F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Horse Rescue & Sanctuary: Disaster Response and Recovery Grant Report
How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?
The $2,000 grant was used to purchase a new, dry storage container for feed, hay and supplements. We purchased the container from Mason Builders Corp. for $2,554.45 on Oct. 30, 2017, and the cost included delivery. The price had gone up due to the demand for containers after the storm.
Your grant enabled us to purchase a new, dry storage container for the feed, hay and supplements for all of the animals. Our container was damaged badly by Hurricane Irma. While we did not take a direct hit, we did have a lot of rain, wind and tornadoes that affected the facility. We had not budgeted for these types of expenses and we did not have the funds in savings. A tree had fallen on top of our container and it was leaking badly, and the door would no longer close properly. The danger was in getting any of the feed, hay or supplements wet, as they could mold quickly, between the extreme heat and damp conditions. We also had to ensure that rodents could not get to the feed and supplements, as they would eat, urinate and defecate in them, making them unsafe for consumption. Should the horses eat moldy hay or grain, we could have had several horses get colic, resulting in added vet bills and potentially death. Had the goats eaten moldy hay, they too could die. This grant was a lifesaver for us in a life-or-death situation. We are so grateful for the quick action and generosity of the Petfinder Foundation.
How many pets did this grant help?
We have 43 horses, two miniature donkeys, one hinny, eight potbellied pigs, two farm pigs, two goats and one cat. This grant helped 59 animals.
Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.
All of our animals were affected by the weather and they were standing in a flooded pasture. We were lucky the water did not go into the stalls, so they were dry. The feed, hay and supplement situation was extremely important. Pictured is Sure Shot, an adult miniature hose. Meet him: www.petfinder.com/petdetail/39897454
