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"To close your eyes will not ease another's pain." - Chinese Proverb

Safe House, Starlit Skies.... One night, after everyone had been fed and watered, I followed the path of shooting stars as far as my eyes would allow. I walked out into the field and all I could hear was the contented sounds of horses happily chewing and snoring. As I approached the herd, I could see five of them all huddled together over a bale of soft, sweet-smelling hay. As I quietly joined them under the stars, they knew I wouldn’t disturb their intimate gathering. How lucky I am to have this experience, I thought...what a privilege to be among these great, gentle creatures--a family unto themselves--under this star-lit canopy of nature. Then my mind wandered to all the other animals out there, beyond the safety of the Refuge, suffering, day after day, with no relief or comfort in sight, whose only reprieve is death. As the only horse and large animal rescue in Quebec and Eastern Ontario, the Refuge hears of and investigates stories of abuse that beggar the imagination. Horses struck in the head with an axe, horses beaten until their bodies are broken and their spirits crushed, horses left without food or water for weeks on end—sometimes for an entire season. Why, in this age of enlightenment, technological brilliance and increasingly humanist values—why are such abuses, starvation and neglect still going on? More and more people are realizing that everything we do, and fail to do, for the protection of all species, for the preservation of

our ecosystem, will determine the fate of the human race. Yet there are still others who lag behind, unable to think ahead and see the devastation such neglect will inevitably bring. It is often argued that humans in need require help first and foremost. Yet, as Gandhi and other visionary leaders have shown us, 'the way we treat animals is a barometer for how we treat the weakest among us.' And the weakest among us are most often those without voice, without recourse. The animals that pass through the Refuge to safe, loving homes, as well as those who become permanent residents, are those we are specialized to help. And we do. We turn no suffering animal away. With all there is to "fix" in our society, there is not much energy or time left to address the wrongs and remedy the practices ingrained in our culture and in certain industries. Yet we all must re-vision a future where every species is treated with respect, humanity, and compassion. To that end, the Refuge is working on projects aimed at developing animal- and environment-friendly practices to lead the way for other rescues, and perhaps even change current agricultural and farming processes. This is a big, hold-your-breath dream, and the Refuge has been unusually and extremely under-funded this past year even though we are being called upon more often and are busier than ever. We ask that all who care about animals and our environment help the Refuge in its crusade to end the cruelty and suffering, which—in the end—will be our undoing. How we define our own humanity is at stake. As I lay with my contented quorum of five around that sweet bale, I look up at that bounty of endless sky, and I feel—I know—we can do it. Together, we can. I followed one shooting star with a wish, and so must you too. Wish with me, and the power of our wishes will meet and join in the heavens. Make the world a better place...just by sharing in our crusade. Partner with us in our dream. Donate, foster, sponsor....

Rose

Refuge RR News

Refuge RR for Horses - Alexandria, ON Vol. XII Issue No. 1 Fall 2007

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How Lenny Crabbits stole Jenny’s Heart Lenny came to RR after having been kicked out of five—count ‘em—five boarding stables. Everyone, from vets to farriers, claimed that Lenny was either crazy or downright vicious. But his owner loved Lenny and knew that he’d been beaten badly—in one case, beaten so often and cruelly by one man that just the smell of the man approaching would make Lenny run and hide—even if he was tethered. That kind of abuse would make anyone crazy. That kind of fear would make anyone bite or kick. That kind of terror would make anyone gnaw at his tether just to get free and clear of the abuse that he knew was coming.

Distraught, the owner called RR, telling us that the zootherapy centre which had Lenny had threatened to kill him if he wasn’t removed from the premises immediately. The Refuge agreed to take Lenny and find some way to help him. He was only 8 years old and in perfect health, so we weren’t quite sure what to do. We try to reserve space for the most urgent emergency cases. So we asked a trusted horsewoman, Christine Allard, from Forevergreen Stables if she would take him and work with him. Christine kindly agreed and kept a journal to track any aggression. Day after day, at the end of each page, she could only write: “NO MISTAKES”. The myth of Lenny’s previous behaviour was fast becoming a mystery.

