When we first started our children's program in 2011, we partnered with two beautiful old mares (35 years old) who belonged to the owner of the property we were on.  Miss Morgan and Pudding were wonderful with the kids and were at large in the huge field out back by the pond.  Unfortunately, at the end of November, 2011, as it steadily got colder and their health was declining, both of the horses were euthanized  We all have wonderful memories of the...

For the past three years, my husband Buzz has given myself and our three daughters season tickets to Unique Lives in Vancouver.  That's 4x5 (20) wrapped presents under the tree!  This has turned out to be my best Christmas present ever.  As a family we have had many wonderful experiences, but this one is all about learning on a global level which is priceless.  We meet for dinner, discuss the latest family news and then tackle the big issues facing the world, books we have re...

Today I was ruminating (chewing my cud - which seemed fitting as I was heading out to the farm) about how wonderful my life is.  And this got me thinking that many people may think that my life has always been good and easy.  This in itself is not a significant thought that deserves a blog post.  But this does.....

I had darkness during my very young years.  This is when I discovered the amazing love given by animals and the Doctor Doolittle books.  Having both these th...

As I visit the posts on Facebook and see all the year end messages, I have been struggling with my own.  And then today it hit me.  My message is one of hope.  So many non-profits are reminding everyone that the last hours are upon us to donate to receive a 2013 tax receipt.  This may be true, but it doesn't say what needs to be said.  SALI receives support and donations because people believe in what we do, not because they want a tax receipt. 

We have accomplished...

Our first two groups of children this year at SALI's Farm were all boys.  One group from a Surrey school Social Development class, and one group from a Surrey transition house.  This was very unusual as the groups in our first two years have been mostly girls.  Now our third group this year again is all boys.  This really brought home information I read in one of my school textbooks, Gail Melson's Why the Wild Things are: Animals in the lives of children. 

Melson says, ...