Two more ANGELS among us!
The following is from All About Equine Animal Rescue:
It’s been a long, hard few weeks, and we are so grateful your support allowed us to help with some very challenging situations. Thank you are two very small words that mean so very much.
KATIE and HEIDI’S Story
AAE was contacted in early January 2020 by an older woman asking if we could take their mini donkey and two goats because she and husband were getting older and “selling the farm”. She said the donkey, Katie, was older and tiny (28-30″) w/a lil arthritis….and the goats were mid-teens, older and a lil arthritis, but they all got around fine. Sadly, there was no urgency communicated. It seems AAE always has a full house, so we couldn’t help in that moment. When it finally seemed like the load was lightening in early March, we coordinated a pick-up. We learned one of the goats passed the week before, apparently victim of a predator. What should have been a routine intake turned out to be a very heart-wrenching surrender.
When we arrived, we found poor Katie emaciated beyond imagine; she was down and lethargic and looked as if she was dying at that moment. She was a bag of bones and couldn’t get up. Her head hung low, her ears were flat, and her tongue hung from her mouth. Her coat was so long and thick, it masked her bony frame. There was literally, hardly any muscle anywhere on her body (e.g. hips, neck, cheeks, etc.). Heidi, her lil goat friend, must have been eating all of Katie’s food. She was beyond plump, but extremely arthritic. Through some gentle urging and support, Katie got up. Heidi, too. We had to usher each of them to the transport van, then lift each of them in. Thankfully, we were not far from home, but it seemed like the longest seven mile drive. Loomis Basin Equine Medical Center was called as soon as we got on the road, and they arrived about 10 mins after we got the girls unloaded and in a stall.
It was a sad scene as we watched; the vets were very concerned about Katie’s condition, and Heidi, too. After initial evaluation, Katie got fluids, a small dose of pain meds, and blood was drawn. Heidi got some pain meds for her arthritis and other meds to help her, too. We needed blood results before we could really evaluate Katie’s chance for recovery. While waiting for blood results, we started Katie on a very slow refeeding program giving her very small amounts of an alfalfa pellet mash every four to six hours. She was interested, but it didn’t seem easy to eat/swallow, though she tried. It was hard to know if she was simply weak from starving, whether there was an underlying cause, or both. Quite the opposite for Heidi, she was on a similar diet, but for opposite reasons. Eating came quite easy for her.
Katie’s blood results were poor, indicating refeeding syndrome. Considering her geriatric condition, emaciated, arthritis, blind, neuro issues (droopy tongue), diarrhea with crusty poop smothering her hind end, mats, lice, pressure sores, few very sharp teeth, and an apparent history of foundering, it was amazing she was alive. She should have been done long ago, but somehow, she had brief moments of “I want to live”. She smiled with her perky ears. She played with her food bowl and water bucket a couple times. She’d try to follow you out the stall door. She’d nudge up against your knee. But most of the time between those moments, her head continued to hang low, her ears flat, and her tongue hanging lifeless from her mouth.
Though it seemed grim, she deserved a chance. She had been fed hay and cob, but due to the condition of her mouth with only a few remaining teeth, and sharp at that, she was unable to process that feed. Katie had moments of wanting to eat, wanting to drink, and she was able to get up on her own, though not easy. She tried, and we held onto hope. We tried to make her as comfortable as possible, clipping her crusty hair (which she actually enjoyed), and she loved the brush. Removing the old, dead hair only revealed more of her bony frame.
After 36 hours, another blood sample was drawn. Some values improved, but some got worse. Sadly, over the hours, her spirits were up and down. After 72 hours, the down was outweighing the up. She was losing her interest in food and water, and as much as we wanted her to fight, it hurt too much to ask her to keep going. Without a doubt, it would be a long road ahead, and with all her body had been through, it didn’t seem her lil’ body could hang on so long. After another 12 long hours with no interest in eating, and it seemed she was tiring of the fight, we helped Katie across the Rainbow Bridge. Heidi, the brave and stoic friend, was in a very painful condition, too.
The two girls arrived together, and they crossed together…together forever, pain free.
Katie was a remarkable example of incredible resilience, and absolute forgiveness. She should have hated humans, yet Katie was the kindest, sweetest, most gentle soul I have ever known.
RIP sweet girls. We miss you and wish we could have known you much, much longer!
Two more recent stories…
HOPE
February started relatively quietly until mid-month. We took in four minis from an elderly owner that was struggling with chronic health issues and he was no longer physically able to care for them. Their story is still unfolding. A little over a week later, AAE got a call about another horse in dire need of help. All other avenues had failed this poor girl. Sadly, she had an eye issue she’d been dealing with for at least a year and a half, and she was not thriving. After some urging, the owner surrendered the sweet mare.
We call her Hope because we have so much hope for her.
