Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary “HAPPY TALES” Animal Stories and Updates SPRING 2004 Newsletter

In this issue: HAPPY TRAILS 4th ANNUAL • Happy Trails Awards . pg. 2 SUMMER PICNIC/FUNDRAISER: • Letter from Director, make plans now to attend! Horse Poem ...... pg. 3 We weren’t able to have a Fall public. We • Summer Picnic & Festival this past season due to enjoy Fundraiser ...... pgs.4&5 the incredible amount of work we having all have had here at the sanctuary, the people •Development Committe, the overwhelming number of who Recipes, Upcoming Events animals needing care, and not support ...... pg. 6 enough volunteers to organize an our rescue event of this magnitude properly. work visit • Thank You’s ...... pg. 7 We made the difficult decision at the sanc- • Adopting A Horse,...... pg. 8 the time to cancel the Fall Festi- tuary, val. So we will be making up for spend time • Senior Citizen Horses pg. 9 this by having the biggest and with the animals, and see the best ever Happy Trails Annual progress we are making with the • Welcome to Corona, Summer Picnic/Fundraiser to be facility. Briteny’s Column ...... pg. 10 held on Sunday, June 27, 2004. VOLUNTEERING TO • Awesome Adoptions, Visiting We are in the midst of HELP WITH THE PICNIC: Happy Trails...... pg. 11 planning the festivities, and would like you Fun activities are being • Fun Photos ...... pgs 12 & 13 planned for the day, and as always we will need volunteers to help • Story of Dutchess ...... pg. 14 coordinate and arrange everything to be a from pre-picnic special promotions • Animals Available For and signage to helping out the day Adoption ...... pg. 15 part of this annual, fun- of the picnic by helping staff • Chicken and Duck Rescue, filled day booths for crafts, sales of Heaven’s Trail (Pet Cemetery) when Happy t-shirts and baseball hats, infor- mational tables, refreshments and Update ...... pg. 16 Trails opens it’s gates to the • Ordering Logo Apparel and Continued on page 4 Donation Information.... pg. 17 (left) What a great group!!! These • Story of Isis, Sadly Missed college students from Hiram College Animals ...... pg. 18 chose to help out at Happy Trails as their community service project. • Madonna the Pig, Follow up These were some of the most hard- on Tundra ...... pg. 19 working, fun-loving, eager-to-help group of students that came our way. • Misc...... back pg. They cleaned out pig shelters, chicken coups, moved heavy straw bales, and hauled manure into the field. Many thanks to them and to Hiram College for continuing to choose Happy Trails on a regular basis for their community service projects. page 1 Nancy Conring Receives Girl Rachel Salzer Scouts Hidden Heroine Award! Accepts Awards For Volunteer Congratulations to Happy watches over and cares for any Trail’s very own Nancy Conring for needy dogs, cats and other Work With Happy being chosen to receive the Girl assorted animals in her own Trails Scouts of the Western Reserve neighborhood. Whew! Hidden Heroine Award! Whenever anyone calls Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctu- At a recognition dinner held Nancy, her husband, Chuck, will ary has received recognition based on on March 11 at the Akron Women’s often say, “Nancy’s out feeding the work of our dedicated volunteer City Club, something somewhere.” and current Happy Trails President, Nancy was Nancy daily sets a shining Rachel Salzer. Make A Difference Day recognized example of how people should put activities of food and supply collec- for her forth that extra effort to care tions ranked Happy Trails in the top 40 nonstop for our furry and feathered projects in the state. work friends who rely on us for their Also, word has been received that concerning well being and comfort. Rachel’s work at Happy Trails will be included in stories of community the care When Nancy first started service in an upcoming book. Empow- and well- helping out at Happy Trails, she ered Girls: A Girl’s Guide to Positive being of had her own animal family consist- Activism, Volunteering and Philan- animals ing of an assortment of lucky dogs thropy will be released in May. Within every- and cats. She has since opened it’s pages can be found the story of where. her heart and home to a variety Nancy proudly holds one Happy Trails and Rachel’s work on Not