Flood Relief Fund - flakesale.com

Second Chance Ranch and HorseReunions.com have teamed up in a cooperative effort to establis a flood-relief fund to assist Washington state horse owners affected by the January 7, 2009 floods. At http://www.flakesale.com/ - you can click on a donate button and purchase a flake of hay for $5.00. This will feed one horse for one day.

On January 7, 2008, Western Washington experienced torrential rains resulting in devastating flooding in many areas. Over 18 counties declared a state of emergency, as a combination of heavy rain and previous snowfall caused a number of rivers to break their banks. 40,000 residents had to evacuate their homes, many with their pets and livestock. Over 300 horses were forced to take shelter at area fairgrounds.

As the waters recede, residents are returning to find that their winter’s supply of hay and grain has been destroyed by the rushing water. With hay prices at an all time high, the flood damage has created a severe crisis for area horse owners.

In establishing a flood relief fund, Second Chance Ranch is partnering with HorseReunions.com, a website created to help reunite owners and horses, and will provide emergency feeding grants to ensure that Washington horse owners can meet their horses’ immediate needs as they begin flood recovery efforts.

To fund this effort, Second Chance Ranch is holding a virtual “Flake Sale” and has established a website, flakesale.com, to allow donors to buy virtual flakes of hay for Washington horses in need through secure, online donations. A virtual flake costs just $5 and will purchase for enough hay to feed one horse for one day. Second Chance Ranch is also welcoming direct donations from area hay suppliers, feed stores and other equine industry professionals.

Washington state horse owners who have suffered hardship as a result of the January 2009 floods are encouraged to visit the flakesale.com site and download a grant application. The site also provides practical information on preparing horse properties for the return of livestock after a flood.

See www.flakesale.com for more information related to this response.

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New Vet Fund to Assist the Community...

SCR has created a new fund to provide assistance for veterinary and emergency needs of animals owned by private citizens or other rescue organizations in Washington. It is not limited to horses - we will consider requests for any animal. The fund is not sustained by SCR, but is solely dependant on donations that are sent in and earmarked for this fund.

So far we have been able to pay for two surgeries of dogs; one who had a private owner and another that belonged to a shelter. Priority will be given to low income and senior citizens who can provide a wonderful home for their animal, but who are not able to afford a large veterinary bill, or just need temporary help with food, medication or other urgent needs.

Read more about who qualifies and how the fund works...

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10 Horses at the Enumclaw Auction escape death...

They had just a matter of hours before loading up on the truck to make the hidious journey to Mexico for an even more hidious and violent death. Click here for photos.

Several of us in the equestrian community, some affiliated with rescues and others are horse owners, got on the phone and email to make pleas for funding to purchase 10 horses who were not bid on. The owner of the Enumclaw Auction eagerly sells these horses to slaughter houses in Mexico and Canada.

Shannon Hendrickson of Signature West got involved and went to the auction house in person. With the help of a generous donor, Shannon was able to purchase all 10 horses. They are safe at her farm today - some have foster homes. Special thanks to Cathy Atkinson of FuglyHorse.com who took a beautiful TB mare. She has a tattoo - we are looking forward to finding out who she is.

You can reach Shannon by email (click on her name) to inquire about adoptions or help with funding for vet, farrier and feed.

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Julie and Magik

I recently heard about a woman (a friend of a friend) and her horse who needed help. While Julie is bravely battling stage 4 cancer and struggling to support herself, her horse Magik severely injured his leg and required surgery. Julie is using her artistic talents to fundraise.

Check out the U-Tube video of Julie and Magik - these amazing water color T-shirts are hand painted and absolutely stunning! SCR was so moved by this video, we paid off her veterinary bill. However, Magik has a long recovery and so does Julie. PLEASE support her by purchasing a T-Shirt, and pass the video on!

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Flood Victims...

The recent storm and flood that hit Western Washington was devastating to many families with horses and livestock. If you need help - CALL US ASAP! Several people have come forward offering shelter, feed, blankets and supplies for your horses. If you were not effected by the flood and can contribute - please contact us so we can network you with those in need.

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