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From a Newcomer's Perspective (K, from DeLand)
 Having
worked with and visited several animal organizations in the past, I
never know what to expect on the first visit. My eyes are generally
welled up with tears before I even get to the front door in anticipation
of a gut-wrenching experience.
 Well
I did have tears on my first visit to Journey's End but they were
initially tears of relief and then tears of happiness. Here's my
version of what you should and should not expect to see:
What you should NOT expect-
You will not see rows of cages
with outstretched paws through the wires vying for attention when you
walk by. You will not hear anguished cries from caged dogs and cats. You
will not see and hear these things because they do not happen at
Journey's End.
What you CAN expect-
Aside from the beautiful
landscaping with flowers, ferns and big shady trees, you'll notice the
wide open areas and the picket fence at the entrance. If Sassy isn't
already snoozing on the hood of the truck, she'll probably jump the
fence to greet you. And Houdini, if you're not careful, will jump in
your car when you open the door. Going through the gate, Joey just might
get up from that nice big hole he's dug in the dirt. Charley, who is
blind (but don't tell him because he doesn't know it) will come running,
bump into you with tail wagging and the sniffer going to see if you have
treats. Nikki will bark, come running and then plop down at your feet
for a belly rub. You'll see cats playing with dogs, dogs playing with
cats, cats and dogs and chickens in Petunia's (the pig) area. You'll see
cats on the roof and roosters on the fence post. You'll see the animals
snoozing on blankets in the sunshine. And if you bring treats, which is
always appreciated, be prepared for an experience similar to feeding
pigeons or seagulls, only in a good way. The animals do not fight over
the treats but wait patiently for their turn. There's so many other
fabulous things you will see and visitors are welcome! (Please, please,
don't forget to make an appointment first though.)
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Want to Visit?
We love to have
visitors!
All we ask is that you please, make
an appointment.
While we wish that we could have visitors at anytime,
unannounced guests take time away from the care and needs of the
animals. |
