COCHRANE— Looking to help abandoned and abused animals, a local sanctuary has started an animal art fundraiser.
Free Spirit Sanctuary director and founder Sandie Hucal launched the shelter in 2007. The Sanctuary is home to wild and domestic horses, donkeys, mules and other farm animals who were rescued from abuse, neglect and slaughter.
The original wild horse moved into Free Spirit Sanctuary in 2009. Hucal found the horses at an auction and saw about 16 come through— She was able to rescue a yearling-colt named Juno. Her second wild horse was orphaned at birth and arrived at the farm when he was a day old.
“It’s sort of varied over time how they end up here,” Hucal said.
Free Spirit Sanctuary currently has 17 horses, three donkeys, a pony-mule, seven sheep, three goats, a couple of cows and a variety of fowl.
“It started off with a real focus on horses and a love of horses— It completely breaks my heart to know about the horse slaughter industry … Then I found out about the wildies,” Hucal said. “I just feel that horses have given so much to us and they deserve better from us. We need to do better.”
It is an ongoing battle to keep the animals wild and free, she said, and the Sanctuary has worked to give them the best life possible.
“We really try to give them as much freedom as possible and let them be horses and live a good life,” Hucal said. “There’s just something about horses and everything they represent— The freedom and the long history we have together and the desire to make this a better world for horses.”
The goal is to give the rescued animals a chance to be who they are and show off their personalities while forming meaningful relationships.
“They’re characters they have likes and dislikes and friends,” Hucal said. “They’re rich and complex beings and each one is an individual— They’re wonderful animals.”
Often, especially with the animals that have not been treated well, Hucal said it takes time to gain their trust. She interacts with the animals based on their needs with the intention of providing the care they require while helping them feel safe.
It is an amazing experience when animals come out of their shell and start to show off their personalities when they feel safe.
“It’s one of the most rewarding things about doing this,” Hucal said.
She cited the experience of saving a Clydesdale mare who was about to be sent to slaughter when she was five months pregnant. After she was rescued the Clydesdale was incredibly traumatized and could not make eye contact with people and would start to tremble during interactions.
“She wouldn’t take a cookie from you, she wouldn’t look at you,” Hucal said. “To see the change in that mare just makes it all worth it— To see her personality come out. To see her confidence come out. To see her start to wake up and enjoy life … She loves to be around people now.”
That transformation is what it is all about because gives animals a “life worth living” at Free Spirit Sanctuary.
Hucal added there are other animals at the shelter like the Clydesdale Zoe who has scoliosis and is featured in a painting up for bids in the art show.
It has been challenging supporting the animals during COVID-19, she said, because Alberta has been hard hit by the double whammy of an energy crisis and the pandemic.
It is uncertain times both emotionally and financially, and this has been difficult at the Sanctuary.
Hucal said she was inspired to create the art auction as a way to fundraise for the Sanctuary and adapt to the challenges presented by COVID-19.
“I thought we’ve got to get creative with fundraising,” Hucal said. “I thought it would be really nice because it’s been a tough year for everybody and art brings joy to people.”
The fundraiser was timed to begin at the start of the holiday season and Hucal hopes those who visit the online art auction find Christmas gifts for friends and family members.
“It’s nice to be able to get meaningful gifts for people and it’s an extra bonus that a lot of the pieces are unique,” Hucal said. “It’s a win-win for everybody.”
Free Spirit Sanctuary is aiming to raise $8,000 during the fundraiser.
The show includes a range of pieces from professional artists and photographers to more hobbies level artisans. Hucal said they will have more than 80 different pieces available.
“There’s a nice range of critters in nature,” Hucal said. “Most people who love animals should find something in there that would work for them.”
The auction runs until Sunday (Nov. 8) visit 32auctions.com/FSSArt4Animals to place a bid or for more information.
