Raise a paw!

Gaius's Contest rocks. I love causes! We all talked it over and I said I'd raise a paw for Snap who will raise a (wet) hoof for....Canter USA. Like Siamese Rescue there are lots of independent smaller Canters across the country. This organization helps trainers sell ex-race horses who aren't doing so well at the track to people who want to rescue them. These volunteers go to the Shedrows and take pictures of horses and post them on their websites and assist people in meeting the horses. Its unique because the racing industry is involved and behind the whole process. From their website:

Through its Web site, CANTER provides the means for the public to view what horses are ending their racing careers and are available for purchase or adoption at Thoroughbred racetracks in six states. CANTER volunteers walk the shedrows of the racetracks taking listings and photographs for posting to the Web site. At most of our affiliates, the trainers may donate or sell their horse to CANTER and the organization will find approved non-race homes for their horses.

CANTER helps so many horses get a second chance at a new life! Snap didn't find a home through CANTER because the track where she raced does not have a CANTER associated with it. I know this is rather unpleasant but many ex-race horses who do not find non-racing homes end up at slaughter houses and many of the prices of these horses are barely above what the "meat man" would pay for them. There is an anti-slaughter bill now but its all rather controversial and I'm a cat so I'm not getting involved.

I just want to say bravo to the beans at CANTER!