Horse rescue seeks support from local animal lovers
OXFORD – Since 2003, Destiny Equine Rescue Center in Oxford has been sheltering and rehabilitating abused, abandoned and unwanted horses and trying to find each a permanent home.
Now, as the non-profit agency drudges through tough economic times and donations and funding have slowly dried up, 2012 could be the “do or die year,” said Director Michele DeLorenzo.
Financial support for the rescue center comes from one local sponsor, a few minor donations, small fundraisers and sales of homemade jewelry. Additional expenses are paid out of pocket. But like so many other non-profits, the 904 Hoben Rd. organization is struggling more than ever this year and has had to turn away horses for the first time since opening, even coming close to closing its doors in 2011 due to financial difficulties.
“It’s been especially hard for us because we are so small,” DeLorenzo noted. There have been a few volunteers, some traveling from as far away as Boston to help out, she added, but the lack of financial assistance remains the biggest obstacle facing the charity as it struggles just to pay the average monthly winter cost of $200 per horse for feed and hay.
The Destiny Equine Horse Rescue Center is home to more than 20 horses that have been abandoned by previous owners. It sometimes takes months or years to find a good permanent home for horses that need one, explained DeLorenzo.
“I really need people who can foster horses. Every time a horse goes out, it frees up room to bring in another one,” she said, citing the reluctance many local farmers have in adopting a rehabilitated horse.
In spite of the challenges faced by the Destiny Equine Rescue Center, DeLorenzo is staying optimistic. Plans are to promote her organization and find homes for some of the horses when she attends Curtis Lumber’s one day pet adoption event, Pet-a-Palooza, on June 16.
DeLorenzo’s even looking ahead, hoping to implement new programs if donations ever pick up. Intentions are to begin a hay bank to help out local horse owners facing their own fiscal burdens caused by job loss or other financial strains that force them to give up their animals.
“I just want to see it succeed,” DeLorenzo said of the rescue center. “I want to help horses. I want to help people, but I can’t keep doing it alone.”
More information regarding Destiny Equine Rescue Center is available on its website, www. saveahorse.net.
Now, as the non-profit agency drudges through tough economic times and donations and funding have slowly dried up, 2012 could be the “do or die year,” said Director Michele DeLorenzo.
Financial support for the rescue center comes from one local sponsor, a few minor donations, small fundraisers and sales of homemade jewelry. Additional expenses are paid out of pocket. But like so many other non-profits, the 904 Hoben Rd. organization is struggling more than ever this year and has had to turn away horses for the first time since opening, even coming close to closing its doors in 2011 due to financial difficulties.
“It’s been especially hard for us because we are so small,” DeLorenzo noted. There have been a few volunteers, some traveling from as far away as Boston to help out, she added, but the lack of financial assistance remains the biggest obstacle facing the charity as it struggles just to pay the average monthly winter cost of $200 per horse for feed and hay.
The Destiny Equine Horse Rescue Center is home to more than 20 horses that have been abandoned by previous owners. It sometimes takes months or years to find a good permanent home for horses that need one, explained DeLorenzo.
“I really need people who can foster horses. Every time a horse goes out, it frees up room to bring in another one,” she said, citing the reluctance many local farmers have in adopting a rehabilitated horse.
In spite of the challenges faced by the Destiny Equine Rescue Center, DeLorenzo is staying optimistic. Plans are to promote her organization and find homes for some of the horses when she attends Curtis Lumber’s one day pet adoption event, Pet-a-Palooza, on June 16.
DeLorenzo’s even looking ahead, hoping to implement new programs if donations ever pick up. Intentions are to begin a hay bank to help out local horse owners facing their own fiscal burdens caused by job loss or other financial strains that force them to give up their animals.
“I just want to see it succeed,” DeLorenzo said of the rescue center. “I want to help horses. I want to help people, but I can’t keep doing it alone.”
More information regarding Destiny Equine Rescue Center is available on its website, www. saveahorse.net.
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