of chickens, ducks and rabbits, of her rescued chickens. behalf of the animals. The book is only does and added them to her growing affiliated with Duke University. Nancy hold the important position outdoor family. Chuck always has of Treasurer on the Happy Trails the concern with Nancy that the Board of Directors, she works a outdoor family will become his full time job, donates time every indoor family! Equine Programs weekend to the care of the farm Congratulations, Nancy, for of Happy Trails animals residing at the sanctuary, receiving well-deserved recogni- makes time throughout the week tion for all the work you do on Acknowledged in to haul pigs to the vet, returns an behalf of abused, abandoned and amazing number of phone calls, neglected animals! Happy Trails is Upcoming Horse organizes hay deliveries, trans- very proud to have Nancy on our ports goats to their new homes, team. The animals are the lucky Rescue Book helps plan fund-raisers, schedules recipients of her love and care, Annette Fisher, Executive Direc- volunteer times at Happy Trails and we think the world of her! tor of Happy Trails was more than community events booths, and happy to participate in an interview for a book concerning horses rescued from the track due to her personal passion for taking in Standardbreds. Bill Heller, author and writer for the Thoroughbred Times of New York is working on a book entitled “After the Finish Line.” This book will take an in- Board of Directors Website/Data Management depth look at the lives of track horses Annette Fisher, Exec. Director (330) 296-5914 Chuck Conring ...... (330) 773-1478 once their career is over, and how Rachel Salzer, President ...... (330) 221-4929 Bingo Concession Coordinators rescue groups play an important role in Sara Linden, Vice President ... (330) 569-7188 Maggie Godfrey & Sara Linden their destiny. Nancy Conring, Treasurer ...... (330) 733-1478 In a chapter about Standardbreds, the race horses that pull the carts, Anne Keres, Secretary ...... (330) 273-2663 Thank You To Our Special Advisors • James Masi, Attorney Happy Trails will be given recognition Becky Albright ...... (330) 877-0091 • Joy Wagner, Attorney for our work with this wonderful breed Russ Fisher ...... (330) 296-5914 • Char Miller of equine. Happy Trails has success- fully rescued and found loving homes Debbie Friend ...... (330) 628-0192 • Dr. Gary Riggs, DVM and staff for a good deal of ex-race horses and Maggie Godfrey ...... (330) 296-5914 (Barberton Veterinary Clinic) ex-buggy horses from the Amish • Rachel Whitehawk of Whitehawk Ranch John Keres ...... (330) 273-2663 community. Look for this informative book by Bill Heller to be coming out at page 2 the end of the year. Many of us have letter from the director lost a beloved equine friend — here’s a tribute Dear Friend of Happy Trails, to all of our I really didn’t want to go see the horses who have movie “Seabiscuit”. Any movie that crossed the could be remotely sad in any way I Annette & Duesie try to steer clear of — there’s always Rainbow Bridge enough drama here at the sanctuary that I really don’t need to go in search Don’t cry for the horses of more. However, I was talked into beautiful mare had a leg injury and That life has set free seeing the movie about the Thor- was going to be of no use to her owner. A million white horses oughbred racehorse named The owner of the injured horse pulled forever to be Seabiscuit, and I’m glad that I did. I out a gun and prepared to shoot the Don’t cry for the horses found an answer to a question that I horse as others stood by and some even Now in God’s hands have been asked many times and was helped to hold her down. Seabisuit’s As they dance and they prance never quite sure what to say. trainer stepped in and offered to “take To a heavenly band I have been questioned from the horse off his hands”. The owner time to time about why we try to save couldn’t understand what anyone They were ours as a gift some of the horses that are not would want with a lame horse, but But never to keep rideable. There are some people who after a moment of disbelief, put away As they close their eyes have reasoned it out that we should his gun and handed the horse over. Forever in sleep pick and choose only those that we The trainer wrapped the horse’s leg Their spirits