Monday, July 18, 2016

Monday, July 18, 2016

What the Beck???

 Welcome to the Silver Spur Ranch in Maple Park, Illinois

This was the first animal I saw when I arrived 
at the ranch. Isn't she beautiful?

     I found something new to do. I’m sure you are all amazed. I now am a volunteer at Field of Dreams, a horse rescue. The staff is amazing and very welcoming. I will usually be working two days a week.

     Before I move to Kentucky, I wanted to begin working with horses again. I haven’t done this since I was a teenager. I love horses and thought this would be a wonderful learning experience.

     Some of my favorite TV shows are Animal Cops Houston, Dr. Pol, and Dr. Dee: Alaska Vet. They spend a lot of time rescuing all types of animals, but I truly love the stories that involve horses.

     So, I will frequently be sharing my exploits on The Silver Spur Ranch. Here are a few photos from the ranch.

The resident donkey: Orlando

Orlando celebrated his 50^th birthday recently. Field of 
Dreams had a party to commemorate Orlando’s big day. I 
saw a girl scout troop at the party for him. Orlando's
cake was made of molasses, oats, carrots, applesauce 
and crushed peppermints. I took this photo at the party.

 

     Field of Dreams at Silver Spur Ranch saves horses, meets their medical needs and adopts out horses. The girl scouts were taught about Orlando's needs. I have also seen them take a tour of the facility.

     Orlando will stay at Field of Dreams for the rest of his life. Donkeys, like Orlando, live anywhere from 30 to 50 years. Orlando came to us from a petting zoo. He was not in good shape when he arrived at the ranch.

     Orlando has his own stall and outside paddock, so he is kept away from the horses that might injure this old man. He definitely lets us know his desires and can pretty strong willed. Last week, he began walking back to his stall even though we were not quite done with his bath. Fox Valley Equine Practice said that Orlando is their oldest patient.