Before long, animals started showing up at The Center at an alarming rate - dogs and cats would arrive mysteriously during the night, with crippling injuries, or in need of immediate veterinary care, or pregnant, or with litters in tow. This was followed by phone calls telling sad tales about horses, goats, chickens, rabbits, ferrets, cockatiels, pigs and sheep, and even a fish, all in need of a special home. Most of these animals were headed for slaughter, or had extenuating circumstances that made conventional adoption difficult.

The horses at The Swan Center, became a varied lot - foals given up after boggled attempts at training had left their mark; older horses that had been burned out physically and psychologically or were too old to go on in their present circumstances. Some were too sick to survive without special daily care. Many were labeled as un-trainable. Several were badly abused and starved almost to death, and others just simply had nowhere else left to go.

Initially, compassion alone dictated the adoption of the many animals, then in time, the personal and spiritual benefits gained from the care and training of the animals became more and more apparent. The rehabilitation and training, of the animals, was physically, emotionally and mentally very challenging, confronting and enlightening for the students. The horses were particularly effective in serving as mirrors for their handlers. A horse’s communications and actions are very black and white. They are large, often intimidating, and can’t be bullied into partnership. They are quick thinkers, quick movers and react in direct proportion to the pressure placed upon them. By observing the horse’s reactions to our actions, we can learn a great deal about ourselves as we see ourselves through the all knowing eyes of a horse.

In the early years of The Swan Center's program, compassion always seemed to outweigh the financial reality. While trying desperately to raise funds to get the animals through the winter months; when driving hundreds of miles in search of hay at the end of the hay season; or when out in freezing temperatures, chipping ice off of buckets, and soaking hay for the hay allergy horses; there was always reason to question the acquirement of so many animals. Then, new animals would arrive, in need of rehabilitation, and there was no question that their pain needed to be eased, their faith in mankind renewed, and their lives given some new meaning. For some, it was merely two or three years of consistent peace and love, before they passed on from old age.

The Center directors needed a way to raise income for the animals, and also had a desire to share the opportunities that the animals provided, with others. A variety of non-denominational programs, focusing on positive relationships with animals, were designed and offered to the public. The students and other volunteers staffed the programs, and all of the proceeds from the programs went exclusively to animal care. Trail rides started with an introduction on gentle ways to communicate ones wishes to the horses while riding. The riding lesson programs were built on a foundation of animal communication skills and proper care of the horse. Summer camps were designed in such a way that the children and animals worked in partnership, while learning and growing together. The horses, who were previously deemed un-trainable, ended up beautifully mannered and very happy, as they participated in trail rides; children's camps; programs for the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts; and therapeutic sessions for the mentally and physically challenged. The retired horses and small farm animals took part in a petting zoo. Even the most disabled of the animals, served a wonderful purpose, as caring for them brought joy and healing to so many.

In time, The Center's animals exceeded 100 in number and with each passing year, the spiritual and therapeutic value, of the animal related programs, became more and more obvious and dramatic. In 1999, the directors felt that it was time to offer these programs to the public on a much larger scale, so they formed Swan Center Outreach - a 501 (c) (3), non-denominational, non-profit organization for the rescue and rehabilitation of animals; for the education of the public on the care of animals; and for the purpose of helping others realize the therapeutic and spiritual value of relationships with animals.

Swan Center Outreach is not a drop off animal shelter. Difficult to place animals are referred to Outreach by animal rescue agencies, for rehabilitation and training. Dogs and cats are sometimes available for adoption, but the larger animals and horses remain at the Swan Center for life, due to their special needs.

The Swan Center is now known world wide for its animal training and teaching methods, and is viewed by many as a special place where people and animals come together and discover each other as teachers, healers and friends.

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Donations

Donations to the Swan Center are tax deductible, under the 501 (c) (3) IRS guidelines. Donations specified for animal care are used in their entirety for feed, animal supplies, shoeing, medical care and housing. To donate directly to Swan Center Outreach, use one of the links below:

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If you are interested in a way for a percentage of your shopping dollars going to help the animals of the Swan Center Outreach, click on the links below for more information:

By Mail:
Swan Center Outreach Inc.
PO Box 25749
Silverthorne, Colorado 80497