So Thankfully December has been a little quieter this year, no Christmas day call outs either but not without its wobbles..so here we go..
Stats : Over the last year, 167 Complaints have been attended to with various degrees of success, but all resolved and most accepting of assistance. This means that 113 Thoroughbreds, 105 Crossbreeds and 120 donkeys have been inspected and assisted where necessary.
There again 14 donkeys 18 Thoroughbreds and 5 Crossbreeds have been handed over to the Unit in various states. 23 donkeys, 4 Crossbreeds and 1 Thoroughbreds have been admitted for Medical treatment and returned to their owners where possible.
Our Adoptions have been 8 Thoroughbreds, 7 Crossbreeds and 16 donkeys. Fosters were 7 Crossbreeds, 2 Thoroughbreds and 7 donkeys.
I would just like to clarify that our monthly newsletter s are a public report for all of you that support us. We know it is long and perhaps a laborious read, which most people don’t have time for but it is here for you to see what goes on and what gets done with your money.
Two thoroughbreds were finally surrendered to us after a lengthy process of ups and downs on owner’s part. Available for Adoption.
One big beautiful stallion gelded, soon to be up for adoption and one ,little, strong donkey. Luckily had a contribution paid toward his gelding from his previous owners who surrended him.. Then a little surprise delivery from Dr Hayward to the unit, our favourite drinks and a yummy caramel cake! Such a kind thoughtful gesture just for us. Dr H, on behalf of all of us at the unit we would just like to say Thank you for always supporting us, especially this year after Megan’s passing. You have been a guiding light to Stan, Myself and groom s and we so appreciate your knowledge, wisdom and most of all your kindness.
Two property checks done for one Thoroughbred and two little donks. Both good but one stunning!!
More AHS finally arrived, and the last of the horses that needed to be done were done accordingly just in time for this year.
Some problematic donkeys out again in Greenbushes’, causing havoc with poor horses. I know this can be EXTREMELY frustrating, please contact us when this happens, preferably when animals are still present/visible and we will try our best to get there soonest. No luck this time unfortunately...
One young donkey from township handed over to us to find a new home as dogs a huge problem in the area. Thank Heavens and Stan for making it happen.
Two of Moses’ donkeys in for a bit of R n R.
Weird Virus thing with two thoroughbreds, a bit off in colour and listless but still eating and no temperature. Monitored with vets advise and back to normal sooner enough.. Weird..
One Lame donkey sorted by Stan, as well as 9 other donkeys and one pony’s hooves done.
Two more Rabies shot given to horse on request of the owner.
So usually our adoptions go pretty smoothly but unfortunately the last two adoptions were very frustrating and I feel I need to mention it. The adopters rushed/begged us to take the animals to their new home before we were ready, promising the world and their capabilities. Not even two weeks later they returned them! or actually told us to come collect assap. I just think that if you are serious about adopting any animal you need to give them at least three to six months before things settle and you get to trust/understand each other. If you are not willing to give them that chance, please do not even bother. Yes there are always grey areas, but really. Anyway lesson learned on my part, poor kids, what must they think.. Also to be mentioned, please DO NOT discuss/demand medication for the animals from our grooms , rather speak to Myself or Stanley, although they are great at what they do , they have nothing to do with meds for patients. If we are not present PHONE US. Thanks in advance.
9:30pm – Woken up by a phone call about Cows in the road near airport. Gave her cowboys number 079 490 0540 Just so everybody knows, The Cowboys are part of the Municipality, whose job it is to keep stray cows/animals off the road and out of neighborhoods.
Another Prop check done, but one little stallion, albeit little is still capable and needs to be gelded first before any mares can be adopted/fostered.
Some advice given to donkey owner about them shedding their winter coat. This is NOT mange as a lot of people think, with a bit of grooming they will soon shed and reveal their beautiful summer attire..
Another donkey gelding done and soon to be delivered to new home..
Xrays done on a Thoroughbred, with not so great results..
Another Four donkeys hooves done.
Then the facebook plea for help from a man way up North in rural Lusikisiki. A foal had been born without a hind hoof and couldn’t stand without assistance. After Stan having a long discussion with the man by phone it was decided that the best thing would be to humanely euthanase as this type of debilitating handicap will not prove kind to the poor thing. It was also discovered that there was a lot of inbreeding going on with the animals up there which had caused other worrying cases too. Stanley explained to the man about inbreeding and what the consequences of it could be. Ie deformed offspring.
Eight donkey hooves done, one uncatchable, hopefully be kept in next time.
We then received a complaint about a horse being tied to a tree (in shade). I realise most of us do not tie our horses up and have been told not to but in some disciplines they do tie their horses and the horses are ok with it and do not panic. It was discovered that there are workers in the St Albans area that occasionally ride horses to the local shop and tie them up before entering to get their supplies. That is what had happened; he was in the shop for no longer than 15 minutes before returning to his horse. But rather be sure than not, so valid complaint yes.
