Friends of Sky Ranch Sanctuary…
Like many of you, I wonder where this past year went and why it went so quickly. And like many of you I imagine, we at Sky Ranch Sanctuary have had loss and gain.
Our beloved palomino mare, Goldie, died suddenly and unexpectedly. Goldie was as sweet as she was pretty and always a little worried about what was going to happen next. She appeared to have died without suffering. We, horses and humans, miss her.
In late June, Soda Pop, a mare from Texas came to live at Sky Ranch. She had been purchased online by a local man who experienced “buyer’s remorse” when she arrived not quite as expected: older and a bit lame.
Soda Pop seemed a little under the weather, and even if the seller in Texas would agree to take her back (unlikely), the general consensus was she would not survive the long trip in a horse hauler.
A stable owner and trainer in our network thought Sky Ranch would be a good spot for Soda Pop to retire. Unfortunately, the day after Soda Pop arrived at our ranch, she was diagnosed with strangles, a nasty, super contagious equine disease.
In consultation with our vet, we flushed out abscesses twice daily and began to administer antibiotics. Finally, after weeks of care, the strangles was gone but a mysterious infection lingered. Months later, after administering antibiotics and pain killers twice daily in her mouth by syringe, Soda Pop’s blood sample came back normal just this week!
Now we are waiting for our vet to clear her for a normal horse life, in the pasture in the company of other horses. It has been a long haul, both in the exertion of time and resources.
Fortunately, the other horses remained healthy and happy during this intense focus on getting Soda Pop well. She has been a sweet and tolerant patient throughout this ordeal, but will not be sorry to never see that syringe again!
As you may imagine, our resources have been strained by Soda Pop’s medical needs and her care has put a strain on our budget. Sky Ranch Sanctuary relies on both volunteers and generous donations from our horses caring supporters.
Any amount you can donate will be appreciated and put to good use. We currently have room for another horse who needs care and would love to be able to provide that.
Please consider a one-time donation in honor of Goldie, for the care of Soda Pop or to provide for our newest horse that is in need of care. Even the smallest amount makes a huge impact on our horses, not to mention, brightens the spirits of our volunteers – knowing that these beautiful animals are cared for and their dignity is acknowledged.
Thank you! We truly hope 2025 will find you well, on your way to somewhere you want to be and having some fun along the way.
From all of us at Sky Ranch Sanctuary, have a Happy Holiday season and a wonderful New Year!
P.S. – Feel free to explore our symbolic gifts. Even the smallest of gestures help brighten our volunteers spirits, knowing others care for our animals too.