Then along came Jenny, a really sweet, compassionate, 15 year old, who lives and breathes for horses and all animals. Christine felt that Jenny

and Lenny were a good match, and that Jenny should adopt Lenny.

So every day, Jenny would pet, brush and ride Lenny. This

young girl would just walk into the stall to brush Lenny—this so-called “Killer Horse”—with no trace of fear or trepidation. Lenny, the horse that seasoned riders feared even to approach—much less brush or ride—bonded with his new and trusted friend, Jenny. The majority of the Refuge’s rescues have physical or mental scars of abuse and are not suitable for riding, but every horse, like every person, has his own unique needs. Jenny started showing Lenny at local

shows. He began to thrive, and we realized that, like some people who have been traumatized, Lenny preferred being active and learning new things—almost as if this was a way for him to live in the “now” and forget his abused past. It was a great cure for this active, intelligent horse, and in healing Lenny, Jenny found a new joy.

When you mistreat an animal, it will definitely react in fear and seek to protect itself in any way possible. Lenny still jealously protects his food; it’s not to be touched by anyone...a behaviour likely due to having been starved at some point in his life. So his mealtime is respected by all around him.

Lenny is a great example of when animals are shown kindness, they will learn trust. None of what happened to Lenny before he met Christine and Jenny was his fault. Horrible—and sometimes, just “unthinking”—people do cruel things to animals. It’s not the animal’s fault if it protects itself. It never is.

The Refuge thanks Christine for taking a chance on Lenny, Killer Horse, and working with him. Jenny is an inspiring example for us all. By opening her heart to this “vicious” horse that everyone dreaded and wanted dead, Jenny proved to everyone that all animals deserve a chance, a chance for a life filled with love and trust.

M&M's owner chose him the moment he was born. She was there at the birth and had many plans for this magnificent little guy. He grew up to be her perfect riding companion, able to faithfully and safely do all that was asked of him. He did everything his owner demanded, show after show: jumping, dressage, trail rides and more.

One day, he developed a bowed tendon and could not be ridden while it healed. The owner decided then that he was no longer useful to her. Not for a moment did she consider how he had never let her down, and had, without fail, performed for her for 19 long years. She wanted a new horse now, one that she could ride harder. But there must have been one moment, one wisp of remorse...because she contacted the Refuge rather than putting M&M, her loyal friend, down. We immediately took him in and M&M is now living permanently here at the Refuge. M&M spent so much time being ridden or in a stall, that his contact with other horses was almost nil. We had asked about his pals before we

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transported him to RR and were told that he had none. Horses are herd animals; his had been an unnatural state and lifestyle. And that became even clearer as we witnessed his excitement at being among other horses again once at RR. It took but a little while, and now M&M has “remembered” that he is a horse, not a machine. He re-learned how to interact with other horses, and “speak horse”. Once nervous and seemingly high-strung, M&M is now a horse of a different colour, and his friendly and relaxed demeanour has won him many new pals at the Refuge.

Niña – Nobody’s Baby

This is Niña when we rescued her I know people who are Arab-crazy; they just live for, sleep and breathe Arabian horses. This wasn’t the case with Niña’s owner. She had been neglected all winter. As we drove towards the deserted farm, it was hard to tell that Niña was a young—maybe three years old—Arab mare. She was that thin, that emaciated. She was wandering, desolate, on and off the road beside the highway having broken out of her enclosure. Left alone for so long, without food, she was only too happy to climb into the trailer, relieved to see some food—and in her loneliness—company, too. We took her to Judy and Craig’s, one of our trusted foster homes. That was in early May. Thanks to Judy and Craig, her health and body weight are now excellent. Niña is now a spunky, young mare, living well in her new home, a 160-acre farm. She will

never feel lonely or be hungry again. This is the

lovely Niña now-

as she should be!

