05/28/2026
A Kinder, Gentler Colorado
I remember those words...seems like a life time ago.
Spoken by the head (at the time)of the Bureau of Animal Protection. In part because he was referring to CFAWA, and the hope of animal groups coming together.
We hosted that meeting, and reflecting back question what happened.
Growing up in a generation that fought for their beliefs, but also supported their neighbor and community. It was ok to be different, to have an opinion, to march to your own beat.
People still helped each other, people still agreed to disagree, and it was OK.
Mine was a generation that helped raise barn walls, helped a neighbor pull a calf, had a door open for the kids after school, and backyard block parties with homemade ice cream.
A generation that watched out for each other and if something seemed off, you asked if you could help. Our mission was to unite, not to divide.
Things were different on many levels, and animal care was part of that difference.
No Facebook. Or Instagram, no rescues, no foster homes. None of what we use to our advantage today. There was only the "dog catcher" and the 3 days that ended with the gas chamber. At our shelter, we always referred to those ase the golden 3. Being no-kill, we got to watch the transformation after the golden 3...almost if they knew they were safe.
Along with all that, there also wasn't competition, fundraising for animals, politics, infighting. and the desire to hurt what or whoever you have to, to further your mission.
What we have today is instances where that kindler/Gentler has disappeared. We see people in positions of authority that really shouldn't be. We hear horror stories of..
"He's 80 and can't take care of them" so they took them.
Her water is frozen, go take them
They paid to have the animals cared for while he was in the hospital, but that didn't happen, so they were taken.
That horse is skinny. Call animal control.
Animals court ordered returned, and weren't
Animals taken for questionable reasons
We have written reports of bullying, threats, and intimidation by state officers, or contracted entities.
A young woman doing rescue work took her own life because of cyber bullying.
What happened to helping your neighbor, noticing the yard going to hell and asking if things were OK, seeing the skinny horse and asking if you can help, fixing that barn wall, pulling that calf.
Is it simply because of a different society? A different Era? A new way of life?
For the past month, I have been in communication with other rescues, private individuals, and volunteers that want OUR Colorado back.
The Colorado that helps, that works together, that educates, that assists. That doesn't assume, but asks.
After 17 months of ground work, investigating, questioning, and interviewing, and almost 3 years of waiting, we are proud to announce the docu series on Lucilles Voice and particularly the kill pen horses we chose to save twice is in the works. Filming and interviewing has begun, and we hope to be able to provide you with updates as we move forward.
Definietly don't look for this to be completed overnight, but look for updates.
