Guest blog by Declan Gregg of Children 4 Horses
Children and Letters Travel to D.C. Tomorrow
“Today is Sunday and again, we would like to share with you the clean, fresh thoughts and motives expressed by the youth of America in their quest to save our horses, particularly the thoughts expressed by 9 year old Declan Gregg from New Hampshire. We have featured Declan’s participation and promotion of EWA‘s “Children’s Letter Writing Campaign” on this blog (click (HERE)) but today we would like to feature Declan’s own blog and the thoughts that he has as we prepare to head to D.C., in the morning, and support Declan and hundreds of American children in their effort to save our American horses, both domestic and wild, from predatory slaughter.” ~ R.T.
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Declan Testifying at the New Hampshire Legislature in January ~ photo courtesy of Children 4 Horses
I am very excited to go to Washington DC on Monday! It feels really good to go because I know that I can help the horses. I hope the people there listen to me so they will know what is really going on. I really, really, really, hope I make a difference!
I have surpassed my goal of collecting 115 letters and now have over 200 letters to bring with me. I am very confident that the letters will help save America’s horses from slaughter. Thank you everyone who have written a letter or supported me in any way.
I am definitely looking forward to speaking at the press conference on Tuesday the 27th. I have been working really hard on my speech and I think it is great and it will change people’s minds about horse slaughter. I am also very excited to meet people like Congressman Jim Moran (VA), Vicki Tobin (EWA), Jo-Claire Corcoran (EWA) and R.T. Fitch, who are all fellow horse advocates. I am especially excited to meet R.T. Fitch (author) because he has helped me so much and I really want to meet him and thank him personally for helping me and posting my blog on his blog. I think it’s cool R.T. is going to be there too, especially since a lot of the people who are standing up for the horses are women. It will be great to meet another man who is really trying to stop this evil and is also standing up for what he thinks is right. And thank you to Congressman Moran, another man never willing to back down from the fight.
When I am in Washington DC, I have an appointment with Congressman Guinta. Congressman Guinta will also be taking me on the House Floor during a vote so I can see how it all works. That is going to be REALLY cool! There are a few other people who have asked to meet with me, so we are trying to schedule that now. I will let you know when I do.
Mark Ericson from WOKQ (in NH) is going to be broadcasting from a sister station and asked to interview me. Unfortunately, we will have already left DC when he can meet, so we will be talking when I get back form my trip. I will also be talking with Jean Proulx on WSCA (in NH) and her “PAWsitive Thoughts” show in April. I will try to get recordings of both to post for you.
I feel really good that I have all my homework done so I can go on my trip and not be stressed out by it. I even completed the work my teacher sent home that I will be missing, so I am all set. Now, I can concentrate on my speech and practice it before we go. I wonder if people would want to hear my speech on the plane… it would be great practice. Maybe I can present it to the Captain. I think I’ll ask when I get on the plane 🙂
I will try to write from Washington DC, but it may have to wait until I get back because I will be so busy.
Thanks again for all your help and support!! Love never fails and I will never give up on the horses!!
Click (HERE) to visit Declan’s Blog and to Comment
Related articles
- 9 Year Old NH Boy Takes Saving American Horses from Slaughter to the Air Waves (rtfitchauthor.com)
- Boy’s Effort to Save Horses from Slaughter Hits Stride (rtfitchauthor.com)
- Saving Horses from Slaughter: NH Boy Blogs, Testifies before Legislature about why Practice must be Halted (rtfitchauthor.com)
- NH Boy Joins Fight to Save America’s Horses (rtfitchauthor.com)
- Breaking News: Mountain Grove Rejects Horse Slaughter Plant (rtfitchauthor.com)
- Preventing Horse Slaughter – a Personal Evolution (rtfitchauthor.com)
Categories: Horse News, Horse Slaughter
Straight from the Horse's Heart 
What an awesome young man! My horses thank you, and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
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With a child like this.. taking up the banner to help our equine friends.. I feel like we as a nation have moved in the right direction.. What a wonderful breath of fresh air he is..and his mom and dad should feel very proud for him..
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Declan,
Best wishes and prayers, but when the cruel and brutal killers pooh-pooh you away, remember what God told Job (and it depends on what bible version), BUT……
“Do you make the steed to quiver while his thunderous snorting spreads terror?
He jubilantly paws the plain and rushes in his might against the weapons.
He laughs at fear and cannot be deterred; he turns not back from the sword.”
Keep laughing and be not afraid, Declan…never give up. God made the horses and you…don’t let the devil or human evil deter you.
We don’t need to treat equines this way (and yes…I keep watching the film Secretariat).
Oh, happy day!!!!!!
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Wow Denise !!!!! Loved that post !!!!!!! Gods Speed to the Children !!!!!!!!!
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RT, please remember that Declan is much too young for your wrangler ice tea!
We are all very excited and I can’t wait to meet Declan. For those of you that can’t make it, we know you will be with us in spirit.