Hope is another incredibly kind soul. We picked her up (she loaded without hesitation) and transported her directly to Loomis Basin Equine Medical Center, even though it was Sunday. Rightfully so, she was hesitant to have anyone on or near her left side, though by the time she settled in the clinic, she must have known help had arrived. Hope weighed in at 750 pounds. Not a lot for a horse her size (~15.0 hh). She also has an abundance of melanomas around her rectal area, on tail, and the corners of her lips; however, none were open, draining, or otherwise appearing to be an immediate issue.
After initial evaluation, Hope was scheduled for eye removal surgery the next day. More graphic photos. Surgery revealed a melanoma behind her eye. It was partially removed; however, some of the tumor had infiltrated muscles and nerves. Dr. Errico removed what he could without causing further damage. Hope was slow recovering, but after her second night in the clinic, she was ready to transfer to AAE.
Hope loaded into the trailer at night and hauled like a champ. Once back at the barn, she looked forward to a yummy mash for dinner. By morning, relief and relaxation were setting in.
Within a couple days, there was light in Hope’s eye, and she was very much enjoying the attention. Her bandage came off, and the relief was obvious. Hope continues to heal, swelling is reducing, and she’s enjoying plentiful food. This gal is obviously so very grateful for the help.
MABEL and MADDOX
A few days of relative quiet (how quiet can it be with 50-ish horses onsite?), Saturday morning came in with a bang. Our Shift Leader arrived to find our dearest donk, Mabel, trying to deliver a foal. Sadly, she stood there with the amniotic sac hanging from her vulva and a partial placenta on the ground. Not good. Loomis Basin Equine Medical Center was on the way.
Mabel came to AAE in August needing help w/severe fly allergies causing enormous open lesions on hind her legs. She was afflicted with the same issue the prior year and thanks to tremendous care by Dr. Stolba, she recovered then, and she was on her way to recovery now.
Mabel was accompanied to AAE by her two-year-old (intact) Jack, Max. We were told that they had been separated for quite some time, and there was no chance she was pregnant. Well, guess what? Wrong. The extra weight she was carrying recently was not from the plentiful food she was been given at AAE. It looks like Mabel came in 6 months in foal.
After initial exam, sadly, baby was lifeless and not where it should be. Extensive efforts were made at AAE to remove the baby; however, no luck. Mabel was prepped for transport to LBEMC for further treatment, and hopefully not needing a c-section to remove foal. Mabel’s good pal, Hardy, watched with obvious concern for his gal pal. He would have ridden with her if you could.
After further unsuccessful efforts to remove the foal, Mabel was anesthetized. Her hind end was hoisted in a last attempt to remove the foal. If the docs did not succeed, she would need a C-section. The sedation and re-positioning worked. Baby was successfully removed. It was a little guy, preterm at about 280 to 290 days. We named him Maddox. Actually, for his “age”, he was quite large, and as sad as it is, it seems this might have been a blessing in disguise. Can’t imagine Mabel trying to deliver him with another 45-60 days of growth. Mabel took a while to awake from sedation, but when she stabilized, she was escorted to the clinic “suite” for a day or two of pampering.
After two nights of observation and monitoring with some pain management, as well, Mabel was ready to come home. Everyone was beyond thrilled and relieved to have her back.
Though Hardy was elated to see his gal, she was not so enthusiastic, understandably so. It’s been about 10 days and thankfully Mabel is recovering well.
We’re terribly sad Maddox didn’t survive, but so grateful Mabel survived this ordeal.
Early Bird Pricing $40
(ticket prices go up April 1st)!
This is a super fun event that includes
a BBQ dinner, Live and Silent Auctions, Music and Dancing!
Funds raised at Boots & Bling supports a large portion of AAE’s annual budget ensuring we continue saving and serving horses and humans throughout the year.
Boots & Bling and AAE need YOU!
There are other ways to help and support AAE!
Sponsor our BIG event!
Event SPONSORSHIP and TABLE SPONSORSHIP options are available!
If you would like to sponsor this event or want more information on sponsoring, please contact BandB@allaboutequine.org
We also need LIVE, DESSERT and SILENT AUCTION DONATIONS!
If you would like to donate to our live and silent auctions or want more information on donating, please contact Dani@allaboutequine.org All donation are needed by 4/10/20
We’ve Extended Our Hours!
Check out our facebook page for pop-up hours and specials!
Friday thru Monday 12p to 4p
Tuesday & Thursday 2p to 6p
AAE Used Tack Store is at
4261 Sunset Lane
Shingle Springs, CA 957362
530-363-6096
If you’d like to donate tack or join the volunteer team at the store, please send us an email.
Remember to select All About Equine Animal Rescue, Inc. as your charity of choice,
AmazonSmile donates to AAE with every purchase, at no cost to you!
This is a FREE and EASY way YOU can help raise funds for AAE.
VOLUNTEER NEEDS
As many of you know, we have a continuing need to expand store hours.
PILOT HILL – OLD FENCE CLEANUP
Fence cleanup day. Help us remove old fencing and get us closer to moving some horses!
