Through My Eyes
- janinesmalley
- May 3
- 2 min read
By a Horse that has seen both sorrow and Sanctuary

They say the eyes are the window to the soul. If that’s true, then mine have seen too much.
I remember the cold. The ache of hunger. The quiet way people turned away from me—like I was invisible.
I was just another forgotten horse, standing in mud, waiting not for rescue… but for release.
My ribs told stories of neglect. My breath came shallow. I had long stopped hoping for anything more than silence.
And then, you looked into my eyes.Not past them. Not through them.Into them.
You didn’t flinch at my scars.
You didn’t rush my trust.
You came with calm hands and a heart big enough to hold my fear.
You didn’t ask me to carry a burden—I had already carried too many.
You whispered love into ears that had only heard commands, and you gave me space to just be.
That night, for the first time, I exhaled in safety.
Now, the tears that sometimes pool at the corner of my eye aren’t from pain. They’re from the sun warming my back. From the sound of goats calling out in the pasture. From the rhythm of sanctuary that wraps itself around the broken and says, “You are still worthy.”
When people visit Whispering Acres, they often pause at my stall. Some just whisper “hello,” others reach out gently. But every now and then, someone truly sees me—and I see them too.
Maybe they’ve known fear. Maybe they’ve felt discarded. Maybe that’s why we understand each other.
So look again at this photo.This isn’t just a horse.
This is survival.
This is healing.
This is what it means to be seen.
Thank you for being the kind of person who looks with your heart.
Thank you for helping animals like me find our way home.
With love,
A rescued soul at Whispering Acres
🐴 Want to help more stories like this come to life?
Donations help us rescue, feed, and rehabilitate animals in urgent need. Every gift is a second chance. Visit our website for ways that you can make a difference either through donations or volunteering.

The quiet observation in the horse's tale is striking. The transformation from forgotten to cherished is powerful. Haven't we all craved that feeling of truly being seen? I once felt similarly overlooked volunteering at a local animal shelter; even the Friday Night Funkin music couldn't mask the neglect. The animals just wanted someone to notice them, to offer a little kindness. It made me realize how much a small gesture can mean.
I met many animals whose eyes reflected pain and hope simultaneously. It’s incredible how patience and gentle care can transform their fear into trust, just like the horse at Whispering Acres. Moments when they finally relax and feel safe are truly heartwarming. Stories like these inspire us to be more compassionate and attentive to all beings. For a simple way to unwind after reading such emotional tales, I often enjoy playing the Slope Game - it’s a fun escape that balances thrill and relaxation.