By: Lana Hollenback

History… I never liked history when I was back in school. I used to think there was no need for it. It was about the past and we were the future. Since I now have a history and can look back, I see why it is so important for us to know and not only to know, but to understand. History teaches us how to go forward, and how not to make the same mistakes that have been made in the past. It takes us into the future with a new understanding of the world and what goes on and is going on around us. It utilizes all the places we have come from and where we are going…not only that but how we are going to get there.

How many know the old saying “Walk softly and carry a big stick”? Well, that’s not quite right. Theodore Roosevelt said in a speech he gave in 1903, “Speak softly and carry a big stick”. Funny how things over time can get started and people buy into it not knowing all the facts. We just spout off and go from there. The definition of the saying by President Roosevelt was that you speak softly and you only use the stick as a very last resort and he was speaking of dealing with other countries, and not people individually.

Today I spent time with a rescue person, who by the way, I love dearly. We had a good conversation about things going on in rescue and we have both seen what happens when the facts get distorted. Even when it gets straightened out over time, the worst is already done. People buy into things and then don’t follow up to learn the truth. A couple years ago I wrote a piece on how people sometimes need to go to the “horse’s mouth” and not take everything said as the gospel. This is very crucial to all of us in rescue. Each and every one of us can learn from the past…past

accomplishments and past failures. It is how we handle each that counts in the end.

When we jump in carrying and swinging a big stick about someone, it makes for long enduring pain for the pigs that need our help, and it never solves anything. It only keeps stirring the pot and causes people to choose sides. Sometimes because all of the truth isn’t out, we choose the

wrong side. Then the facts gets distorted and the falsehood goes on.  We see this so much in the world of rescue. Not just for pigs but for all animals and rescues. Rescues get their names dragged through the mud and destroyed even if they have done no wrong. Sometimes it is just that someone has a vendetta against someone. What better way to destroy someone or a rescue then to go to social media and start a rumor. As I’ve stated before, when was the last time you saw organizations like ASPCA or HS get on to social media and argue and fight? Many more also keep the animal they are working with first and other things and disagreements are settled  privately. Fighting and arguing about someone or rescue cuts funding and hurts the very animals we work so hard to help.

Another fact is that no one comes in and starts a rescue knowing all the facts and right and wrongs. Many or most of us learn as we go. I know I did. But thanks to many of those who had been doing it awhile, they encouraged me to keep going. Sometimes they would get on my case for something they thought I did wrong and really let me have it. Sometimes they were right and I was wrong but other times I was in the right.  So when they got around to it they’d pick up the phone and call me and ask why I did such a thing. After hearing my side of it, they saw that what was being said was totally wrong or at least leavened with untruth. One person that stands out is Phyllis Battoe who ran a sanctuary in Illinois. She has since passed on. Over the years we became

good friends and she told me on more then one occasion that she was glad she learned to pick up the phone and call me personally.  It is very hard to determine facts over the internet, social networks and emails. The best way is to go straight to the person or at least pick up the phone

and call. Many issues have been resolved by doing just that…place that call.

As rescue people, we are working to rescue the animal we love.  We should not use the internet, social media and e-mails as a stick to beat people up. We are not called upon as police. We have legal agencies for that.  If we think something is wrong, go check it out first hand. Talk it over with your board. Discuss and put together a plan to find the truth. If you live far away, maybe find someone closer to go check personally. Just be sure the people checking know what to look for and know the rights of wrongs of it.  Then don’t plaster it all over the web. Bring the facts back to your board and together decide what is the best way to help the animals.  Don’t use a stick (your mouth) to jump in and beat up people. By doing so you put all the animals involved and those yet to come in danger. Would you trust someone who you knew spread rumors and

caused havoc? I don’t think so. Again it is the matter of putting the animals first, the animals (pigs) you say you love so much. Think of them and what is not only the best for them but for those who will need help in the future.

Speak softly and carry a big stick. By speaking softly, it means you don’t raise your voice by plastering it all over the internet and social media. You work behind the scenes to help save and protect animals in need.  You use the stick for the big guys, but then only if needed (as

in those in authority).  Learn how to help and encourage those just starting or those who haven’t been rescuing long. Teach them the good ways and help them make the right choices. Help them help the animals. Walk with them and speak softly and use that stick only as a walking stick.  It helps you keep your balance so you do what is right for the animals you say you love. Prove it…speak softly!

One more thing…if you are new to rescue, meaning 3 years or less and you make a mistake or bad choice, own it and move on. Go to someone who has been rescuing awhile or someone you can trust and talk it over and find out how to solve or correct the problem. Do this in private and

reach a conclusion and follow through on it. Denying it or trying to cover it up won’t help.  We want to see people make good choices and to always put the animal first. We know mistakes are made but it’s how we react to them that counts in the end. And believe we, we all make ourshare of mistakes but it is how we deal with them that counts.

So the bottom line is, we need to learn our history and how to use it to help the animals. The day will come when you will become part of that history that others will look to for advice and we want to be sure we have done and said things the right way. It is what makes a good organization now and in the future. So reach back and take a hand and walk with that newer rescue person. Teach them the old ways and also explore newer ways of doing things just a little better for the animals. Allow that “big stick” to bring you the balance that is so needed. It works great!