Kids Learn About Animal Humane Education

A group of youngsters were offered hands on learning experiences in the humane treatment of animals during their summer vacation.

Sponsored by the Kaeli Kramer Foundation Humane Education Program, the children spent a week visiting the Sister Nature Sanctuary daily. Nestled in quaint Miller Place in theTown of Brookhaven, the sprawling, manicured one-acre spread is home to owls and other birds of prey, chickens, goats, a Jersey cow, and a skunk, but perhaps the star of this lineup of friendly rescues is a horse - a paint named Dakota.

Cathy Horvath is the founder of Sister Nature Sanctuary and meticulously maintains her rescues and the grounds. The Horvath Family established their Sanctuary on Hunter Avenue after purchasing the property this past March, when Cathy Horvath said she purchased Dakota as a surprise for her daughter, Sadie.

The children enrolled in the program were visited by agility and rescue dogs, cat rescues, a bee keeper who taught about the important roles bees play within the food chain through pollination, an equine veterinarian, an equine masseuse, and they were taught about the responsibility and commitment of caring for pets once they are adopted as members of their families. Throughout their week-long experience, the children intermingled with the animals.

Kaeli Kramer and one of her rescue mustangs. File Photo

The Kaeli Kramer Foundation was created in 2009 by Linda and Peter Kramer as a living tribute and to memorialize their daughter, Kaeli, and to perpetuate her love of horses. Kaeli, who was Valedictorian of her graduating class, aspired to one day being an equine veterinarian. The mission of the Foundation is to promote humane education and to provide Sanctuary for elderly and infirmed horses, and to rehabilite or re-home horses who are considered at risk. The Kaeli Kramer Humane Education Center at the Holtsville Ecology and Wildlife Center, was created in Kaeli's name, and is home to two rescue Mustangs - Callie and Valor. Another 50-acre Sanctuary is located in Orange County called home by more than 20 horses.

The Kramers invite anyone interested in supporting the Foundation's mission to make contributions to the Kaeli Kramer Foundation to visit the website at www.KaeliKramerFoundation.org or to send checks made payable to the Kaeli Kramer Foundation and mail to 309 Trotting Lane, Westbury, NY 11590. Linda Kramer emphasized that 100% of all funds raised are returned for the care of animal rescues under the umbrella of the Kaeli Kramer Foundation.