODAY as captive or as wild ones, that we will have a place for them.