Thank you one and all for your support and good wishes. I also have to send a special thanks to Jim Moran and his amazing top legislative aid, Barry. Both worked so hard to bring this together. If only we could clone them. They remind us of what politics and Congress should be. There is hope…
For the horses!
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Declan I am so proud of you and remember that truth will always triumph over evil, but it may not be as quick as we would like. So spread your truth and know that you ARE making a difference even if at times it may be difficult to see. I know you have made a difference in my life! You always raise my spirits when I start to doubt!
God bless you and I hope you have the most wonderful experience of your life! We are all with you in spirit!
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Many blessings to you Declan. “out of the mouths of babes’.
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The honesty, integrity and sincerity of Declan will reverberate through the halls of Congress. May every member of Congress who sits in the hall during Declan’s speech replay Declan’s message in their head over and over and over and over again. May Declan’s words be a source of inspiration and courage for all members of Congress to do right by our horses and end this disgusting evil forever.
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Thank You Ann M Marini,PH>D., MD Amen to all you have expressed!!!!
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Ann Marini, Ph.D., M.D. Words well spoken and let us cross our fingers that Congress will be in tears at listening to this little citizen who wishes nothing but happiness for our four legged icons. Let Congress stop this travesty NOW AND FOR ALL to the slaughter, to the BLM roundups and the allowing of transportation of our horses, etc across our borders. Hopefully, this little citizen will bring them to their senses to stop this once and for all.
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Way to go Declan! It won’t stop here young man. You will continue to go on to do amazing things in life. Stay true to your heart and mind. Follow your gut as you already know the difference between right and wrong when it comes to our domestic and wild horses and burros! You have a great start and a good mind!
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Dear Declan, May your words innocent wisdom and truth , Be heard loud and clear and break the chain of horror for the innocent Horses and Burros of America…………….also may your words be given the rightful considerations, Free our horses and make it possible for them to take their rightful place to which all of Americans believe they belong FREE to ROAM in the peace for which they have earned throughout History !!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Arlene: As always, well said. I’m with you, they have earned to live their life in peace, tranqullity, and happy with their families — Never to worry of the giant killers above with their spinning blades and treads and all from there that only hurt and maim and kill.
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Thank You Lynne, Great minds think alike…………………………..
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Wonderful!!!
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Godspeed little one! you are an inspiration to us all! thank you especially from my horses; Sundance, The Major, and Heavenly Holly
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You’re an inspiration to many. I’m proud of your efforts and wish you success!!!
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Declan,
I ditto what everyone beautifully expressed here, and would add only this, Yes, please ask if you can give your speech on the plane, loud and clear, for all to hear — even the wild horses and burros fortunate enough to be still running free thousands of miles below you. I pray the good-loving Captain gives you permission. 🙂
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BlessUSALll is right. Please ask the Captain if you can give your speech. Even if a small percentage of the plane is oblivious to the travesty that is prevalent with the killer buyers and the BLM, they may come to our side through your gallant efforts and love for our icons. My Prayers and support will be with you while giving your speech and meeting with all in your various meetings. Even though I will be at work, I will be thinking of you and supporting you, and my three horses I have saved from death and the two additional horses I hope to get in July send their love and support for all you have done and all you will do in the future. You are in inspiration for many of our youth to follow. Your heart is truly in the right place and you are a saint. I know your parents are so proud of you — I’m no relative but I am proud of you and wish I could say you are a family member of mine. Love from my little four legged family, Brave Heart, Frosty Vanilla Creme, Hershey Bar and my two coming in July, BLack Diamond and Midnight Dream. May God’s arms wrap around you for working to save his beautiful gifts to humans and I can’t see how any of Congress would not do what is needed. Stop the slaughter, the roundups, and the transportation of our horses across the border of the U.S. Declan, you are an inspiration for our all. From our little citizens come great strength, love, and learning.
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Amen, Lynne — and Brave Heart, Frosty Vanilla Creme, Hershey Bar, Black Diamond, Midnight Dream. All the horses and burros, no matter where they are — running free, crammed into feedlots and holding pens, grazing in pastures with access to safe stalls, or now in heaven — are as beautiful as the names (and hearts and souls) of your five friends.
Bless you, Declan, for speaking on behalf of them ALL! (And all of us humans who are worthy enough to be loved by one horse, or many.)
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Declan Gregg you are one special young man that understand life & the fact that you are so alert at this young age to me indicates that no matter who you are, one can make a huge difference! It is in believing in yourself & achieving the goals set out! Anything is possible when you have your heart into making a change for the better! God Bless you Declan & may your success for horses change the way all animals are protected & respected. You are the change we all wish to see in the world. All great achievements begins with a dream.
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Good Luck, Sweet Boy. God will be with you. I will be there, too, rooting for you in Spirit!! You are truly a gifted young man, full of compassion and concern for whats RIGHT! What a great mom and dad you were blessed with. I am very excited about this venture you are about to partake in, and I will be anxiously news from you. YOU’RE A ROCK STAR, DECLAN!! Love, Susie
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Declan I am so very proud of you words are failing me at this point. To be one of the many, many voices who have supported you on this incredible undertaking, is truly an honor. You and you Mom Stacie have become like family for so many of us and my only regret it is that I will not be there in person to hear your speech. I know you are going to command the respect and attention that you so well deserve, and truly believe you will change minds and hearts in Washington. D.C. on Tuesday. And I LOVE your idea of asking the Captain to be able to speak to the people on the plane!
