Updates From a Lil’ Rescue Ranch
Oh, we are crossing our fingers tight for the big Red boy, in hopes of him finding his forever and most loving home. He’s been staying with his foster mom, Kate, since narrowly finding his way out of the shelter system in Los Angles via an avenue of great dog lovers who determined this boy needed a second chance. They were right. He’s smart, ready and willing to learn (after years of neglect), and really as Kate says just a big lap dog. Rasta’s is proud of Red, grateful to Kate and Red’s fans, and happy we could help in his journey. Applications for adoption are out—this is very exciting for Red!!!
Our loving Dancer rescued seven years ago has been diagnosed with Cushings, a condition which impairs his body’s ability to maintain weight. His meds arrive via UPS on Monday and hopefully they will do the trick. Dancer is well into his 20’s and a dear loving member of Rasta’s permanent residences. He’ll have to receive the medication the rest of his life, but considering all that he has given us the cost is superfluous in comparison. Dancer lovingly cared for the young rider on his back since she was merely seven. He allowed her to learn and they share that special relationship that happens between a little girl with a passion for horses and a princely spirit who just wanted to be loved.
Ms. Chloe is on the mend after her second bout with colic. Seems our little blind Pinto likes to eat sand. The paddocks are not particularly sandy, but she somehow manages to find it. We will be moving her into a different pen in efforts to correct this. Colic can be life threatening to a horse and of course Chloe forever holds a special place in our hearts. She was rescued shortly after the loss of Rasta, the beautiful Shetland pony whose spirit inspired all that has followed.
Many have come in the wake of Rasta, most recently the pack of seven pups, who today get to celebrate the wonder of a little rescue ranch willing to go the distance. We’re double securing their little yard, have temporarily surrendered Chandon’s studio to their needs, and will be preparing them to find their forever homes. After rescuing them, we discovered the promised "Freedom Train" to Colorado, may not be the freedom we would hope for concerning these pups. Preparation for forever homes is a huge emotional and financial investment, but abandoned dogs only get so many chances to be the best they can be. This preparation involves putting weight on them, getting fully vetted including: another round of shots, micro-chipped, heartworm tested, and, of course, spayed and neutered. The option exits to send them off to another rescue, but we’ve seen too many dogs who suffer separation anxiety from being passed from shelter to shelter, rescue to rescue, foster home to foster home. This won’t be an easy task for the three regular caregivers on the ranch, but it will make a tremendous difference in their lives.
As much as I would love to go on with stories from the ranch this morning, I have some administrative (hate that word) tasks that must be done, some fencing to buy, and some money that needs to be found, ASAP. There’s a little donate button on this page and if you could help we would so appreciate it. Every dollar counts and we know times are tough for many out there, but even the smallest gift makes a big difference.
This month we’ve watched Rasta’s likes grow on Facebook and received special notes and stories from many. Thank you for sharing your love for animals with us, your missing of loved ones, and hopes for changing the future of many.
Sincerely,
Shawn, Chandon, & Lilli
