This weekend on the Internet I stumbled across the ASPCA video on the ranch that they showed at the ASPCA 2009 Humane Awards event Alayne attended back in October. The ASPCA had told us we couldn't post the video on the Web because of licensing issues of some sort (and we don't even have a copy of it, so this was first time I had actually seen it). But someone -- we don't know who -- has posted it, so while it's still up, I thought you might like to see it!
Note that for us, at least, the video was a bit jarring in some places because they also used (with permission) footage shot by KSPS-TV in Spokane in 2006, in addition to the original material they filmed here in August -- so you will see animals in this piece who have long since been adopted or, sadly, have died in the meantime. Overall, though, it's a very nice introduction to the ranch.
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Still No. 1!
Please keep voting for the ranch every day in The Animal Rescue Site/PetFinder's Shelter Challenge. Thanks to your votes, we came in third nationwide and won $3,000 for the animals in the previous contest earlier this year. Now we have a shot at No. 1 and the $20,000 grand prize in the current contest! Enter "Rolling Dog Ranch" and our state postal code, MT for Montana, and it will bring up our listing so you can cast your vote. Please ask your family and friends to vote, too. Thank you!
I am so glad that you exist and do what you do to help the animals that could so easily be forgotten. I also feel a twinge of jealousy that both of you have found your perfect life and your life's purpose. Your animals are extremely lucky and - so are you!
Posted by: Betty K | December 13, 2009 at 02:42 PM
WOW, What this world would be if we had more people like you. We already know animals love is unconditianl.
Posted by: kim | December 13, 2009 at 08:49 AM
This is so heartbreaking and it is hard not to feel sorry for the sweet ones. How can people be so cruel(thinking of the big blind dog),and all the others too. It is nice to know that there is a place like yours for them to go. I want to send this to my sister but I am afraid she won't stop crying.
Posted by: Barb | December 13, 2009 at 02:41 AM
WOW! I AM A 57 YR. OLD MAN AND SEND MONEY TO THE ASPCA WHEN EVER I HAVE AN EXTRA FIFTY. THIS VIDEO HAS REALLY CHOKED ME UP AND BROUGHT HAPPY TEARS TO MY EYES. KNOWING THAT YOU TWO ARE THERE FOR THEM TO HELP THEM AND TO GIVE THEM THE LOVE THAT THEY DESERVE MAKES ME WANT TO BE A BETTER MAN.
THERE IS A SPECIAL PLACE FOR BOTH OF YOU IN HEAVEN. I LIVE IN NEW YORK ON STATEN ISLAND BUT WISH I LIVED CLOSER TO YOU GUYS SO I COULD HELP THOSE BEAUTIFUL ANIMALS. HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL AT THE RANCH AND A HAPPY HEALTHY NEW YEAR. THANK-YOU STEVE K.
Posted by: STEVE KATHCART | December 10, 2009 at 10:02 PM
What a great thing to see. Gives me hope for mankind. Thank you so much for all you do!
Posted by: Kris Leino | December 10, 2009 at 07:03 PM
What a wonderful glimpse of your world at the ranch...so very touching....I agree, the ending was perfect!!!
Posted by: Karen | December 09, 2009 at 07:06 PM
I can not believe that people do such cruel things to animals who so dependent on us humans, I admire what you are doing. I have lots of animals myself, and just put to sleep my horse of 36 years, hardest thing I have ever had to do, but he just couldn't stand up anymore. I had a vet give him a shot. He is buried in my back yard where he loved to go. keep up the wonderful work.... wanda brown of troy, montana
Posted by: Wanda Brown | December 09, 2009 at 06:22 PM
Thank you for posting this video. It was amazing and heart-touching. I tell everyone I know about your ranch. May you always continue to bless, and be a blessing to all.
Posted by: Cathy Smith/Black River Horse Farm/Georgetown, SC | December 09, 2009 at 04:14 PM
Steve and Alayne:
Thanks for passing this along. Loved Charlie gazing in the mirror! Wishing you both the best in the new year.
Susan C.
Posted by: Susan C. | December 04, 2009 at 06:14 PM
I finally have had some time to check this video out...it's wonderful! Brought tears to my eyes. we just lost our blind mini horse, April, you were my inspiration to keep her and treat her like the other horses. She went to schools to teach children about animals and abuse...she will be missed by many. Thank you for all you do.
Posted by: Sabrina | December 03, 2009 at 12:50 AM
Oh my gosh... I'm bawling my eyes out AGAIN!!!!!!!
I love you Steve & Alayne!
Heather and Timmy the Wonder Dog
Posted by: Heather Reeves & Timmy | December 02, 2009 at 05:48 PM
How wonderful to hear your voices and see some of the animals in motion. It makes all the posts so much more real, especially to those of us who are so very far away and haven't had a chance to visit yet.
And of course I also cried good tears at that last frame. How perfect!
A well-deserved win. Stay warm where you are, we are burning up down south!
Posted by: bregda (south africa) | December 02, 2009 at 07:47 AM
Balling like a baby here seeing this. LOVE the end with Charlie.
Posted by: Morgan Skilling | December 01, 2009 at 11:12 PM
Thanks for sharing - such a wonderful tale - or should I say tail!
I love seeing Charlie checking himself out in the mirror...you two are amazing - the gifts that you give these wonderful beings. Thanks!
Posted by: Lisa Brown | December 01, 2009 at 10:34 PM
Beautiful video. I love how you leaned a mirror against the wall for Charlie. Perfect ending.
Posted by: Lynn (in Louisiana) | December 01, 2009 at 09:44 AM
This is a wonderful video, showing that these "throw away" creatures are happy, healthy and loving. Three cheers for all that you do at RDR!
