We've been toiling through a very cold weather spell, seems like everything takes so much more time and energy with the snow and -20 to -30 temps! We're spending most of our time making sure everyone has lots to eat and is keeping as warm and dry as possible. The horses certainly don't seem to mind the cold as much as we do, they have been very playful and spirited!
We are starting December with one of our major fundraising events of the year - decorating the tree for the animals! We can't do what we without the support of everyone out there and are so thankful for that support. We've set a goal of $10,000 for this Christmas, we hope we can meet or even excede that! You can donate through Paypal, Canada Helps, ATB Cares, or, new this year, through Mobile Giving Foundation for $5, $10, $20, or $25 by texting HORSE to 20222, starting on December 2nd, to a maximum of $30/month! Plus there's always the old standby - cheque by mail! With the 'text to donate' there are no fees to you, the donor, or to Bear Valley. You can even get a direct tax receipt for your donation by visiting http://receipt.mobilegiving.ca. Also, on December 2nd, Giving Tuesday, donations made through Canada Helps using Interac with be matched up to $25 by Interac!
Getting back to the horses and other animals, finally we have everyone home for the winter. That's such a load off our minds, having everyone back here and in one place. We got most of the new corrals at the main herd set up, and it's worked great as we had Pat our farrier here this past week trimming (a new record, close to 80 horses done and that was even with having to cancel one day due to the weather!) and we used the new set-up to separate the horses we were working on. I think there were 8 or 9 youngsters that had their first trims and they were great.
We are starting December with one of our major fundraising events of the year - decorating the tree for the animals! We can't do what we without the support of everyone out there and are so thankful for that support. We've set a goal of $10,000 for this Christmas, we hope we can meet or even excede that! You can donate through Paypal, Canada Helps, ATB Cares, or, new this year, through Mobile Giving Foundation for $5, $10, $20, or $25 by texting HORSE to 20222, starting on December 2nd, to a maximum of $30/month! Plus there's always the old standby - cheque by mail! With the 'text to donate' there are no fees to you, the donor, or to Bear Valley. You can even get a direct tax receipt for your donation by visiting http://receipt.mobilegiving.ca. Also, on December 2nd, Giving Tuesday, donations made through Canada Helps using Interac with be matched up to $25 by Interac!
Getting back to the horses and other animals, finally we have everyone home for the winter. That's such a load off our minds, having everyone back here and in one place. We got most of the new corrals at the main herd set up, and it's worked great as we had Pat our farrier here this past week trimming (a new record, close to 80 horses done and that was even with having to cancel one day due to the weather!) and we used the new set-up to separate the horses we were working on. I think there were 8 or 9 youngsters that had their first trims and they were great.
Emmy the Paso mare that came to us in January turned out to be pregnant. She's already 19 and has suspensory ligament problems and had a foal last year so it was quite a shock to realize she was expecting again, and in winter at that. Her little foal, Duncan, was born on November 20th but sadly passed away on November 22nd. He was unable to stand by himself, and though we did everything we could it was to no avail.
A couple of other sad notes: Katmandu, a gentle old gelding, was euthanized at his foster home. He was in his thirties and his last few years were spent being a first horse to a little girl who loved him a lot. And we were saddened to learn of the tragic sudden passing of Gypsy Too, a beautiful draft mare that came to Bear Valley as a filly a number of years ago and was adopted out to a wonderful couple, Tammy and Dave.
We took in a 25 year old gelding last month, Gypsy (#5!). He's older but sure doesn't act it! Colton and Stiles have been adopted, we're really happy for both of them as they will being going to great homes. Colton and Stiles also both had their teeth floated - poor Colton turned out to have such sharp points he had ulcers in both cheeks. He's feeling a lot better now! Pet, our oldest resident at 38 years, gave us quite a scare last week when she had a choking episode. So thankful to our vet, Dr. Erickson, for rushing over right away! She managed to dislodge the blockage and though Pet was sore for couple of days she is fine now.
We have 2 birthday girls to thank for donations from their birthdays - Tristen Rangen and Soleil Miner. Thank you both for your thoughtfulness! The horses appreciate it!
We took in a 25 year old gelding last month, Gypsy (#5!). He's older but sure doesn't act it! Colton and Stiles have been adopted, we're really happy for both of them as they will being going to great homes. Colton and Stiles also both had their teeth floated - poor Colton turned out to have such sharp points he had ulcers in both cheeks. He's feeling a lot better now! Pet, our oldest resident at 38 years, gave us quite a scare last week when she had a choking episode. So thankful to our vet, Dr. Erickson, for rushing over right away! She managed to dislodge the blockage and though Pet was sore for couple of days she is fine now.
We have 2 birthday girls to thank for donations from their birthdays - Tristen Rangen and Soleil Miner. Thank you both for your thoughtfulness! The horses appreciate it!
Our local feed supplier, Mountain View Feed Company, has created a wonderful opportunity for donors to make a feed donation to the Rescue. They also just donated 10 bags of organic oats to the Rescue. Thank you Matt and Sandra!
Our thanks also to buysellbyphoto.com Red Deer for the free ad placements, and to Laura and Stephanie for doing up the ads!
Our thanks also to buysellbyphoto.com Red Deer for the free ad placements, and to Laura and Stephanie for doing up the ads!
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A reminder that we have Debra Garside wild horse calendars for sale - a portion of the proceeds is being donated to Bear Valley. They make great Christmas gifts! Also Pomegranate gifting calendars are a wonderful way to donate to lots of wonderful causes at any time of year.
 We'd like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season! |
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