Why We Rescue Animals That Others Overlook

People often ask us why we rescue. The truth is simple, but not easy: there are far too many animals in the world who need a home — and far too few people willing to give them one.

As humans, we collectively domesticated these animals. We bred them for our purposes, whether for companionship, food, labor, or aesthetics. And yet, time and again, we abandon them. We turn them loose, surrender them, or leave them behind when they become inconvenient. Once that happens, who steps up? Often, no one.

That’s why we do.

Our focus has always been on the animals who get overlooked for adoption — the ones that spend long stretches in rescues or shelters with no inquiries, no families lining up to give them a chance; or, those who have illnesses or challenges that reduce the likelihood of their adoption. Old age, complicated medical histories, inappropriate elimination: these are all challenges animals face that make them unwanted by the average adopter.

At Havencroft, this has meant:

• A bachelor flock of roosters, because male birds are often unwanted. Everyone wants hens for eggs, but roosters are left behind.
• A bachelor flock of ducks, for the same reason. Nobody wants the boys, even though they’re just as full of personality.
• Three alpacas who were considered “too old” to adopt. They didn’t stop needing care just because of their age.
• Aggressive or misunderstood cats who don’t fit the mold of a cuddly lap pet. They still deserve a safe home, even if they’ll never curl up purring on the couch.

These are the animals we open our gates to — the forgotten ones.

Why It Matters

It matters because they matter. Every creature has value, even if society labels them “difficult” or “useless.” Their lives are not disposable.

When we rescue, we’re acknowledging a responsibility: as humans, we created these relationships with animals. We made them dependent on us, and it’s not fair to turn our backs when they no longer serve our immediate wants.

Rescuing is not about being a hero. It’s about recognizing a truth: if we don’t step in, who will?

The Hard Reality of Rescue

Rescuing isn’t glamorous. It’s messy, expensive, and emotionally heavy. Bachelor flocks fight sometimes. Old alpacas need special care. “Aggressive” cats bite or scratch. And too often we have to make the hard decision to let an animal move onto the next. But we believe their worth is not diminished by these challenges.

And the reward is in the small moments:

• Watching a rooster crow proudly in the morning light, safe in his flock.
• Seeing old alpacas bask in the sun, still enjoying their days.
• Knowing a cat who was once deemed “unadoptable” has a place where no one will give up on them again.

These moments remind us why we keep going.

Why We Rescue Animals

So why do we rescue animals? Because there are so many who have nowhere else to go. Because humans created this situation — and humans need to take responsibility. Because even the forgotten ones deserve safety, dignity, and care.

At the end of the day, rescue is about more than saving animals. It’s about creating a world where no life is written off as worthless. And until that world exists, we’ll keep doing our small part here at Havencroft.

Bergie Bits enjoying the sun