02/19/2011

Since becoming involved in rescue I have heard many stories of how people and as a result, their animals have come to their current circumstances. The road we are on seems smooth, plans are made with results anticipated... then suddenly that road makes an unforeseen turn, we find ourselves in a new set of circumstances, scrambling to get our bearings and figure out where this new road leads. Homes are lost, jobs are changed, parents split up and families are altered, and as a result the physical, financial and emotional demands change too. All of these things happen every day, most of us know of someone or have experienced such events ourselves. The rescue and I are no exception. While we all do our best navigating our personal daily twists and turns, we need to remember the ones who are without choices but are affected no less.

This next week we will be bringing home 3 such animals who are the fallout of one of those unexpected turns. They have not suffered neglect or abuse, they are simply losing their home and need a new family. There are two mini ponies and a sweet paint mare who is perfect for casual rides or for the childrens first horse. At the rescue there are many others still waiting for their new homes, some spunky and green others mellow and suited for family or trail horses.

If you are able, please help us so that we can help others, small donations add up to make a big difference. We are preparing for our next farrier visit, at $35 ea and corrective shoeing for 2 horses, the price tag is over $600. Before long too there will be spring vaccinations and of course there is always intake costs for our new horses and ongoing costs of recovery. Sponsorship on and off site is available and hay, grain and monetary donations are needed the most.

I started the rescue because it is in my nature to help. I have met many who are of like mind and have been generous working with me and I am so very grateful. It is not just the dollar or the hour donated, it is much more, the support and assistance and believing in this cause is invaluable. I could not do this without your support. It seems like so little to say thank you.... but once again, my heart felt thank you.

more horses in need

This has been a busy week, we have received many calls about horses in need, ranging from ponies to green horses and older horses ready to be that family horse for the grand kids or for a loving retirement home. Each of these cases we have concerned owners unable to continue care due to physical or financial constraints. Today I spent 5 hours driving to locations and evaluating horses. With all of these cases we look at how we can help and still balance their needs with the needs of the horses currently at the rescue. We would love to say yes without hesitation but we can't always do so.

Our abilities physically and financially can only stretch so far. We are very grateful for our volunteers but there is always more tasks than hands. We are currently looking for persons to do pre and post adoption site checks and reference checks. Our adoptions range from local to several hours from the bay area, so even if you are not local, please feel free to contact us. If you have computer/website experience and are interested in working closely with the rescue, we could use an assistant to our webmaster. Regular volunteers at the ranch are still needed to help with daily cleaning and feeding, mostly in the mornings between 8 and 12. For direct handling of the horses we require you to be over 18 and be experienced, but no experience is required to work with us at promotion events. As always monetary donations are needed the most as well as individual sponsorship and foster homes, all of which have the added benefit as tax deductible donations.

We know that this spring will bring out yet more horses who have suffered a hard winter, and we want to be able to help. Please think of what you can do to help us help the horses.