Welcoming “Cinnamon”

At 16 hands high, this

chestnut, Quarter Horse looked at us without interest as we

approached. His skeletal body spoke volumes about how long he had suffered, without food, care, or

attention of any kind. Loaded onto the trailer we’d had to rent, he continued to show no interest in his surroundings or indeed, in his own future. (see Seizures, page 6, for details on rescue) Any horse brought to RR is usually greeted with the whinnies of alerted residents, curious about any newcomer, trumpeting their warnings and greetings. Lucky and Slim whose pasture is just beside the entrance driveway approached to get a good look at this once-beautiful fellow. Cinnamon emitted only a low snicker to their pricked ears. As we walked this 11-year-old through, past the pasture with the big herd, we were surprised to see no signs of interest at all from our normally inquisitive equine family. Bewildered, we continued to the small pasture. Its residents, Belle (see story, p.4) and Nemo ran up to Cinnamon excitedly...then stopped in their tracks. With eyes fixed on our forlorn gelding, they carefully circled him, keeping a discreet distance. There was none of the usual poking, prodding, pawing, kicking or crying out. Just silence and...respect. Is the compassion of one animal for another ignited even faster than ours for our own fellows, we wondered? Did all the horses feel and sense immediately what Cinnamon had been through, and, as with one mind, decide to let him be, and find his own comfort among them? Even Nemo, our sagacious but mischievous pony, was respectful and quiet. Now, even as we write, we are privileged to witness how the insight of the herd made Cinnamon’s welcome a gracious and calm one. Now in the midst of his two friends, Nemo and Belle, Cinnamon’s spirit seems to lighten. With every lick of salt, with every chew of hay, he will know that he is safe at home at the Refuge.

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A Killing at the Races A lucky bettor can make a killing at the racetrack, as the saying goes. And our economy thrives on the racing industry. As of this year, over $280 million will be invested by the leading racetrack owner in Quebec, Attractions Hippiques*, in revitalizing horse racing in the capital. Sanctioned by the Quebec government, this money will be spent on infrastructure and renovation of existing racetracks. None will be spent on the care and maintenance of the racehorses, even though it is their beauty and speed that creates such lucrative excitement. So you might say that the economy makes a killing off the backs of horses, a high percentage of which end up abused or in slaughterhouses. Racehorses are money-makers, there’s no doubt about that. Our impatience to make money through them is borne out by the fact that we force them into training (at 18 months) and racing much too young (2 to 3 years old), placing ridiculous stresses on their growing legs and bodies. Their pain and suffering is irrelevant to our insatiable need to make money, even when their injuries cripple them before they are fully grown. The owner or trainer doesn’t waste time with vet care or convalescence. He or she simply says, “Next”, as the horse, maimed through their greed, is shipped off to the nearest abattoir. Not often but sometimes, a trainer with a heart will defy the owner and contact the Refuge. That’s how “Lily and Belle” came to us. Please read their stories in this issue along with “Beezer’s”, another industry horse, who came to the Refuge in the past few months. *Attractions Hippiques (AH) announced that it will invest $280 million over the next five years to revitalize horse racing in Quebec. This was approved by the Quebec government, probably because the first year of investment ($20 million in Quebec City) is expected to bring in close to $1 million in revenues and employ 380 people. As of now, in the first year, the money will be used exclusively for infrastructure building and renovation of existing racetracks. Source: Horse Canada, May/June 2007, p. 14. The federal government is investing nearly $500,000, matching the monies of the equine industry (Breeds and Industry Division of Equine Canada), in an

attempt to upgrade Canada’s international image as a major international source of high-quality horses. Source: The Canadian Horse Journal, July/August 2007, p. 22.

Lily and Belle: Standardbred Siblings

Lily came to us when a trainer put in an emergency call to RR. Lily, a two-year-old Standardbred — chock-full of personality—had

broken a leg while racing. Her owner wanted her sent to meat straight from the racetrack. The trainer knew there was another alternative, a better chance at life for such a young horse of character. Once with us, Lily was

checked out at the St-Hyacinthe Veterinary Hospital, which specializes in equine health. After ultrasounds and x-rays, we learned that Lily would indeed recover, and could live out her life on pasture. We would appreciate any help with the vet bills. Belle was a big money-making Standardbred.

