Thursday, February 26, 2009

What One Dollar Can-and Cannot-Do

While the current economic climate in the U.S. is affecting all animals, it is a reality is that large animals are exponentially more impacted as they simply cost more to care for- It takes more money to feed and care for a horse than it does to house a cat. Furthermore, cats and dogs are not being shipped to Mexico and/or Canada for slaughter.
To date in 2009, Chez Chevaux has received more than 30 calls and emails from TB owners, and owners of other breeds seeking placement assistance, who want to surrender their horses as they feel they can no longer afford them. We have been asked to take in 4 TB's seized by Animal Control.
In December of 2008 I answered a call from a Real Estate Appraiser in Pierce County: He had gone out to appraise a foreclosure and found two apparently abandoned horses on the property, without visible food and water. Yes-this is happening.
We cannot take in any more horses here at this time-We are full with a waiting list-and our current budget does not offer us the option of expansion without additional funding. As the pleas for assistance have increased, the number of adoption inquiries have trickled down to nearly nil.
Rescues are now often finding that they must fulfill an often lengthy sanctuary function throughout this recessionary period. This is especially true if any of their residents are, perhaps, less than "perfect" show prospects.
I just returned from a trip to southern California searching out horse properties. Against all apparent odds and media economic predictions, we are determined to go forward: Our goal is to expand our mission with a true sanctuary in a warmer climate. California also sports a large population of sport horse performance and pleasure enthusiasts.
While so many legitimate rescues and sanctuaries that do committed and fantastic jobs every day are struggling right now to raise funds, it sadly appears there are those who are less than caring and scrupulous: When I read this article about Dancing Star I was amazed. I oughtn't have been. Over the years we have taken in starved and neglected horses from people whose socio-economic status and education might have been thought to include a sense of stewardship. Yet, I have seen many more people put their companion animals at the top of their priority list. Just such a caring person contacted me recently: She is going through a divorce, downsized at work, and desperately concerned that she might have to seek rehoming options for her dogs. Yes, we are a Thoroughbred Horse Rescue-but this type of call is truly indicative of this place in time. It now turns out that her dogs will be able to stay with her.
In the process, she shared an interesting concept: The Adventurers Club has a good idea about what just one dollar can do-one person at a time, one charity at a time.
As so many people who call us now never thought they would have to ask for help, I would challenge everyone to be pet-proactive: Select a pet charity or rescue/sanctuary you like-a cause that calls to you. Involve your friends. Call and talk to the organization, visit, and/or ask for references. Carefully choose an organization that resonates with you.If you cannot adopt an animal at this time, then syndicate your caring-pool your resources and help sponsor one.
Chez Chevaux currently has two resident thoroughbreds ready for adoption:
Elliott: Just now four years old, he will easily be 17+ hands when mature. Right now his hip is higher than his withers-he is busy playing and GROWING. He had three starts as race horse and showed no interest in racing. He is completely sound.He's loving and lively, a BIG inquisitive baby, but essentially mellow and logical. He will sequentially select the grooming tools for you from the caddy.SUPER athletic.
Cooper is 11 years old. He has past eventing experience but currently seems to prefer the arena: Lovely dressage movement and likes stadium jumping. Totally sweet and very sensitive: He is best suited to a quiet, soft, supportive and confident rider with an educated leg. He tries to please with every step he takes. Permanent Brand Inspection card.
All of our residents have their original Jockey Club papers and all are microchipped with ISO microchips on record with the Jockey Club.
We do have an adoption application process and we do establish reasonable and appropriate adoption fees. Chez Chevaux does not give away horses. We are committed to making the best permanent equine and human matches.
Melodee, http://www.chezchevaux.org