unbound are sure will be “fixable” enough to and used a special root under the On silver wings they fly ride and work again. “Well you wrapping. To make a long story short, A million white horses know”, they often point out, “you the rescued horse became the best Against a blue sky can’t save them all.” As though we friend of Seabiscuit and traveled Look up into heaven are delusional enough to pretend that everywhere with him as his constant You’ll see them above we can! companion. The horses we lost How do you explain to someone But to backtrack: after the trainer The horses we loved that when you are called to a neglect had wrapped the leg and the horse was situation to provide help, that you munching grass contentedly, the trainer Manes and tails flowing simply cannot look the sad, pathetic, was sitting on the ground near the They gallop through time half-starved horse in his kind eyes horse. Seabisuit’s owner came up to the They were never yours and then walk away because he is trainer and asked him basically the They were never mine simply not worth saving? How do you same question that I am never quite Don’t cry for the horses explain to the horse that is left to sure how to answer. “Why did you They will be back someday suffer that maybe we shouldn’t try to bother to fix her up?” When our time has come “fix him” because he will be of no use The old trainer quietly thought They will show us the way to anybody? I often have a difficult about it for a moment, and looked up Do you hear that soft nicker time trying to explain how I feel at Seabiscuit’s owner and simply Close to your ear? about the lame and injured horses replied, “Because I can...” Don’t cry for the horses being given a decent quality of life If you haven’t seen the movie yet, Love the ones that are here. and a chance to know that they are watch it just so you can catch this Author unknown loved and cared for by someone. They heartwarming scene, which gave me can often make another horse a great the answer I needed to be able to give pasture mate or a great teacher for a to others. yearling. Getting back to the movie...as Sincerely, the movie went along, a trainer was chosen for Seabiscuit. This man was compassionate toward horses and came upon a situation where a Annette Fisher Executive Director HAPPY TRAILS 4th ANNUAL SUMMER PICNIC/FUNDRAISER (continued) children’s activities. pointing the way to help direct you We will be doing our very best to the parking lots. Many thanks to during the weeks before the picnic the City of Ravenna Parks Depart- to make preparations for the big ment, Dr. Accordino and Dr. Butch, event, and as always can use and the kind folks at Young volunteers to help clean stalls, Friends Childcare Center for mow grass, do basic yard work, allowing Happy Trails access to rake out the piggy pens, and their parking lots! general clean-up preparations. WHAT TO WEAR make their very own farm animal Please remember that you must be to take home or color a page from at least 16 years old to volunteer. Happy Trails Farm Animal a farm coloring book. If you would like to be a part of Sanctuary is exactly that — a our Summer Picnic Committee, give FARM ANIMAL Sanctuary. The INFORMATIONAL BOOTHS us a call at (330) 296-5914. words FARM and ANIMAL are the Interested in adopting a farm MAKING RESERVATIONS equivalents of dirt animal or a horse from one of our TO ATTEND and mud and uneven equine rescue programs? Other adoptive moms and dads will be on Though there is no admission ground that can be hand to talk to you about the charge to attend the picnic, we do sloppy with rain or adoption process and their experi- require that anyone planning to sprinkled with gravel and stones — ence with adopting a rescued attend RSVP and make reserva- we suggest that you dress appro- animal. Not enough room at your tions due to our limited space. priately: in comfortable walking place to actually adopt? Then get Reservations can now be made shoes or boots; in clothes that can some information about our online at happytrailsfarm.org or by easily wash off fur or feathers or monthly sponsorship program. calling Nancy or Chuck Conring at horse slobber (in other words, not Have extra time and want to get (330) 733-1478. Guests may sign your Sunday best); and bring a rain more involved as a volunteer? Pick up to attend in two hour incre- coat in case of rain — the picnic is up a volunteer application and talk ments so that we may welcome the always a rain or shine deal. to friendly folks who are already largest number of guests possible. VEGETARIAN PICNIC LUNCH regular volunteers for Happy Times to sign up are from 11am- Trails. 