I am sure you know Declan there are thousands of us who love horses and want to stop this evil industry who will be with you in spirit. May God wrap you in his strength and open the hearts of all members of Congress to truly listen to your words and understand the horror they are allowing to be inflicted on our horses everyday. I am sure this will not be our last battle, but it certainly will be viewed by many as a giant step forward in the war to protect America’s horses.
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God be with you.
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I cannot help but get all teared up as I read the above comments filled with words of strength, encouragement and prayer for my son Declan. He has been working very hard on his speech and is very excited to get to tell his government why he thinks horse slaughter is an unnecessary evil and that it should be banned for good. Declan goes armed with over 200 hundred letters he personally collected and read, collected from children all over the country, as well as letters from adults who have let Declan know he has been an inspiration to them.
I have heard his speech many times over the last few days as Declan practices, and I can tell you that he literally brings me to tears each time I hear his words. His passion and true, unfailing love for God’s creatures is amazing. Our pastor prayed over Declan and our family this morning and his words resonate on my heart as we prepare for Declan’s trip to DC tomorrow.
Please also keep in your thoughts and prayers, Declan’s little brother who is very upset that he will not be there in support of his brother, whom he loves so dearly. This has been an amazing journey that has brought our family together in so many ways I would have never expected. My husband has been supportive beyond belief and a wonderful role model for our boys.
We will be sure to keep everyone updated on Declan and his organization’s, (Children 4 Horses), progress as he fights to save America’s horses. Thank you again so much for your thoughts, prayers and love, which we will carry with us to DC tomorrow.
~Stacie
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DeClan you will feel so fantastic when you meet RT. I met him a couple of months ago and it was wonderful. And yes, you might feel a bit different cause it’ll be man to man.
I hope you have a awesome trip to Washington. It’s a shame you’ll miss a lot of the touristy things but maybe someday you’ll go back to do those things. In the meantime may I suggest one small thing?
Take a tape recorder with you–one that records. You won’t be able to take that into meetings but perhaps security will hold it for you outside the rooms. I suggest this so that you can record your thoughts on tape right away. It’s likr a diary only a verbal one on the spot. And no we don’t have to hear it all–it’s for you to remember all of this by.
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Tonight when I opened a cupboard door I found two special horse bracelets. I brought them to my desk, where they will sit by my side while you are in the Capitol, Declan.
One bracelet is inscribed with these words: “Until They are Safe!” White Paint Mare, Stripe, 4 White Socks — Slaughtered 7/14/04 http://www.habitatforhorses.org
The other reads: “Until They are Safe!” Sorrel TB Gelding, Stripe, 16 Hands — Slaughtered 7/14/04
Declan, you are helping ensure that these beautiful friends will not have lost their lives in vain.
If R.T. doesn’t have a bracelet handy to give you in D.C., I’ll send you mine when you get home. They have been worn over the years with pride, honor, and love.
That’s a good idea Margaret has to bring a tape recorder. And of course you’ll have a digital camera or two. 🙂
“Until They are Safe!” Sorrel TB Gelding, Stripe, 16 Hands
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Declan, we are all very proud of you. You are representing a lot of kids and horses and grown-ups.
I think we are going to hear more from you as you grow older.
Sassy: Bless The Beasts And The Children
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Dear Declan, No matter what happens to day rest assured you have made the difference !!!!! We are all with you in spirit and so are the horses , they horses will guide you , you go to DC with many blessings from many people , the truths you bring will set them free ………………..
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ARlene: Beautifully said. I love the “the horses will guide you and the truths you bring will set them free………………. Let’s hope that will work to save them and our little Declan will be the hero for many of us who have been fighting this for way too long.
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Dear Lynne, Thank You !!!!! Our Love for all horses guides us all , When I am near them I feel them as if it was my own heart beat, I know all of us feel this…………………… There was a time many years ago I thought I was the only one, until here……… This has been a huge battle every step of the way, one I certainly know that we will win, it is a matter of time, of which the horses dont have time, every move we make now is very important and will be written in stone, we must choose our path very carefully, their lives and existence depends on it !!!! there is as we speak so many closed door crap going on ……………………………………… They are sneaking around like the RATS \they truly are !!!!
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Declan thank from the bottom of so many human and equines hearts. We may not be there physically, but we are with you in mind, body and spirit. I am going to email Senator Dick Durban, who is my Senator and tell him to make sure he says “hello” to your group. Have a safe journey and we will all be waiting to hear from you about your trip to Washington, D.C. I know that you will love it because I have been there many many times to bring forth issues such as yours.
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“…and then a hero comes along” Thank you,Declan– we are all behind you–horses and humans who want the right thing— life and liberty.
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