My name is Cynthia Trent and I live near by in Poplar Bluff, Mo. My day job is caring for disabled adults and my part time passion is rescuing animals. For the last few months I had been helping a family place 5 dogs, a kitten and a pot belly pig from a trailer out in rural Missouri about a half hour from where I live. That is where I first learned about Ted, and the dogs and cats he was trying to care for while living in an old dilapidated camper about a quarter mile from the trailers accessed by an untraveled dirt road. Ted is living without electricity or water, walking to the the main trailer every day to get water for himself and the animals.

I befriended Ted in the hope of helping the animals and him if possible. I learned that Ted is a gentle and kind man, and he used to be a teacher at a university. A number of significant health issues ended his career years ago. Shortly after, Ted moved onto the property with one little dog he then got fixed. In this rural part of Missouri, there are no resources available for animals, and the trailers I mentioned are one of the known dumping grounds in the county. It would never occur to Ted not to do what he could for the animals that showed up, even at the expense of his health and well being. For a short time he managed to get dogs vaccinated and altered, but the dogs kept showing up and that was not sustainable.

After Ted could no longer drive, there was only so much he could do with his very limited income. Ted managed to keep the dogs and cats fed, and walked every day to bring back jugs and jugs of water. He shared his tiny freezing camper with as many of the animals that could fit. Ted and the dogs suffered from a lack of resources and medical care. Ted spent nearly everything on food for the animals and he despaired watching litters born only to die or disappear. Remember, there was no one to even ask to come help...No shelter, no animal control, no one. Rather than thinking about himself, his biggest concern was becoming what would happen to the dogs if something happened to him.

I was determined to help even one dog at a time. I started with what seemed most urgent... Plead for rescues to come save the puppies- and maybe someone could help buy a new mattress for Ted. That's when something miraculous started to happen. My plea for the dogs and puppies reached Animal Rescue Corps. They contacted me immediately and offered the unthinkable. They would send a team out and rescue every single animal on the property. Within the hour, they had sent me funds to cover any food and straw for any animals exposed to the cold. They offered to cover vet expenses for anyone who needed immediate care. They agreed to be here on Christmas eve, the first day I had off of work to make this rescue happen. It didn't matter to me or them that it was Christmas Eve, it was all about the dogs, cats and Ted.

Ted is so grateful and relieved for the animals, he has agreed to let me try to help him as well, including sharing these pictures, his name and his story. Together, we are discussing all of his options now, before Ted didn't see any option except caring for the animals as long as he lived. His camper is unlivable, impossible to keep warm even with a wood stove. Ted suffers a great deal from several health conditions, and he lacks a lot of basic items to make his life more comfortable, safer and healthier. We are talking about converting a small building on the property that is in good shape into a tiny home for him. Longer term plans include cleaning the property and eventually Ted could sell the property and consider moving to a place he has more access to healthcare and other resources.

In true Christmas spirit, people who heard about the rescue of the dogs are asking how they can help Ted too! I'm blown away by people extending compassion instead of judgement towards Ted. He has agreed to let me set up this Go Fund me for his benefit, all funds will be utilized for his benefit. He is incredibly grateful and somewhat in disbelief that people are extending that sort of kindness and compassion to him. He asked me to share his gratitude that was expressed through tears.

On Ted's behalf, If your situation allows you to contribute and be apart of this Christmas Miracle for animals, humans and all involved please make a gift, and please know you have my and Ted's deepest gratitude!! I'll be sharing and posting updates.

Thank you!