'I do it because I love animals'
When Wendy Slack moved to America from England just over four years ago, she knew she would experience many changes. One of those changes fit well with her foray into volunteering.
"There's more opportunity in America in every way of life, including volunteering," said Slack. "Here, there is more opportunity to work with animals and work outdoors. England is small, crowded and doesn't have these open spaces. There's so much beauty here; the people are friendly, and overall, it's been a positive experience."
Slack is referring to her volunteering at HARPS, the Hooved Animal Rescue & Protection Society in Barrington. Twice a day, six days a week, for six to eight hours, she helps with the animals at the care facility, admitting she spends more time there than at home.
"I do it because I love animals; it's done out of love," said the Round Lake resident. "I like to see the animals recover from an illness or a bad situation. It's just part of who I am."
Slack feeds, grooms and monitors the animals. She fills in anywhere she can, and even works on fundraising and doing office chores.
"Wendy absolutely loves the older horses and mules and feeds those who have lost their grinding teeth in the back," said Donna Ewing, president of HARPS. "We took in a few hardship cases from people who couldn't afford to care and feed them. They were living skeletons. They were being fed hay, and they couldn't chew hay without teeth."
Slack played a crucial role in the rehabilitation of the animals. They are skin and bones no more.
"She takes a lot of work off us, especially with the older horses," said Ewing. "She has been their sole care for the last couple of years."
HARPS was founded in 2001 by Ewing, a rescuer of abused and neglected hooved animals. As the founder and former director of the Hooved Animal Humane Society (HAHS), Ewing has more than 35 years of experience in rescue and rehabilitation of horses. HARPS runs an equine-assisted learning program that involves at-risk children with animal protection efforts.
"When I started here, there were only two animals on the property," said Slack. "Now, there's over 30 horses and several other animals. We've grown enormously with the help of volunteers who are very loyal and come out regularly to do everything from pulling weeds to grooming to mucking paddocks."
Slack also helps with the goats, chickens, a cow, a lima and cats. She cleans the goat pen and the other stalls and makes sure the creatures are fed and watered. However, she holds a special place in her heart for two hardship cases, a mule named Stormy, and donkey.
"One of my favorites is a miniature donkey named Gracie," said the 45-year-old. "She's in her 30s and she is adorable. I love her long ears, character, and soulful eyes. Donkeys are humbling creatures; everyone should own one."
Ewing recognized that Slack is valuable in many arenas on the farm. However, her natural connection with the animals is a plus.
"When we're in a pinch, she helps wherever she can," Ewing said. "She is an extremely hard worker and competent. But most importantly, she takes care of animals, loves them and keeps them happy."
Slack has always been big on volunteering. In England, she was a Sunday school teacher for seven years. Additionally, along with her husband, Ken, she coordinated a youth group for 10 years.
"In the UK, I actively worked with 13- to 21-year-olds through a church youth club," she said. "My husband and I ran all aspects for the young people, including providing them with a safe environment for a Friday night where they could play things like tennis table and pool. We would also take them swimming, bowling and to other events."
It was a rewarding experience for Slack, who often received direct appreciation from the humans she aided. However, Slack says she receives just as direct gratitude from the animals she has helped.
"They thank you by their bond of trust and love," Slack said. "They accept you. They whinny and kicker and come up to you. They express emotions just like people do."