Statements
Mission
To advocate and care for special needs senior horses and cats that require a permanent sanctuary setting who are at risk of abuse or neglect if left in their current situation.
Background
We care for special needs senior horses that require a permanent sanctuary setting and are not afforded adequate care if left in their current situation. We take in horses who have suffered in their former lives--after years of providing hard service to human beings, some were abandoned, some were starved, some were taken to auctions, some were abused. All are given the safe and fulfilling retirement that they deserve--with beloved companions, plenty of food, space to move, regular hoof-care, veterinary and dental attention.
In Feb. 2017, we expanded to include a Senior Cat Sanctuary, taking in older cats from area shelters deemed unadoptable due to neglect, age or medical issues. The cats that we help are of geriatric age and are often from our local animal shelters. Thru no fault of their own they find themselves in unfortunate situations facing abandonment or euthanasia and often have medical issues that require intensive care and attention. We currently have 20 cats in our Senior Cat Sanctuary program.
Impact
2018: Obtained sponsorships for all sanctuary cats, Obtained new supporters, Obtained new cat sanctuary volunteer. 2019: Increase volunteer base for horse care, Increase donor base, Create quarterly newsletter to update supporters, Obtain grant funding for replacing horse fencing. 2020: To continue to make improvements to the cat sanctuary buildings, to obtain additional cat care volunteers . 2021: To obtain additional cat care workers, To secure monthly Sponsorships for all Sanctuary Cats, To expand our Donor base. 2022: Retain adequate staffing for horse care, Retain adequate volunteers for Cat Sanctuary, Retain Donors.
2023: To obtain adequate staffing for our Senior Horse Sanctuary, To secure and retain additional monthly Donors and Sponsorships, Hold 1 Open Public Event that raises enough money to cover Fundraising expenses.
Needs
We need additional and adequate staffing to care for our Senior Horses on a daily basis. We need to raise enough money in donations outside of Sponsorships to allow for these staffing needs.
We need to expand our donor base and need to increase our Social Media presence to gain new supporters.
CEO Statement
Our horses are between the ages of 25 and 35 years old. Each horse has special needs --arthritis, hoof issues, old injuries, metabolic issues, blindness, dental challenges, etc--and we make sure that each horse gets the individual attention he or she needs. Many of the rescues are draft horses, which require additional feed, special housing, and have physical problems, all of which their size impacts. The horses require a significant amount of time and money to keep them healthy.
Our cats over 15 years of age and have come from area shelters on death row or deemed unadoptable due to age and/or medical condition. They require a tremendous amount of daily care, social interaction and have various medical issues which must be addressed to give them a good quality of life. Donor support and retention is crucial for us to provide the quality of life our senior residents deserve.
Board Chair Statement
In February 2017 we began taking in senior cats over the age of 12 who needed specialized care. It began with 3 elderly Ragdoll cats that had been breeder cats and had not been spayed or neutered. They had been abandoned outside and a concerned neighbor contacted us about taking them. They were immediately vet checked and treated for fleas and respiratory ailments and when healthy enough the male was neutered. One was pregnant and gave birth to a single kitten. Momma Missy was 12 and already had mammary gland tumors, and after birthing and nursing the tumors began to worsen so much so, surgery for that and/or to spay was not feasible, so we lost her. Baby Milo was 11 weeks old at that time. Shortly after, Daddy Mitch, age 14 became ill and was diagnosed with Abdominal Lymphoma. We did all we could for him, but it progressed rapidly and we lost him as well. Baby Milo was 4 months old. Fortunately Grandma Angel, age 15 was healthy, and was happy to continue to be a surrogate mom for her. We were also able to transition a large senior male Ragdoll in with them, who we affectionately call 'Uncle Percy' who baby Milo (1 year on 4/27/18) adores. As one may imagine, this story of our Ragdolls shows that caring for senior cats, especially ones who have been neglected or have medical issues, requires constant care and devotion as well as having a rapport with qualified veterinarians willing to work with us thru the challenges we face with them. Many of our cats have issues such as: chronic respiratory issues, cancer, diabetes, joint ailments, teeth issues, being timid, being fearful, having anxiety issues, and long haired cats who require extra grooming. We give them all a tranquil space with plenty of high and low areas where they can adjust, feel safe, secure and loved, and adjust their diets and management to their individual needs. It is a joy to watch them blossom and embrace their forever home here. Early in 2019 we lost one of our most treasured equine residents, who was 41 years old at the time of his death. He was a Belgian draft horse that we rescued straight from a 'kill pen' 6 years prior. With love and care, he blossomed during his time with us and gave us much joy every day. He was an example to all as to how senior horses lives do matter.
Service Categories |
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| Primary Category: | Animal Related - Animal Protection & Welfare |
| Secondary Category: | - |
| Tertiary Category: | - |
Areas Served
Our sanctuary is located in Rutherford county, TN, specifically Readyville however our senior horse residents can come from any of the Southeastern states as long as transportation is feasible. Our senior cats come from adjoining counties in Middle TN.
| TN - Cannon |
| TN - Rutherford |
