are a registered non-profit charity but, caring for the animals is costly. We always have veterinary care such as vaccinations, worming, emergency care for illness and regular hoof trimmings which certainly tend to accumulate in costs." There will also be a need for winter coats for horses who are not acclimatized to our cold winters or those older horses that cannot handle the winter as well as younger ones. Currently the horses are housed in four barns, two located on the farm and two barns off-site. Proper's ultimate hope would be to have all our horses home together on the main farm. But, this would mean an addition onto the existing barns or construct a new barn. "We certainly would be very thankful to donations of building supplies in order to assist with this." Although Wild Rose already has a few volunteers and their vet offers reduced rates for some procedures, the sanctuary would appreciate any donations either monetary, services, hay bales and hay fields, and feed. "At this time we cannot save any more lives but, we certainly can use help to continue in caring for the horses we have saved by volunteering services, supplies or by donating to Wild Rose Sanctuary." said Proper. The sky is the limit for what Wild Rose could offer to these horses. "We could have trail rides, offer riding lessons to children as well as adults that do not have the opportunity to have their own horses." My suggestion? Just go out to Wild Rose, spend some time with the horses. Walk amongst them and you'll see in spite of what men have done to them they still want to trust us.
▲ (L-R) Dianne Proper and Keisha Oosterveld accepting a donation from Bud Stewart.
▲ (L-R) Dianne Proper, Gerhard Foerg, Keisha Oosterveld (15 yrs), Kaelyn Oosterveld (13 yrs)
This whole vision would not have been possible without the inspiration, encouraging words, and endless help from our dear friends, Tom Hahn, Kim Ryan of Island Veterinary Services, Steve Brousseau, Rachel Collier, Mae Martini, Rene Reese Mulligan. Bert and Marlene Taylor, Keith and Donna Taylor, Gordon and Karen Jackson, James MacDonald, Karen and Vivian MacAulay and Moonlight International PEI.
Wild Rose Horse Sanctuary is facing an unexpected challenge, in February Foerg was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma cancer in his blood, immune system and bone marrow. He has finished his chemo treatments and is now scheduled to have a stem cell transplant this September. Recovery time could be up to one year, therefore as of August 5 Foerg is not able to help with this year's harvest. "We are in the midst of haying season and we need to cut, rake, bale and wrap 2000 round bales of hay and 500 round bales of straw," said Proper "The sanctuary is pushed to the limit, financially and physically." Volunteers are needed to help with hay and straw crops and of course, financial support. There will be extra labour costs to help finish crops, supplies such as baler twine, plastic wrap, fuel. "Financial support would help us to cover some of these accumulated costs and as well as for caring for the horses." said Proper, "We
Food for thought, "follow your heart and let the horses be your guide."
- Dianne Proper
Contact Wild Rose Horse Sanctuary by visiting their website, by phone or stay in touch by liking their Facebook page www.wildrosesanctuary.ca 902.978.1819
Spending time with horses gives you a sense of peace.
SUMMER 2020 www.pei-living.ca
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