On the 100th World Animal Day
This special day is celebrated in memory of the holy animal protection patron saint Francis of Assisi with animal and stuffed animal blessings on 4 October in parishes throughout Austria (animal blessings on the occasion of World Animal Protection Day). At St Stephen’s Square, hard bread is blessed for horses, goats, donkeys and many more and then fed to the animals. For frightened animals such as hamsters, dogs, cats or birds, people bring photos or objects of their pets to be blessed.
World Animal Day is a reminder that animals, whether wild or domesticated, deserve our responsibility and protection. As always – a special day of remembrance for special fellow creatures: the animals.
Animals with disabilities adapt to their situation and enjoy life
A few weeks ago, a new forever home was sought for 14 wheelchair dogs. This was a challenge that we at Gut Aiderbichl took up by accepting the dogs. When we received the enquiry, we didn’t have to think twice and agreed to take in all 14 dogs.
Over the years, we have become experts when it comes to animals with disabilities. We accompany them on their journey – not to artificially prolong their lives, but to give them quality of life.
Official confiscation of neglected collies
The authorities found 34 Collies in a terrible state of health in a private home as part of a compulsory collection programme. The Aiderbichler animal rescuers stood shocked in front of the dogs, who perhaps recognised the small light that had suddenly appeared in their miserable lives. One of the dogs was so malnourished that he could barely walk.
Eleven Collies found a new home at Gut Aiderbichl, all the others were distributed among various animal welfare organisations. The dogs need careful re-socialisation. Collies are particularly intelligent, sensitive and people-orientated dogs and will make the leap into a happy life. Their wounded souls will probably need time to trust people again.
Pitiable condition of over 40 horses
Severely emaciated, with severe eye infections, bodies covered in fungus, unkempt and badly torn hooves, nasal discharge, neglected teeth, lame legs – this is what animal rescuers from various animal welfare organisations found horses like a few months ago. They had been poorly kept and treated or, if necessary for health reasons, not treated at all.
12 horses from the group of 40 horses found a new forever home at Gut Aiderbichl in Henndorf. The rest of the group was divided up among other animal welfare organisations. Together we hope for the recovery of their illnesses and their battered souls.
The desire to "save" is not enough
Gut Aiderbichl’s work began with the vision “to save”. For almost 25 years, the animal welfare organisation Gut Aiderbichl has been working in the service of animals and educating people with a focus on the dignified treatment of animals as fellow creatures.
Gut Aiderbichl has so far been able to help over 9,000 animals in need, who live on over 30 Gut Aiderbichl farms in six European countries. The aim is to help the weakest, as well as to educate people on how to treat animals so that rescues as described above are not necessary in the first place.
Wherever an animal is forced into the service of man, the suffering it endures concerns us all!
– Albert Schweitzer
By: Gisela Pschenitschnig, Gut Aiderbichl