1pm, 1pm-3pm, or 3pm-5pm. A complimentary vegetarian lunch and refreshments will be Want to learn more about pot WHERE TO PARK provided for our guests. Many belly pigs? Visit the pot belly pig Thanks to animals will be saved the day of information table and give a lucky the kind folks the picnic by everyone enjoying a pig a belly rub! Want to find out at PARTA, healthy, meatless meal. In this way what kind of safe shelter is Happy Trails is able to welcome we honor needed to keep your ducks and even more guests this year due to the farm chickens safe from predators? the convenience of shuttle parking animals Visit the information table at the for the picnic. The shuttle is also that have duck and chicken enclosure. handicapped accessible. been PET CEMETERY SERVICE & Parking will be at Havre Woods rescued BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS Park as well as across the street from A special memorial service will from the park at both Accordino & situations be held at the back of the prop- Butch Chiropractic Center as well of abuse erty at Heaven’s Trail, the pet as at Young Friends Childcare and neglect, and do not promote cemetery where some of the Center. These parking facilities further inhumane conditions of the rescued animals are a whole three minutes down many cruel slaughterhouses. A have been laid to the street from Happy Trails. vegetarian lunch is a compassion- rest. Reverend They are located immediately ate lunch! John Fisk from across Rt. 5 on New Milford Road KIDS ACTIVITIES The Church In as you head North. The addresses The Valley will be blessing the are: Accordino & Butch Chiroprac- Getting a prize from the duck cemetery in a unique ceremony tic Center 5940 New Milford pond is sure to bring a smile to the celebrating Native American Road, and Young Friends Childcare face of all kids from ages 1 to 100. Indian traditions at 3:30p.m. Center 5968 New Milford Road. Or try your luck at the farm Everyone is welcome to bring a There will be plenty of signs animal bean bag toss! And at the kids crafts table children can photo to hold during the ceremony page 4 of a beloved pet who has passed away, and announce their pet’s name during the ceremony so that they may all be remembered in love and peace. We will also have a special blessing earlier in the day of the animals who have been rescued and are currently being cared for at the sanctuary. BEING A PICNIC SPONSOR 4th ANNUAL Businesses and corporations (as well as individuals) are welcome to support the rescue work at SUMMER PICNIC Happy Trails by becoming a spon- sor for the day of the picnic. You & FUNDRAISER may wish to sponsor a horse stall in the new barn, a pot belly piggy shelter, the duck’s pond, the pet Sunday, June 27, 2004 cemetery, etc. Sponsors will be acknowledged with special signage 11a.m. to 5 p.m. at their specific area of the sanctuary, listed in the Summer Though there is no admission fee, Picnic Program, talked about in the next “Happy Tales” newsletter, and reservations are required. receive recognition on the Happy Trails website. For more details Please RSVP on-line at happytrailsfarm.org about the opportunity to become a or call Nancy or Chuck Conring picnic sponsor, please call (330) at (330) 733-1478 to attend 296-5914. during one of the following times: EVERYONE IS WELCOME! It’s a fun day with the oppor- 11a.m.—1p.m.; 1p.m.—3p.m.; 3p.m.