Greetings from Misfit Acres - finally!! The month of April flew by us with many activities at the rescue and lots of rain of course!
April 9 was a memorable day! The Westwood-Waverly 4-H Club of Truman, MN paid a very special visit. We are still in awe of the generosity of this Club. Their “Community Pride” program brought volunteers to spend the day at Misfit Acres. The members and chaperones jumped into action doing all sorts of chores from cleaning run-ins to brushing horses - you name it! The members also garnered many, many donations to the sanctuary horses. Hay, feed, bedding, medications, treats, top the list along with monetary donations from their community. They were able to gather many recyclable items for the “Recycling for Horses” fundraisers. A picnic lunch followed and a little play time. When you visit the sanctuary, you will enjoy seeing all the individual autographs from the club on our arena wall. What an awesome day!
April was also annual vaccinations for all the sanctuary horses as well as annual exams for both dogs. We are happy to say - all is well! Two farrier visits were also completed for assorted horses.
Cookie continues to improve under the care of our farrier. To quote him, “She’s not ready for the horse show yet, but getting there!” She is a perfect little trooper with her trims. She has been moved outside to her own little area with a fenced in portion and a make-shift shelter. She seems to really enjoy being able to go inside or outside as she wishes. Along with her new area is a view of the other horses letting her know that she is not the “only horse”. We have begun taking her for little short walks around the yard to try to help her regain full use of her new feet and stretch her legs. Her favorite part is, without a doubt, being loose in the front yard for short periods of time.
May promises to be just as busy! We welcome a Mapleton Girl Scout Troop volunteering their time as they work to earn their next badge. The members of this troop came to visit and have set up their first day to volunteer.
We will also have lovely little girl joining us on occasion as she learns about horses. Six year old Grace plans to come out once a week and take over little Cookie’s care. On their initial visit together, it was obvious they are a perfect match!
Through the generosity of a California grant maker, Misfit Acres has purchased a post hole auger for the skid loader. This equipment will be a great asset to the sanctuary as well as a small source of income doing jobs for others.
With our annual load of aluminum cans for recycling, we were able to buy the first 100 wooden fence posts. We intend to remove all steel fence posts and replace them with wooden one thus strengthening the fence lines from the ever-present deer. Of course volunteer help is welcome!!
Thank you for following the happenings at Misfit Acres. Remember, the horses welcome visitors - just give us a call. And, please continue to collect those recyclables as your old cell phones, empty inkjet cartridges, and aluminum cans benefit the sanctuary horses of Misfit Acres.