Why Silver Linings

We are a 501c3 nonprofit providing permanent sanctuary to unwanted, disadvantaged animals. Here, we advocate not just for their survival, but, to give them whatever is necessary to live their BEST  lives.  Through sharing our process - Respect, Reimagine, Restore  - we inspire animal lovers everywhere to open their hearts to the transformative power of patient, loving and creative animal husbandry. Now that our residents are safe, their stories have the power to save other animals.

We work with the animal that we actually see in front of us. No matter how they may seem, we feel that assumptions and generalizations are a liability in making  responsible decisions for them. Animals are at our mercy  and  our choices have a huge impact on their lives. Like each of us, every animal has a unique way in which they can feel their best. We gather as much information as we can and, most of all, pay attention to the evidence they give us to continually develop and adjust their programs to suit their evolving needs.

Happiness looks different on everyone - but, it always feels good!  Every day, our residents show us that the possibilities are far beyond the limits of our ordinary thinking when we give them a chance. As unlikely as it might seem, horses and dogs can live wonderful lives without eyes, feral cats can become loving and affectionate people pleasers and old age really can be just a number. Catastrophic medical events are always frightening but, they may not be as final as they seem.  While each case is different, we believe that where there's a will, there's usually a way.  By doing everything we can to support our residents to feel  healthy, happy and secure, we see some miraculous transformations.

Our primary objective is  to give our animals a life that they can safely enjoy, and once most of our residents have had the chance to feel better, they make it obvious that having regular exercise as a big  part of their long term wellness. Our dogs and cats are able to choose their own levels of safe activity but, the horses have more complex challenges in this respect. The classical dressage  we do with them works wonders. Many people don't realize that this type of exercise was developed by the calvary for exactly this therapeutic purpose. Done correctly, it restores confidence, core strength, mobility and improves their  overall physical, mental and emotional health. Best of all, they love it - progressing for the fun of it and doing high quality work that rivals that of their more “valuable” peers.