The month started with a plea to stop an owner from euthanising his two ponies if he couldn’t find a home - He was contacted to see if we could take them but to no avail. Strictly speaking we cannot stop someone from euthanising their own animal (as long as it is done humanely)and sometimes they are actually doing the welfares a favour, as most shelters are almost always full. Sad but true.
We were asked to please come and check on one of our adoptees who had reopened a recent stitched up wound. Difficult spot behind sheath, but luckily not too serious, just keep washing with Epsom salts. Tbs... cant help themselves…
Our boy Zephyr’s screwworm in his hind pastern came back, we have treated it again and will try follow through with treatment more vigorously this time. Have noticed that this can be a bit of a difficult issue to get rid of, even once the maggots have been expelled the actual tissue, especially if originally an old wound , seems to be weakened and prone to re infection or injury. It has to be monitored regularly. He will also be available for adoption soon so if anyone is interested in a timid old gentleman as a companion, where he can live out the rest of his years in peace ,being cared for. Please contact us.
A face book post, causing a bit of concern, with two elderly ponies in questionable condition for sale, are hopefully being handed over to us in the next couple of weeks, as agreements have been made with the owners.
We were asked for assistance in transporting two abandoned donkeys to our fellow donkey lovers at the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary in Plett. So off we went to collect them, a Jack and a Jenny. The Jack’s hooves were super slipper foot and the Jenny’s tail had a fly maggot infestation. Shame both were sweethearts actually, left behind once again, as only humans can. Anyway was a fun trip all round, they travelled well and it was lovely to see the Sanctuary in person and meet the crew . Brett, one of volunteers came with and thoroughly enjoyed himself, thanks for your help Brett. New friendships and connections were made as well as making two donkeys much happier = good day!
The horse we collected from Darlington Dam last year was adopted by his foster mom , so yes a happy foster failure ;)
Next , the unfortunate accident and loss of life, after a horse was knocked over on the Sardinia Bay road early one morning. Yes we can point fingers at all parties but at the end of the day, The driver did not want to knock the horse over and damage his vehicle and the owner of the horse most certainly did not want their horse to be killed. Moral of the story – This time of year the sun’ s position is low and dangerous in the early morning and late evening and blocks a drivers view considerably. So drivers need to be extra cautious in May , June , July especially. - Owners need to check fences regularly. If you have animals on different properties it is even more important to check those fences daily too. A satisfactory inspection was carried out after the incident.
Nine donkeys and five ponies hooves tendered too.
Our Ayita finally found her new life as a polo pony. She was adopted by another owner 4 years prior and that adopter had been looking for a new home for her for 2 years now and was not prepared to send her back to the unit but rather re-home her from her yard . Finally the right person came a long and this young lady (first adopter), after approving at the meet and greet travelled up with us to drop her off at her new home, just to make sure all was truly well and right for her. I totally respect that and appreciate this young Lady’s perseverance and sense of responsibility toward her horse.. Thank you Staci !
A donkey with a slightly hoarse throat after braying too much ! J lol
Another lame donkey sorted..
An interview re the sad state of AHS vaccines in the country – Islamic international.
One of our adopted out children sadly didn’t make it after a bout of colic. RIP sweet child so glad you were loved the way you were over the last few years.
The ESELTJIESRUS DONKEY SANCTUARY in McCregor, in conjunction with the UK Donkey Sanctuary carried out a very informative and fun workshop whereby the practical was held at the ECHCU. Thank you to all who attended from the different welfares, it was lovely to have us all together learning from each other. Thank you Annemarie and Leonard for doing the hard yards in making it work!
Four Donkeys belonging to Moses treated for ticks, on request of the owner.
Another lame donkey sorted by owner actually, with a little guidance from us.
A chronic complaint of owner’s horses getting out on the road again and again, has resurfaced after the animals had been returned to the property (on owner’s demand) after almost two years of safe keeping.. Please drive carefully near the Wedgewood Estate on Old cape road.
Two adopted out donkeys returned after the human baby was born, a regular occurrence in animal welfare. In their defence, the sarcoid on the one donkey ‘s cheek also had something to do with it. They were worried about not being able to treat it properly , so we forgive them.. Will try some different methods as can be very tricky.
Another six donkeys and two ponie’s hooves sorted.
We were then supprisinly contacted by a wonderful family who decided they wanted to help us in as many ways that they could . They arrived with 100 bales of grassmix, 16 bags of chaff and a wheel barrow of brand new tools, but that’s not all. Over the month of May they came and erected a new Hospital camp shelter ( the old one was leaking and to be honest not the safest) and then later replaced the entire roof of our fodder room, which had been leaking a fair bit over the years cramping our storage space as well as destroying bales. Matilda, Marcel and Monique.,Your unbelievable kindness and generosity is a godsend . We are so grateful, words just cannot express. May you be blessed abundantly always, ANGELS I tell you !
A long standing complaint of a slightly neglected , lonely gelding finally reaching some progress.. Crossong fingers it keeps getting better.
The New Hospital Shelter Below: Beautiful! :
The donkeys that we collected from a worried owner, on their request, were finally returned after six weeks of safe keeping. Their farm and grazing were badly damaged by a fire. Happy parents and children reunited after a long holiday.
Another older boy Charlie, passed away suddenly leaving his buddy Rolo all alone and confused, so we relocated him to another temporary home down the road for now ..with ex inmates Peter and Jahmal ;)
Another case of screwworm recurring on an elderly lady in foster care treated and all good for now!
AND then after 6 months of almost no break ins, after our new security additions , they finally came in the through the roof. Nothing of value was stolen, bar the kettle lol and they actually left one or two of their tools behind for us .. oh the irony .. But the time and effort once again to fix the roof .. Maybe one day we will be ‘bastard’ proof..
Oh Yes and Happy Birthday to us! 18 years later.. I think I need a drink ;)
Till next time
Carla
GENEROUS DONATIONS RECEIVED DURING May FOR WHICH WE ARE MOST THANKFUL!
DONATION – Craig3 x bales of teff
DONATION – Feed n Seed - Thwo new bridles, one new girt, 2 packs new bandages , Thank you Jenny ! DONATION – 1 round Lucerne – Mary Robinson
DONATION – 4 Rainsheets / fly trimmed blankets Brand new – Matilda
DONATION – EXCEL Tooling Manufacturers - Hospital camp – Brand new shelter up ! Wind break up on other two shelters .
DONATION – Matilda , Marcel and Monique –100 bales of grass mix16 bags chaff feed ,Tools – Spade forks wheelbarrows buckets gloves WOW!! Amazing Family.
DONATION – 2 x saddles from Storm and 1 x western saddle
DONATION – Sonja Kierra Grass mix x10
DONATION – EXCEL tooling manufactures – New roof for Fodder shelter
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!
VOLUNTEER – Philippa
VOLUNTEER – Brett
VOLUNTEER - Alex
VOLUNTEERS – Estelle and Josh
VOLUNTEERS – Greg and Maddy
VOLUNTEER - Cecile
VOLUNTEERS – Sonja and Kierra
VOLUNTEERS – Susan
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.