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Noelle Scala  ---  Why I Volunteer

What is it that is so special about a little piece of Italy nestled at the bottom of the Italian Alps and surrounded by lush green farm land? 
What is it about this place that keeps me coming back again and again?  The answer to those two questions is simple.

Unconditional love. 

You see it may appear that I'm the one giving all the love and attention, but it's really the other way around.
For four hours a week I'm not judged on how fast I can meet a deadline, how quickly I can come up with the right answer, or how courteous I was or was not to a customer.  I am simply shown love.
    
How you may ask does a horse show love, it’s not like they can hug you or just come right out and say I love you. 
It's really nothing more than looking deep into there eyes all the way down to their soul or feeling that gentle nuzzle they are so good at giving.
If you are even lucky enough you just might get a kiss.  Yes I said a kiss, well more like a lick on the arm or a hand, but a kiss is still a kiss.
If you have ever spent any time around a horse you will know exactly what I am talking about.
    
Zedan Ranch is my little piece of heaven, my quiet corner in an oh so noisy word.  Once I am through the gate and the welcoming committee comes to greet me with wagging tails and dogie smiles my problems melt away. Even if some times those pesky problems do follow me through the gate, around just about every corner there is a friendly furry face to say hello and so eager to make me forget the bad day or week I may have just had.  I enjoy every minute of the time I spend brushing, cleaning pens, or what ever may need to be done.  Even if it's just for a little while I can clear my mind and put my thoughts in order.
    
 When I moved to Italy I never thought I would be lucky enough to find a place where I can give back even a little of the joy and comfort I have been given by so many animals who have touched my heart.  So in the end that's all it really comes down to, the beauty of unconditional love.