In 1883, Dorothy was born in Scotland to a well-bred family where she grew up surrounded by dogs and horses. Dorothy first encountered the pain and suffering of former British war horses after her marriage to an army man necessitated moving to Cairo.
Dorothy Brooke was an animal activist ahead of her time. She worked for 25 years saving horses and educating locals in alternative ways of handling horses. She rescued many horses and founded the Old War Horse Memorial Hospital. The legacy of her efforts continues today.
Several times during this book I found a tear in my eye eg the horse lying on its side too weak to rise and the sad image of Old Bill a giant of a horse broken down and severely malnourished. So sad to think these noble animals had come from a life where they were fed and watered to one involving only pain and suffering.
What a kind hearted and generous person Dorothy was devoting most of her life to such a worthy cause. She worked hard to invoke sympathy and recognition that animals have feelings. I have the greatest admiration for her especially considering the era. The biographer likens Dorothy to Anatole France who once said, “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened”. As I am animal lover with a passion for horses, I can totally relate to this quote.
This wonderful biography is a beautiful, sad/happy book for all horse lovers. Reading this book has given me a greater understanding of the huge impact war has on animals as well as humans.