10/08- I was awarded Breyer Collector of the Month! I am so excited, I've never been awarded anything, especially for something that I love doing so much. Follow the link below to go directly to my Collector award page, read about me and see some of my personal Breyers I don't have listed on Ebay. This is a page from the website I have linked below. You will also find some neat and educational information there as well! Feel free to sign up for the e-zine also. Awesome monthly news about models!
http://www.breyerhorsecollectors.com/robyn-fox.html
Hello and thank you for taking the time to read about the rescue.
I grew up in a family who always had a soft spot in their hearts for a stray, even my two older brothers! My mom was always taking in animals who were unwanted and/or strays. At one point, we had 34 stray outside cats! We lived on a farm, so having so many animals was a good fit.
When I bought my first home, it was in the city, but I still rescued what I could. I took in dogs, cats, fish, a bird, and even a rabbit. When we moved to our current hobby farm, I shifted my focus on larger animals, as there seemed to be a greater demand. The Humane Societies do not have the capacity to take on farm animals and I was often called to pick up an abandoned farm animal. My first was a huge, beautiful black Walking horse who I called Girl. She had no ground manners and hadn't been handled in years, underweight with over grown hooves. It took us 4 hours to get her in the trailer! She was a keeper and I had her for 10 years. Sadly, she was euthanized due to colic.
After I rescued Girl, my name and phone number seemed to start circulating through the community. Often times, I can place an animal without bringing them to the farm, depending on the animal. On occasions, I am called by the local police to rescue "agressive" breed dogs. That is actually how my farm got it's name. I was called by the police to pick up a Pit Bull. The owner was willing to surrender her, so it was a pretty pleasant pick up. He said to me "You'll never rehab that dog, she's just bad". My husband returned with "You don't know my wife. This is where bad dogs get good". Hence, Bad Dog Acres. I've had horses, dogs, cats, pond and tank fish, birds, a cow and even some chickens over the years.
My most recent rescue is a retired Thoroughbred named Al, came to us in Feb of '08. He was rescued from "auction" which we all know is slaughter. He was 350 pounds underweight, shoes on just his front hooves, sad eyes, and no energy. I was told he was stalled 23 hours a day. And they wondered why he cribbed and sucked wind??? For the first two weeks he didn't leave the barn. I don't think he knew he could. But my other two, one of whom is a rescue, eventually got him outside.
Trying to put 350 pounds on a 15 year old "hard keeper" wasn't easy. It was taking quite a bit of money to get him up to his normal weight, close to $100.00 per week. One of my co-workers mentioned that I should sell "some of the stuff you have in the barn" on eBay. This is how I started selling. I have met some of the nicest people here, and received some of the best advice for Al. After all, he is my first thoroughbred rescue.
Al is now 1250 pounds, right where he should be for his size. He is being ridden by my 4 year old son and has the best patience I have ever seen in a horse. He has also stopped cribbing and wind sucking, although I still keep his collar on just in case. His hooves are doing great. My farrier told me at his last visit that he couldn't believe it was the same horse that he first saw in February. I was pleased with that comment! I am grateful that I was able to save such a fabulous horse who only needed some attention and love. He gives the best horsey kisses!
I also had a little white dog who was placed recently and is currently doing junior agility. My daughter brought home a little gray and white kitten whom we named Kobe. She found her in a plastic bag. Yea, I know. Her photo is on the My World page. We will keep her since my son is totally attached!
12/10/08-It has taken me quite some time to edit this page. Each time I tried, I started to cry and had to stop. Sadly, on Thanksgiving morning, Big Al passed away. I was, and still am, devastated. He was fine the night before, showed no signs of illness or pain. I held his head in my lap for a while and cried. I know I showed him that humans can be loving and gave him the best last 9 months of his life. But it's still so very hard. I know he will be waiting with my precious Doberman Belle (passed 7/08) on the other side of the rainbow bridge. Until then, my friends, wait in peace. I will see you when I too cross the rainbow bridge.
2/2/09- Everyone is doing well! So far so good I should say, even though we are trying to unbury ourselves out of the snow! The little mare was adopted and Rat Dog is doing much better!
2/4/09- Ok, so again, tearfully, I say these words...Rat Dog had to be euthanized this morning at 6:30am. It was apparent that whatever he had wrong internally had finally caught up with him and I could not bear to see his pain. My daughter and I held him while he crossed the Rainbow Bridge to be with Al, Girl, and Belle.
I have to say I'm getting pretty tired of losing animals. I realize I provide them with comfort and love for their end days, but four in a year is a bit much for anyone to handle. That being said, I'm going to take some time to enjoy the animals I do have and treasure the unconditional love they give back to me. And, as always, I am confident another abused, abandoned, or stray will cross my path soon. To my precious babies, rest now in God's arms where there is no pain, only love.
7/28/09- It's been a while since I've been here. Ugh, sigh. Had a huge horse rescue a few months ago. Most are adopted out, some are fostered, but they are all doing well. I have also added a pic of the puppy my daughter (bless her animal-loving heart) brought home a few weeks ago. I'd say about 8 mths old, house trained, smart and cute as can be, but he's a handful. It's been a while since I've had a small dog, especially a puppy, and I can't keep up with him LOL. He loves to swim and is in the pool daily. He will be neutered in August. If any one would be interested in adopting him, and you're close to NE Ohio, email me! He'd make a great "dock diving dog" or agility dog! (The pic of the pup won't load, I'll try later)
If you would like further information, feel free to email me at dogacres@hotmail.com
I also would like to personally thank Bonnie Stasser. Her website page is linked below. She provided me with excellent advice regarding Al, as well as giving Breyers for donations and raising me in prayer for every surgery. Please take the time to visit her website. There is excellent advice and information on Breyers and a free e-zine.
Again, thank you for taking the time to read this and take care! |
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