Trained young (too young) Belle earned more than $40,000 for her owners and even made a name for them in the

newspapers. But at only four years old, she

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endured one of the worst experiences for a young mare: she lost her first and only foal to neglect and inattention. Owners love winning horses—to death. Pushed beyond her limits, Belle—like her sister, Lily—also ended up breaking her leg. They got vet help for her leg—but as she awoke from anaesthetic—Belle damaged a main artery which now makes the veins on her face protrude. Not yet willing to let this fast and lucrative “cash cow” rest, the owners decided to breed her. She might, they reasoned, produce foals just as fast as she was. Pregnant at three years old, and injured during a less-than-perfect recovery, Belle was left alone in a field with other broodmares. When she foaled in the cold, the help that was desperately needed never came. She watched her foal suffer and die. When finally discovered, the unflappable owner decided to send her to slaughter. The trainer, thankfully, intervened, and contacted the Refuge. Belle is still untrusting and shy (who wouldn’t be?), but we intend to ensure she lives the life she deserves. Belle needs a sponsor. If you or anyone you know can sponsor this Standardbred mare, please contact us. Beezer is a 7-year-old Standardbred whose race name was “Backstretch Boy”. He was a solid racehorse who made significant money for

his owner but apparently, not enough money and not soon

enough. Beezer was pushed so hard that he broke his knee. The owner got no treatment for

Beezer’s broken bone, and left him with his by-now, dangling leg all alone in a field. No pain relief, therapy, surgery, or even bandages. Beezer was then passed around from owner to owner for the next five years, each time just barely escaping going to slaughter. His fate was

set until he came to the Refuge. The Refuge traced back as many owners as we could, only to discover that Beezer had also been abused. We immediately sought out vet care and researched help for his leg, so that we could provide him with the best quality of life. He has adapted well to his deformed leg (animals never cease to amaze me!) and is able to function quite well. Unable to see beyond his funny-looking leg, people have not been quick to offer Beezer a home...so the Refuge will guarantee him comfort, shelter, the best food, supplements, companionship, and a quality of life for as long as he is happy. “Beezer” is a comical name—and I swear to you, this horse has such a sense of humour—that he knows his name is funny! If you can, please sponsor Beezer and share our joy in having rescued him from the inhumane demands of the racing world.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…? “Happy Feet” make a Horse heart-healthy!

It’s true! A healthy horse needs to be moving to ensure good blood flow throughout his body. Hooves act like pumps forcing fresh blood down through the leg and then back towards the heart. It is estimated that for every 16 strides a horse pumps 4 gallons of blood down through their feet! So standing, or keeping a horse in his stall for long periods, actually works against his continuing good health. That’s why it’s best to keep a horse moving, turned out 24/7. Who knew that a horse’s health was found in...his feet? Refuge RR, of course! Except in extreme temperatures, all our buddies live outdoors. And it’s easy to see that they prefer it that way. Source: Canadian Horse Magazine International, Summer 2006, David McGlynn, p.39.

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Seizures...at a Legal Stalemate One of the worst problems facing rescues in Quebec is the time lag between establishing proof of abuse, waiting for the courts to issue seizure mandates so that rescues can act to save the animals—and finally, waiting for the courts to issue judgements against the owner or facility. The two seizure stories that follow are a case in point. Both seizures took place last winter, and still await final determination by the courts. Note that these rescue agencies and their volunteers showed up in frigid winter conditions to save these animals, long forsaken by their owners and—but for their efforts—by fate itself. The Refuge took part in two widely reported seizures in the winter of 2007 conducted by the SPCA-Monteregie (a no-kill shelter). I) One seizure involved numerous animals in St-Robert, QC. In temperatures of -30, the neglected animals were left without food, water, or shelter. Apart from the dogs and cats taken in by the SPCA, fifty-six animals—a horse, ponies, pot-bellied pig, goats, sheep, peacocks, pigeons, chickens and rabbits—came under the protection of Refuge RR during the course of the SPCA Monteregie’s rescue. Most of these animals were extremely dehydrated and emaciated. Their condition was wretched.

• One of the ponies had been so long neglected that, despite all the veterinary care we could provide, her health declined and she passed away.

• A foal was discovered during the seizure, frozen solid to the ground, surrounded by the frozen droppings of the other equines. Other animals, left without food and starving, had obviously pecked at the foal’s dead, frozen form in their own attempt to survive. It was only by walking on the foal’s body that her own mother, a mare we named “Hope” and some ponies could cross over to the dilapidated shelter. We can’t express the sadness we felt as the city was called in to forcibly extract the frozen corpse of this dead

baby from its burial ground of excrement and ice.

