Compassion in Action

Silver Linings Sanctuary

There is no doubt that the eyes are the window to the soul, and for animals, it is also their way to connect and communicate in the word around them. It is their own language where they have learned to convey love, sadness, pain, fear, shame, wants and needs. Understanding their eyes, helps us understand their thoughts and feelings which they communicate back to us. By watching their eyes, body movements, and expressions we have learned how to be their advocates.

One of the hardest jobs is caring for another in their final days. Those that provide a place for aging, disadvantaged, or unwanted animals through sanctuaries are an example of compassion in action to its highest level.

• It is respecting the mannerisms of each animal and understanding what makes them feel their best.
• It is reimagining what may now seem impossible to overcome, even life ending in some case, and finding a way to help them rise to the challenge to live their best life in their final days.
• It is restoring the animal’s confidence that they can once again be happy in a safe environment that allows them to be as active as they choose.

This is the mission and philosophy of the non-profit Silver Linings Sanctuary in Honeybrook, Chester County. 501c3 status is pending.

I recently found the sanctuary through a friend, internationally known equine artist Sandra Severson, whose paintings of horses, foxes, goats, sheep, chickens, and all domestic animals I have come to admire over the past 5 years. Her ability to capture their personality and soul through their eyes is astounding.

Sandra and I share a love for animals and when I saw a post on her social media site from Kristin Severson about a sanctuary, I thought they may be related.

Soon, I found myself talking to Kristin and learning about Silver Linings Sanctuary which she and her husband, Ed Amador, cofounded in 2020. For the past few months, I have watched as Kristin and Ed have not only expanded on an idea of taking in unwanted, abandoned and disabled animals but also have learned how they apply their philosophy of the three ‘R’s” of respecting, reimaging, and restoring these beautiful creatures to a state where they can live out their best and final days free of pain, fear, and shame.

It is a place where the animals wants and needs are met, and they know nothing but love. Though the sanctuary is small, social media enables them to share with the public how they apply the three ‘R’s” to each ‘resident.’ Silver Linings Sanctuary has also become a place where they communicate with others to provide educational information and collaboration on an array of topics that affect all animals.

Every non-profit depends on the kindness and donations of others to help them succeed. Silver Linings Sanctuary is no different. Anyone who provides care for an aging animal or one with special needs understands the commitment, patience, and financial means needed to provide the best life possible for the animal. With 20+ residents in need of extra time, love, and patience at Silver Linings Sanctuary, every dollar helps. Four supporting membership levels are available:

• Bonze
• Silver
• Gold
• Platinum

Silver Linings Sanctuary has recently created a Memorial Garden to honor those that have crossed over to Rainbow Bridge. A nominal donation of $25 reserves an all-weather plaque to be placed in the garden where they will be memorialized.

The famous author and English veterinarian James Herriot once said, “If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans.”

The compassion and kindness that Kristin and Ed show to the residents of Silver Linings Sanctuary is genuine. They work hard to understand all those they come under their care and carefully evaluate their needs to create a path for each resident to live their best life. Looking into the residents’ eyes is all the proof one needs to know they are on the right track and are appreciated.