A very emotional month for us, a lot of death and heart ache which has been especially difficult for Carli and myself, yes, the nature of the beast I suppose but that doesn’t make it any easier…
Started with a gelding for the little boy Stifler. No more rambunctious activity for you now boy..
A complaint received re a ‘Sanctuary’ with inadequate grazing for amount of horses on the property. Monitoring ongoing feeding programme for the 16 horses..
A case of people getting death threats on their animals, once again. Not sure how people get into these situations one thing I do know if you treat people with respect and humility this is not likely to happen. So watch your words when emotions run high, if not for your sake for the sake of your animals. Thankfully empty threats in this case but one can never be too careful.
Then beautiful old Mama donk, with a very sore, fractured hind leg, was brought in and checked by the vet before making the decision to send her to heaven L An old girl who lived a good end to her life, sweet, clever, kind and curious. You will be sorely missed Mama but I felt privileged to know you in my time. Rest In peace Mama, Love you always X
Another goodbye to a sweet but Spicy mare and her best mate. Rest In Peace Dakota with your bff Whiskey, may you both bask in the eternal sunshine of the afterlife being truly free together forever XX
Every now and then we get accused of.. and threatened by.. let’s just say disgruntled parties. The truth always comes out and yes if threats are the result of speaking up for those that cannot speak then so be it. We are not afraid to do what is right for the animal. Remember we keep all records so be prepared if you want to take us on.
Then sometimes you just get strange characters, who will say and do anything to bring attention to themselves. Please note we do not have time for this, if an animal is not in trouble and it’s just a ploy to get attention. We don’t actually give a .. and will only tarnish our dealings with you in the future.
One Saturday, a concerned member of the public reported a horse with a gaping wound on the side of her head, around her eye socket. (We will spare you the photos – Horrific) We responded asap and insisted the owner get a vet out immediately for the necessary treatment. After a small mission we organised a vet (Thank You Dr Kat Davis) to come out at owner’s expense. Sadly the only decision was to euthanase. This poor horse, it was caused initially by a sarcoid but was left untreated and ended up looking like an explosion had gone off in her eye. In case you don’t know, sarcoid tumours can be difficult to treat, agreed, but the advanced stage of neglect on this sarcoid was unacceptable. Rest in Peace beautiful girl X You did not deserve that. Case pending..
Two more old harnesses replaced with new ones for a responsible donkey cart owner in Langa, uitenhage.
A first for us.. Little Kwedidni, a donkey colt who managed to drop both balls by only 3 months old! After confirming with the vet we decided to geld at four and half months as much easier and quicker healing the younger they are. Kwedini has recovered well and almost ready to go to his new home after weaning takes place in a month or so . Eish Kwedini ..you are truly one of a kind J
A very sad day when one of the cart donkeys in the township managed to strangle himself with his rope. We have always feared this that’s why we often try to encourage the use of halters when tying up for grazing .. but it doesn’t last. Nelson, we are so sorry you went that way. A Special boy , we knew you for years and you never put a foot wrong, all you ever wanted was you beloved bum scratches.. L Rest in Peace special child.
Another sudden death of one of our donkeys at the unit. No idea what happened, just found him dead in the morning, no obvious signs, strange. Coming from where these animals do you never really know what’s going on inside . He showed no symptoms until it was too late. I’m sorry boy R I P now darling. We try our best and sometimes that is not good enough. We will however keep trying, we have too..
Another very unfortunate incident whereby dogs attacked one of our full grown male donkeys at the Unit. Vet called in immediately to stitch him up. Thankfully has made good recovery but very disturbing to find on the day. Oh our shattered hearts were really struggling this month..
After trying to eventually take a day or twos leave, I managed to fracture my foot in the process needing to be operated on asap. (Yes horses were indirectly involved you can say) Now Six weeks no real action from me pffft.. Sometimes life has to force you to take time out. This however puts a lot of strain on the rest of the staff, especially our newest member Carli. Although difficult she is managing and proving herself day by day. Proud of you girl, you got this! Please try to bear with us over this time. I should be back on track by end of May. Also, a very big Thank you to Brett, our committed volunteer who has really stepped in and helped out over this period of inadequacy from myself. Thank you Brett you really are a part of the team X
A saddled up Tb out on old Cape road, thankfully his groom soon located him and lead back to Race Track.
A Complaint of a colicky horse, thankfully came right after passing some poop. Vet was however on standby though. Colic is a serious condition and a vet should always be called out as soon as possible!
A complaint of a donkey with a very weepy eye, proved to be less serious than initially thought.
Then back to the old mare with severe Laminitis. Checking in every few weeks, and after insisting vet visits as she couldn’t walk, again. The vet visited and suggested euthanasia thankfully. So now it is just a matter of when. Just so the public know , we do not just want to put all your animals to sleep, we want to ease their suffering and when neither you as the owner, the vet or the farrier can fix the problem as it has gone past the point of no return and the mare is equivalent to a ninety something year old in human age, what may I ask are you holding on for? We know it’s difficult but let her go with some dignity at least.. NO HOOF NO HORSE as they say, if she can’t walk then really what is her quality of her life? Don’t you agree? Heaven is also a home where loved ones wait for us in peace and painfree…
Our annual audit was clean once again.
Another reminder to please incorporate a black and white contract when allowing your horses to be cared for or ‘homed ‘ by someone else. If you truly care for your animals you will do this or else forfeit your rights to care properly for them. Most people cannot be trusted at the best of times so have that safety net for you animals sake please!
I managed to attend set court date which happened to be remanded yet again as case had to be moved to new law courts as the recording equipment at the St Albans court was not working. The justice system in our country is hanging on by a thread.. anyone who knows knows , frustrating to say the least but we will continue .. moonboot and all ;)
A call for help for an older donkey who had not been eating for a few days already. After owner reached out to us we collected the sweet lady and had a vet come out to treat her at our hospital unit. Unfortunately after a few visits there was no improvement and signs of organ failure were present . The decision to euthanase was made and another precious soul left to the afterlife. Rest In Peace darling Sherry. Be with your friend who has been waiting for you for more than a year now.
PHOTO: In Loving Memory of all the souls who have crossed over recently.
A request to do an outreach in the Storms River /Thornham area. Will do as long as we have some assistance on that side re dates/owners and suitable location to view and treat.
Finally some GOOD news for our dear Blossom who lost her companion a few months ago. Found her adorable bum in the butter being a new best friend to our Fiona who lost her mate recently too… love it when things work out for everyone. Go well special Blossy, will miss your soft kisses XX
A case of epistaxis in a Tb is generally not a good sign and can be caused by many things. If the nose bleed doesn’t stop after 10 to 15 minutes a vet must be called especially if consistent bleeding. As was told to the owner who was travelling with the horse at the time.
Till next time
Carla
GENEROUS DONATIONS RECEIVED DURING April FOR WHICH WE ARE MOST THANKFUL!
DONATION – Tack and fly masks – Tracy Horsley
DONATION – Olivia Bernstein beautiful blankets with neck pieces.
DONATION – Juanita de Andrade – Cake and carrots
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 – Brett
VOLUNTEER – Nicole
VOLUNTEER – Alex
VOLUNTEER – Danell
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.