• A pot-bellied pig—barely able to stand, much less move—was found in a windowless, wooden crate, un-insulated, with no water or food, along with some chickens, who, starving themselves, pecked constantly at the pig. Rendered immobile and terrified for so long, the pig’s muscles had atrophied and she was unable to walk. (Safe at the Refuge since then, we are happy to report that, supplied with a warm, comfy bed, ample food and water, and lots of love, “Beatrice’s” body and spirit have mended.)

All of the rescued farm animals taken into our custody are either on our premises or in our foster homes.

II) The second seizure conducted by SPCA Monteregie was in La Presentation, QC. The Refuge was asked to take a horse we named Roxie, and a pony we named Monty. Monty was tied to a truck and Roxie was running around loose, both left without food, water or shelter in -36 temperatures. There was another loose horse that had been tragically hit by a car and killed before the SPCA was called in. The SPCA also removed from the same property 18 dogs, tied to dog houses by chains frozen to the ground. Monty and Roxie are currently being fostered for the Refuge until the court has made its judgement. As we wait, it seems—endlessly—for the courts to rule, we have received no government funding to support these animals whose treatment is counter to Quebec law—not to mention, an affront to all of civilised and humane society. The most recent seizure (Fall 2007) by SPCA Monteregie took place in St. Hilaire. There were five horses and ten dogs, neglected and abandoned for weeks on end. Locked up with no food, the animals were starving. The SPCA took in the dogs and the Refuge was asked to take custody of the horses. All were in

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bad condition especially a horse whom we named Cinnamon. (Story on page 3) There was also an extremely thin mare and her foal. This poor baby has a large hernia and needs to have surgery at the veterinary hospital in St-Hyacinthe. Both are in a foster home until we can arrange the surgery. We are asking for support to

finance this surgery as it will be very expensive. The other two horses were adopted by a woman who works at the SPCA Monteregie. We will do everything necessary to bring these horses back to health. They will never again face the death-dealing neglect of callous and uncaring owners.

Q & A Corner

People often wonder what it takes to manage a sanctuary the size of RR. It is, after all, the only large animal rescue in all of Quebec and Eastern Ontario. Here is the answer to one of the most frequently asked questions: Q: How many horses does Refuge RR rescue per year? A: Fifty to seventy-three horses are rescued, on average, per year. This doesn’t include special cases, involving other Canada-wide rescues, which involve organizing the rescue and placement of anywhere from 30 to 400 horses at a time. (Our appeal on behalf of Canada’s Mustangs in this newsletter, see p. 8, is a current example of our work with other organizations, such as WHOAS [Wild Horses of Alberta Society].).

“It’s never far to the home of a friend”... Nutmeg & Sydney

Just before press time, the Refuge was flooded with calls and emails from concerned St-Lazare citizens about two horses in bad shape. A Quarter Horse Paint, about 11 years old with arthritic front knees, greeted us from the paddock. His companion, a bay Standardbred, staggeringly thin, showed no interest in anything but the hay that had obviously just been delivered and was, judging from his emaciated state, long overdue. The owner, a well-meaning but unthinking person, was relieved to hear that such a place as Refuge RR for Horses existed. She had neither the time nor the skill to cope with the horses anymore and hadn’t known what to do with them. We returned the same day to transport the horses, now named “Sydney” and “Nutmeg” (whose condition is reminiscent of “Cinnamon’s” see story, p.3) to the Refuge. The owner didn’t bother to say goodbye to the horses nor did she help with or witness our removing them from her premises. Cinnamon and Nutmeg now share a pasture, and Sydney has joined M&M and his small herd in the front pasture. We welcome sponsors for our new friends. If you can help, please contact us.

Sydney & Nutmeg

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Canada’s Last Mustangs: Threatened with Extinction

Most Canadians are unaware that we have wild horses in Alberta & B.C., wild Mustangs that are in danger of being captured and slaughtered. Every year there are permits for people to catch four of these horses, three stallions and one mare. The problem is that there is absolutely no limit as to how many permits are handed out. The ‘Capture’ season runs from November 1st to February 28th, tearing great rents in families of these social mustangs’ lives.