Posted by: Shelli Smith | November 30, 2009 at 11:35 PM
WOW... I don't know what to say except thanks for that, and for all your work.
Posted by: Adele in the Bronx | November 30, 2009 at 07:30 PM
What a wonderful video! Like many others I couldn't help crying tears of joy when watching Charlie checking himself out in the mirror.
Posted by: Mary | November 30, 2009 at 05:50 PM
Wonderful video. Those animals that have "died" are actually still right where they have always been... in your hearts.
Thanks for all you do. You are my heroes.
Posted by: Lynne Parker | November 30, 2009 at 03:24 PM
I performed in a play called "Sylvia" once which is about the bond between a man and his dog, Sylvia. The final monologue is about all the wonderful days spent together until Sylvia finally passed and the director chose this same version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" to play under that monologue. Breaks my heart everytime I hear it and I thought it was so perfect for your ranch...even if you never hear the words. And Charlie looking at himself in the mirror was simply perfect.
Posted by: Marisa | November 30, 2009 at 03:19 PM
Thank you so much for sharing this video. I can never get enough of watching or reading your stories. I was so touched to see everyone & it brought on a few tears to see Charlie enjoying his favorite past time. I just love all of RDR!!!
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | November 30, 2009 at 02:41 PM
Oh goodness, that video was so perfect!!! Thanks for sharing it with us.
Posted by: Debbie | November 30, 2009 at 02:35 PM
Yes, it's a bit of a shock to see ones who have passed on, but after watching it again (and again), I'm reminded how happy they were during their lives, however brief, at RDR. Steve and Alayne, you made that happen for them. I'm going to watch it again (and again) to savor the sweet memories of their joy. Thank you both. The award is richly deserved.
Posted by: Debbie Burke | November 30, 2009 at 12:04 PM
What a great clip!! Brought tears to my eyes!
You guys do such an amazing job!!
Posted by: Maree in NZ | November 30, 2009 at 11:58 AM
Great video that brought tears and then a good chuckle at Charlie at the end. How perfect! You two and all the animals at RDR are amazing. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Cheryl | November 30, 2009 at 11:51 AM
What a wonderful opportunity for us readers to see the animals in action! Thank you for all you do and for sharing this video with us!
Posted by: Jane Broshears | November 30, 2009 at 09:59 AM
I just saw a segment on the ranch on a show called Animal Rescue last night. I think it was old, but it was still amazing to see you on tv. I noticed a lot of the animals in that episode were not longer at the ranch, but they all did their part in showing the world that no type of disability will stop them from living life!
I also saw happy little Allie :)
us folks in the Sault miss her tons! I wish her, and all the other residents on the ranch (include you, Steve and Alayne) the best!
Posted by: Kylie, Jasper, Prancer, and Grizzly | November 30, 2009 at 09:33 AM
What a great video! Love that last frame.
Posted by: Lynda | November 30, 2009 at 08:38 AM
Great video, well deserved award. It was good seeing the lay out of the ranch and the beautiful country. Apparently it was destined for you all to be together for this great purpose.
Posted by: Dee in KY | November 30, 2009 at 07:36 AM
Wow, soooo lovely to see both of you AND all those furry faces in motion! Some bittersweet moments but the whole video is very special, thank you for posting :-).
Posted by: Jessica, NL | November 30, 2009 at 04:17 AM
Oh, Spirit! She brought me to you. I still miss Teddy. These two were my favorites. I'm glad you were able to show us the video. It shows why the ranch is so deserving of this award and the $20,000 you'll get in Dec!
Posted by: Amy | November 30, 2009 at 03:53 AM
There's so much love shining through in this video! Just loved the final image of Charlie looking at himself in the mirror...
Thanks a lot, Steve & Alayne, for sharing it with us (and, of course, for everything you do for so many sweet furkids in need).
Have a good week.
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | November 30, 2009 at 02:38 AM
Absolutely wonderful video! brought a tear to my eye seeing Charlie looking in the mirror at himself.
Posted by: kate and luke | November 30, 2009 at 01:01 AM
I saw Stoney's big butt around the 4:20 mark!!
Posted by: Wendy, Baron & Stoney | November 29, 2009 at 11:08 PM
Ahhh, Charlie made me cry--the good kind of cry. Thanks for posting this. It was nice to hear your voices.
Posted by: Maxly | November 29, 2009 at 08:47 PM
I'm still in awe and amazement of the RDR everyday! By the end of the video I could not talk,tears in my eyes, and a lump in my throat! I too felt very sad about those who have passed--especially W.A. Steve and Alayne you two are TRULY my heroes!!!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | November 29, 2009 at 08:19 PM
This video is a fantastic testimony to the wonderful care you both provide for these precious animals! Again, congratulations!
Posted by: Nina | November 29, 2009 at 08:01 PM
Beautiful!
Posted by: Penny Heinrich | November 29, 2009 at 07:41 PM
Spirit! Sweet Spirit. She was and still is one of my favorite RDR residents of all time. She may be gone, but she is not forgotten,nor his her will to survive.
That is one of the sweetest videos I have ever seen about RDR, I am glad we were all finally able to see it. Congrats to you both, Steve and Alayne, on the award, it is much deserved.
And Emmett sends a woo woo to all his fellow Beagles there on the ranch!
Posted by: Heidi, Emmett, and Moxie | November 29, 2009 at 07:11 PM
What a great video -- I'm so glad you found it and shared it with us. The ending was absolutely perfect.
Posted by: Marianne Hubach | November 29, 2009 at 06:29 PM