Thursday, March 18, 2021

Where the Blind Horse Sings - Book Review

woman and horse
To be in a place of sanctuary is a true blessing.  To be the sanctuary that another individual needs, whether human or animal, is one of the greatest privileges in life.  To know beautiful beings who have helped transform others, and themselves in the process, is often the impetus for ordinary people to become extraordinary instigators of deep community, deep healing, deep peace, and deep joy.

Reading about Kathy Stevens, and her Catskill Animal Sanctuary (CAS), was more than enough to convince me that sanctuary is something that rescue animals gift to their extended human family.  Through a series of moving vignettes, Stevens illustrates the often unexpected intelligences (including emotional intelligence) that farm animals possess and use in relationship with one another and their humans.  

Who knew that an ornery, previously mean cockfighting rooster could come to crave human contact (eventually choosing to sleep in bed with his rescuer)?  Paulie knew.

And what gives with Rambo (a former sheep terrorist known for inflicting bruises on the unsuspecting)?  When and how did he become the early alert system for animals in peril?  Was this altruism in action?

You will meet a fire survivor (Dino the pony), a duck afraid of water (Petri), a goat found wandering in Manhattan (Oliver), and a blind horse afraid to move even one inch (Buddy).  There will be pigs, cows, rabbits, and a yellow lab named Murphy.

Mostly, there will be love—the kind of love that enables animals and people to live in harmony with those much different from themselves (at least on the surface).  

Where the Blind Horse Sings is a call to compassion.  It will speak to anyone who wishes to offer up sanctuary as her gift to the world.  

Reading this may change the way you see animals and your relationship with them.  It is likely to cause reflection about the sensitivities, the emotions, and the personalities of animals.  

Finally, for anyone at a crossroads in life, just as Stevens was before launching Catskill Animal Sanctuary, this book may raise the following questions: What do you love?  What do you do best?  What do you believe in?  What makes your heart sing?

Learning to move forward without fear made Buddy's spirit sing.  His story brought me to tears.  It also inspired me to move beyond those things that stood between me and my song.









Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


20 comments:

  1. Beautifully written book review, Diana. Your choice of words always makes MY heart sing. This sounds like a story of love and healing that would be well worth reading. I can imagine finding compassion among the pages.

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    1. I am so touched by that lovely affirmation, Elf. It means so much. And yes... compassion pretty much leaps off the pages of this book.

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  2. Just another compelling book review, Diana, always making those words flow. There nothing more rewarding than love and compassion between animals and humans. Our dog of years ago, Gizmo, was so abused when we first got him. I had to feed him by hand because he was so afraid of people. He soon came around and was the king of the family for 18 years.

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    1. Gizmo was meant to find you and to be the King of Monaco. Thank you for your loving heart and care. So appreciated!

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  3. Diana I love this review, you really have a way with words and I'm sure with animals too!!

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    1. Bless you for saying that, Mary Beth. I appreciate your kindness.

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  4. What a wonderful book review! I think many dog owners would have no problems relating to and appreciating this book. Too often people ignore animals and miss some of the greatest blessings of this life. I'm sure each of the individual stories in this book would be touching as well as teaching.

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    1. Animals are the greatest teachers. All we have to do is listen deeply within our hearts and spirits. They find us when we need the lesson. I know I need their lessons every day.

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    2. As I started to share this review, I was reflecting on your words and thought how you have much in common with Kathy Stevens. You rescue, aid, care for, and love a myriad of animals too. I'm sure you knew firsthand about the individual personalities and abilities of animals in need long before you read the book. I applaud both of you for your tireless work and love!

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    3. What an honor it is to be thought of in the same light as Kathy Stevens. You have blessed me with this loving reflection. I am grateful.

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  5. Diana dear, I was immediately struck my the clear parallels between you and Kathy as well. Your choice of reading materials is always so thoughtful, and your sharing of how they have touched and inspired you is always so eloquent! Your eyes, heart, and soul seek out, and resonate with, love, compassion, empathy, generosity, and gratitude. Thank you for shining, and sharing, your light and that of others like you. ❤️

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    1. Well now I am choked up. I write about people who help make others sing. That would be you. You are a song. Thank you for being the music in so many lives. And, thank you for making my eyes leak with joyful tears.

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  6. Oh my goodness, I need to put this book in the first position on the much lengthening list of books that I just have to read. Diana you have done it again, I think. This book sounds like something that will resonate with me and I love those kinds of books. Thank you my friend for bringing this book to light for me.

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    1. We both love stories and books filled with compassion, goodness, and light. There is much that will resonate with your loving heart. Here's to filling our souls with the kind of inspiration that spurs on caring acts of service.

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  7. Thank you for this wonderful very touching, heartfelt book review. I think I would really love to read this book. It sounds just the sort of book I would become engrossed in. Every animal I have ever met has his or her own personality and story. I love that you said "Where the Blind Horse Sings is a call to compassion." That would go a long way to understanding and healing our relationships with all animals. I know you too have a deep compassion and understanding of animals and you too have a beautiful soul.

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    1. We are kindred spirits. Your affirmation touched my heart. I'm always grateful when someone sees something beautiful in me. It is humbling and uplifting. You see it because it is also within your soul. Thank you for you!

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  8. I had tears reading this review. I can think of some very special people in my life that could use this book. Such a lovely review; you have me very curious about this book. Thanks for the introduction to Where The Blind Horse Sings. Beautiful.

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    1. I know you feel things deeply and have a loving, compassionate heart. That is when the tears will flow. May we always be moved by acts of kindness and by beautiful spirits.

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  9. This book is definitely in my lane! Can't wait to read it and thank you for the introduction to the CSA and their call to compassion.

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    1. Glad I could serve up your kind of book/read. I can see why this one would be in your lane. Enjoy! Nice to have you stop by. Thanks!

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