Now and then a captured horse (mainly foals) will be sold to a home; but since these horses are near impossible to train, the majority is sold to meat buyers and is condemned to the slaughter house. The length of this capture season and the amount of permits issued are taking a threatening toll on the number of Mustangs left. Once there were thousands now there are only a couple of hundred.

The Sable Island Ponies are protected by law, but the Canadian Mustangs have no such protection because our government claims these horses are ‘feral’ (got loose from people and readapted to the wild). Some find these horses to be a nuisance but many others (WHOAS, Global Action Network, Refuge RR for horses, individuals, etc.) are pushing for a protection law. There have been DNA tests done on a filly whose mother was captured from one of the herds in Alberta when she was pregnant with her. The results proved this filly is of Iberian blood, Mustang descent, and not a feral horse. No matter what name is given them (Feral, Wild, Mustang, etc.), these horses have lived in the wild for centuries and have all the right in the world to be there. They are doing no harm and unless Canadians want to lose them like China lost their wild horses, there MUST be a horse protection act now . The first step is to contact Sustainable Resources of Alberta & B.C. and demand the end of the annual roundup.

Step two is to have the Horse Protection Act followed up. - By Kylie Anne Gergely (Age 13)

Reprinted with permission from Millennium Mirror Oct 19, 2007. National Post Create-a-Newspaper Project. First Place Winner. Please write or email … the government offices listed below expressing your sense of betrayal that Canada’s Equine legacy is being discarded, thoughtlessly and carelessly—to the detriment of the preservation of our ecosystem, and without respect for our indigenous fauna (of which the wild horses of Alberta are of primordial importance). Several hundred concerned Canadians have already signed the petition (see the petition site below). Be one of them.

www.thepetitionsite.com/1/federal-legislation-to-protect-canadas-free-living-horses

Alberta Sustainable Resource Development – Information Centre Main Floor, 9920 108 Street Edmonton, Alberta Canada T5K 2M4

Fay Orr Deputy Minister - Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture 7th fl Standard Life Centre 10405 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, AB T5J 4R7 Phone: 780.427.2921 Fax: 780.427.5362 E-mail: fay.orr@gov.ab.ca Derek Coke-Kerr Managing Director, Travel Alberta 403.297.2849 E-mail: derek.coke-kerr@travelalberta.com

To save time, please email: artemis22@sympatico.ca write WHOAS in the Subject line; include your name, city and province, and a letter on this matter will automatically be emailed to you for signature, including the appropriate addressee email addresses. All you need do is type in your name and forward to the government agencies concerned.

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Permanent Homes Needed – Can You Help?

We have the following horses in foster care awaiting loving homes

Thunder, is a pony gelding, 10.2 hands, about 400 lbs., pinto with blue eyes. After 17 years of work with handicapped children, Thunder, (35-37 years old), needs a long rest.

Bijoux, is a beautiful black Shetland with red highlights in mane and tail. This 20-year-old is 11.3 hands and about 540 lbs. As a riding-school pony who spent many years working with handicapped children, Bijoux is very sociable and doesn’t like to be alone. Arthritic after so many years of work, Bijoux needs a home where she can retire. Katura, is 12-year-old Standardbred mare, very shy but once she gets to know you she is really friendly. Katura has been trained to pull a buggy.

(NO PHOTO Standardbred brood- AVAILABLE) mare - She is 8 years old and in good health.

Kashmir is a 23-year-old grey Arabian gelding, standing 14.3 hands. He was used as a school horse for children. Safe on trails and does not spook easily. Now slightly arthritic, Kashmir can still be used in light riding.

Cinderella is a Thoroughbred mare, approx. 21 years old. She was a school horse and went to the regional shows as a hunter. She has a lot of energy and needs to spend most of her time outside moving. Cinderella is super friendly but very calm. Had a suspensory injury but can be used for light riding. Spec is a beautiful 21-year-old Arab mare. She cannot be used for riding but will make a great companion. Spec has a very strong maternal instinct and so loves to mother everyone.

Lyra & Tara - This pair must be placed together. The foal will be undergoing surgery for a hernia and then the pair will need a peaceful environment in which to rehabilitate.