Hurly and Burly, the two Strays frolicking in the road a few months ago have been put to yummy grass in their foster home, happy chaps indeed!
Then there was a foal born to a mare with no milk, hate that, as the likelihood of those little ones surviving are slim, even when you know what you are doing. Without that initial colostrum produced in the mothers milk containing important antibodies, the babies will not have a great chance. This foal after a good start was still lost. I am so sorry for you and thank you for trying as hard as you did. Always so sad to lose a baby...
The complaint about the stallion left at an inappropriate property, was finally removed by capable handlers after a few phone calls being made.
Then the day of the Wilbur Walk finally arrived. What a fun morning! A huge thank you must be said to Helena Cullis, who started this whole idea more than a year ago and ofcourse Nicky from The Grass Roof for always being so willing and available to help our fury friends and host the walk. The weather was slightly iffy, with a little rain but that didn’t stop the supporters. Over 90 tickets were sold, with about 60 actual bodies showing up for the walk. The Kissing booth afterwards was also a lot of fun and Wilbur and Junior took their job very seriously indeed. On the second day of the kissing booth they knew exactly what to do and did not even need to be haltered. Thank you to Philippa, Tammy, Lizelle, Leeann and Amy for all your help. A great success, looking forward to 16 Dec this year when it will be held again.
Another 9 donkey hooves done.
Then a call from Langa /Uitenhage owner phoned to say one of his donkeys had been stabbed and the blade had broken off in the flesh. Off to collect, stabbed in the rump one very close to spine but thankfully not. Admitted to unit and given thorough cleaning and attending to (with help of Joslyn and Michaela.) Stan had to pull the blade out with a pliers! Yup, quite a job, but well done by Stan the man ;) Will be good as new in couple of weeks.
Our gorgeous little Melrose who came in for dog bites, was adopted and delivered to her new home with friend Holly for now, just until we get feedback re sale from the owner.
A request to pop in and see a thoroughbred who had injured his leg, luckily not too bad and after a couple of weeks rest should be fine.
Our responsible owner,Jackson from Walmer, brought his donkeys into the Unit for Christmas and new year to avoid all the silly chaos that goes on out there.
We were asked to administer AHS to three more horses and two donkeys.
Another 6 horses and 6 donkey hooves done
Then another dog attack in uitenhage, Nobuhle. Collected and admitted, a nasty wound on cheek but luckily face heals quickly and all vitals good. Just looks a mess poor child..
Then sadly at 6am on the last day of the year we got a call that a baby donkey had been knocked over on a relatively quiet road actually. Baby unfortunately had bad head trauma and had to be euthanased. Not a great way to end the year, but I suppose that’s the type of year it was..
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our supporters and followers for your assistance through this particularly difficult year. With losing the formidable Megan Hope, our hearts and minds have taken a big knock. Your support, whether it be emotional, financial or Physical has pulled us through and we are still here with your help. We hope this year will bring positive growth and success for all including the unit. Let’s see what we can achieve!
Now let’s get busy getting things right..
Till next month
Carla
GENEROUS DONATIONS RECEIVED DURING DECEMBER FOR WHICH WE ARE MOST THANKFUL!
DONATION - Rhoda – very generous donation to the staff at unit
DONATION – Anon 3 x big trunks of nice tack
ONATION – Ansie – 30 x Bales grassmix , Collected from Bay feed n Seed
DONATION – Cathy R500 in lieu of Christmas presents for Dawn and Tracy.
DONATION – Bay Feed n Seed Sweepings , left overs , not so nice but collected..
DONATION – Chris Elligson -Bags of tack /blankets
DONATION – Dr Hayward Coldrinks and cake delivered to us at Unit
DONATION – Renata from Boehringer ingeihelm – Pens, cooler bags and pocket knives/tools
DONATION – Isabella Christmas goods for staff
Donation – Brogan Christmas cookies for horses and donks
DONATION – 19 bales Lucerne – North Field Engineering, Sydney.
DONATION – Chris Adendorf R1000 cash
XMAS LUNCH – Rhoda and Isabella – Nandos , lovely to see them both
DONATION – 5 x bales lucerne anon
DONATION – bags of Teff from Lelane
Please note we also have donators who put money into our account every month, even though we don’t mention your names and amounts, please know how grateful we are to you for it!
VOLUNTEERS
VOLUNTEER – Emma cleaned Tack room
VOLUNTEERS - Jozlyn and Michaela
VOLUNTEER -Philippa
VOLUNTEER - Brett and Eugene
Banking Details: Eastern Cape Horse Care Unit: Standard Bank Current Account 080733875, Code 051001. Reference: Your name. Facebook: EAST CAPE HORSE CARE UNIT Contact numbers Office cellphone 072 357 2505 NO LANDLINE email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.