Perimeter fencing should be done in a couple days, with only tying up the loose ends.
Saturday, February 22, 2020
Work 9a to 1p
We will be pulling out old t-post fencing with a t-post puller tools (we have four), wood posts with the help of a tractor, and winding up all the old wire and stacking it where others can get to it later. The material will either go to recycle or may even be re-sold for crafting/rustic art.
Please bring: Heavy work gloves (leather), Water/Drink for yourself, Hat, Boots and long pants
We will provide: T-Post pullers, wire cutters, hammers, screw drivers, and extra gloves.
Please RSVP via email to Jean if you can help.
You are welcome to bring a family member or friend to help as long as they are over 16 yrs of age. Please let Jean know so we can be sure we have enough tools.
Any questions, please ask Jean.
TACK STORE SUPPORT
We need more help staff the store on Wednesday afternoons, 2p-6p, can you help?
We would also like to expand our daily hours.
Fri to Mon 10-12 and 2-6. With enough help, we can split the shifts, 10a to 2p and 2p to 6p.
Likewise, Tues-Thurs, we’d like to add 10a to 2p.
If you’re interested in helping with tack store activities (e.g. cleaning donated tack, researching/pricing, organizing/merchandising, blanket/tack repairs, picking up tack donations, helping customers, sharing AAE info, admin support, and more), we need you.
Current store hours are Fri-Mon 12-4p, and recently added Tues/Thurs hours 2-6p.
We can always use help during any of the current hours, too.
Please email us if you are interested/available Tues, Wed, or Thurs afternoons, 2-6p.
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT:
If you are available to help with administrative activities, we are creating admin hours in the office at the store. We have a variety of administrative tasks we need help getting done.
Please email us if you are interested/available Tues, Wed, or Thurs afternoons, 2p-6p.
BOOTS & BLING 2020
We have kicked off our Boots & Bling planning for 2020. The event has included a catered BBQ Dinner, DJ Music and Dancing, Live/Silent/Dessert auctions, a special fundraiser, and line dancing with instruction. We need help in most areas for planning for this event to make sure its a huge success for AAE and our horses.
Please email us if you are interested in helping with Boots & Bling.
We meet once a month until the event.
SPECIAL PROJECTS AROUND THE BARN
Maybe you’d like to help around the barn, but don’t want to work directly with the horses,
or you don’t like to muck?
We could use some daily to weekly to monthly help cleaning and organizing, whether it’s the feed room, the meds room, the office, the tools, groundskeeping, painting shelters, monitoring the fencelines, dump runs, tree trimming, coordinating vehicle maintenance, or a zillion other things.
There’s so much that needs to be done, and we can use extra hands to help keep things looking nice and clean.
Please email us if you are interested/available during regular barn shifts,
Mon-Sat 8a-noon, Sun 9a-1p or afternoons 3p-6p.
Daily Horse Care, especially pm shifts (Daily 8a-12p or 3p-6p)
Used Tack Store Support, all areas (Fri – Mon, 12-4p, possibly T, W, Th 2-6p)
Barn/Facility Maintenance
Foster Homes, Long-Term Foster/Sanctuary Homes
Capital Campaign Support
Board Members
Fundraising/Events
Grants – Writing and Research
Volunteer, Project, and Activity Coordinators
Outreach Activities
Youth Programs
Therapy Programs
Veteran Programs
Special Projects
Admin Support
Marketing
Graphics
Social Media
Bloggers
Photographers
Media and/or Photo Librarian
More, more, more
Interested in volunteering or volunteering in other areas?
Employers Match Donations, Does Yours?
Hey volunteers!
Did you know YOU could earn grant money for AAE from your employer just by volunteering?
Many Employers offer money when their employees volunteer. Here are a few examples:
-
Intel
provides a $10 grant to a nonprofit per every volunteer hour by an employee, and matches funds dollar for dollar up to $5,000 per employee or retiree.
-
Microsoft provides a $17 grant to a nonprofit per every hour volunteered by an employee.
-
Apple provides a $25 grant to a nonprofit per every volunteer hour by an employee, and matches funds dollar for dollar up to $10,000 per employee.
-
Verizon provides a $750 grant to a nonprofit when an employee volunteers for 50+ hours.
- State Farm provides a $500 grant nonprofit when an employee volunteers for+ 40 hours.
- Others top 20 matching gift and/or volunteer grant companies include
-
- Starbucks
- CarMax
- Home Depot
- JP Morgan
- Chevron
- Soros Fund Management
- BP (British Petroleum)
- Gap Corporation
- State Street Corporation
- ExxonMobil
- Johnson & Johnson
- Boeing
- Disney
- Merck
- Aetna
- Dell
- Outerwall (CoinStar and RedBox)
- ConocoPhillips
- RealNetworks
- Time Warner and subsidiaries
- AllState
- and more
Check with your employer. You could help purchase our next load of hay!