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Family Photo Album

Lea, Polly & Finnegan

UPCOMING EVENTS Fall Equine Health Conference

November 10th at MacDonald College For information contact

Dr. Jobin - Service Vétérinaire de l’Ouest Tel (450) 510-5255

Proceeds go to the Refuge RR

Prizes/Auction/Music

Bourbon Street West Fundraiser 1866 boul. Des sources

Happy Hour for HorsesHappy Hour for HorsesHappy Hour for HorsesHappy Hour for Horses Dec 1st from 5 to 9pm

Tickets

$10.00 in advance or at door For Information:

Deborah 514-234-7484 featuring

Blues Train Deluxe &

Soul Fusion

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Thank you Refuge RR extends a very special thank you to the following people who have opened their hearts and in some cases their homes to the horses and other critters this past year. You have helped us in so many ways when we were in need (transporting, fostering, advising, your time, etc.). We are very grateful to each and every one of you. We thank you on behalf of the horses (some of whose stories we’ve shared in this newsletter).

Alain Pelletier Anne (Rosie’s Animal Adoption) Anne Bauer Carine St-Pierre Carol Weightman Christine Allard (Forevergreen Stables) Cynthia D'Errico Dan and Marlene Danielle Gosselin Dave & Jim Miller (Miller McConnell Signs) Deborah Wilson (horse photographer) Denis (Ecurie Martine) Denise, Wendy and Claudia Dorothy Bond (Bond Foundation) Dyane Monti Florine Morrisson (Animal Outreach) Hagen Helen (Animatch) Jackie Sears Jacques (hay) Jennifer Jobin, DMV (Service Vétérinaire de l’Ouest) Jesse Barns Jesse Karam Josee Brault and John Shane Joyce Brown Judy and Craig Miller

Julie Kielly-Gergely Kim, Peter, Katherine and Meaghan Freeman Kim, Wes, Jenny, and Jessie Gadbois Linda Robertson (SPCA Monteregie) Lisa Rowlands (Cedarbank pet boarding) Magolie and Dan (MD stables) Masterfeeds Merial (dewormer) Michel & Ginette Dube Nancy and Brian Bennet Nathalie Bishop and Matthew Resources Illimitees (Gail) Robbie Shelia Laliberte Sherry Paulie Sheryl & Richard Ford Veronique Pelltiere Yazoo Zellers

Thank you to all our supporters. We sincerely apologize if we have overlooked anyone.

SPECIAL MENTION A heartfelt thanks to Dr. Jobin, DVM (Service Vétérinaire de l’Ouest) for donating her valuable time and expertise to refuge horses throughout the year. Dr. Jobin’s dedication has improved and/or saved the lives of several of our fostered horses. We are deeply grateful for her generous gifts of time, energy and talent.

Pony that benefited from the help of Dr. Jobin.

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In Memoriam "Go gently into that 'good night'..." -T.S. Eliot

Scotty, the most non-confrontational horse we ever had the pleasure to know, was a stunningly beautiful Standardbred. As this autumn approached, Scotty left us at the age of 25. We mourn the loss of our always-gentle friend, but we are happy that his last years were spent with us here at the Refuge.

Buckey passed away this spring at the ripe old age of 37. A trusted school horse who, for years, gave children much pleasure, Buckey was rescued from an owner who planned to have him euthanized. Buckey got to spend his last three years with us, enjoying the peaceful retirement his hard work had earned him.

Dieter , lovingly retired by his owner, passed away at the age of 27. He spent his last five years at the refuge with his best buddy, Kazar. Kazar died 6 months ago and as a result Dieter became more sociable with all the other animals, including the pigs. He loved and enjoyed everyone’s company. Dieter was fully supported right to the end by his loyal owner.

Have a peaceful

And magical Holiday Season

Refuge RR for Horses 21305 Concession 10 Road, RR2

Alexandria, Ontario K0C 1A0 613-525-0049 / 514-265-5229

blick.gerg@sympatico.ca www.refugerr.org

All donations are tax deductible. All funds go to the animals. A donation slip is enclosed.

(All receipts issued at the end of the year unless otherwise requested.)