—5p.m. tunity to meet not only the res- Shuttle Parking by PARTA available at Havre cued animals, but to be in the wonderful company of other people Woods Park, Accordino & Butch Chiropractic like yourself who truly care about Center and Young Friends Childcare Center the humane treatment of our located on New Milford Rd. just North of Rt. 5 furry and feathered friends. Hope to see you (if not shoveling poop Raffles • Kid’s Games & Activities and cleaning with us the week before) on the day of the picnic! Complimentary Vegetarian Lunch SPECIAL THANKS Meet the rescued farm animals Thanks ahead of time to Jan Sponsler, host of the Wadsworth- Craft Booths • Kids Tatoos & Face Painting based cable television program Animal Crackers. Jan plans on Information tables about volunteering, taping yet another segment of her adopting & fostering show here at Happy Trails at the Summer picnic. Congratulations to Happy Trails T-shirts & all new Jan and her crew for winning the Tank tops available coveted Clapper Award for one of JOY the segments of Happy Trails Glamour shots with Joy the cow taped last year! Native American Traditional Blessing Thanks ahead of time also to Dick Goddard for helping to of the pet Cemetery, Heaven’s Trail promote the Happy Trails Summer Blessing of the Rescued Animals picnic through Fox 8 and for spreading the word about our Special Guests • And More Fun Stuff!!! rescue efforts concerning farm animals. Dick is a true friend of the animals, and they are all very lucky to have him supporting the many animal rescue groups in the PLEASE CUT AND POST AT A LOCAL BUSINESS OR IN YOUR OFFICE! Northeast Ohio area. page 5 JOINING THE HAPPY TRAILS UPCOMING DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE EVENTS AND Happy Trails is growing in leaps animals. FUNDRAISERS and bounds, and is now at the point There is much time and effort that where we are in need of committees goes into planning any event, and we • May 15: The Double D to help guide and direct our out- are hoping for the support of our Ranch Fun Show — Happy reach efforts. community in our endeavors. We are The sanctuary is in the newer asked to participate in far more Trails will have a table set up at the stages of organizing a Development community events than what we Open Fun Show to be held at Double Committee to plan and orchestrate currently have volunteers available D. Ranch on the corner of Rt. 224 the fundraisers and community to staff booths. and Rt. 43 in Mogadore. We will be events for the year. Everyone who There are many ways you can passing out information about our feels they would like to participate become a part of Happy Trails as equine programs and selling t-shirts in animal rescue more on the admin- your time and personal schedules and other Happy Trails logo apparel. istrative end of things (as opposed allow, and you can pick and choose Gates open at 10a.m. and two show to working directly with the animals what projects you would like to be rings will start contests at 12noon; or other labor-intensive volunteer involved with. For more information barn dance and hay rides at 8pm; for work), is welcome to join the com- and to find out the time and location more info call Kim at (330) 322- mittee and put your organizational of our next meeting, please contact skills and business contacts to work Joy Wagner at (330) 484-9537. 0614 or (330) 628-5373. for the good of the rescued farm • June 27: Happy Trails Summer Picnic & Fundraiser — See details in QUICKIE VEGETARIAN LUNCHES picnic article beginning on the front If you’re not a vegetarian, how of cheese (tore up into thin strips). Heat page of the newsletter! about giving the animals a break one the dogs with the cheese in them day a week for lunch or for an easy-to- (microwave or conventional oven is • August 24-29: Portage make supper by coming up with a fine). Put the dogs in the buns; top dress County Fair — Happy Trails meatless meal? Here’s a couple fast with your favorite condiments, and voila! will have a booth set up the entire and easy ideas for a delicious and you have a healthy and something- week of the Portage County Fair healthy change of pace, but nothing too simple but different sandwich! complicated to put together. (held at the Randolph Fairgrounds), TRADITIONAL LUNCH-MEAT and pass out information about our CHEESE DOGS SANDWICHES farm animal rescue programs. We (One of Russ Fisher’s favorites) Just FYI; in the meatless section of will have Happy Trails logo merchan- Pick up some: your grocers refrigerator, you can find dise available to purchase as well as • hot dog buns lunch meat that tastes just like the real animal-theme gift items. Volunteers • Veggie dogs (available at most grocery thing. You can choose from (soy-based) are needed to help staff the booth stores in the meatless frozen foods - turkey, ham, and bologna lunch meats from 9am to 10pm each day. Call us made from soy products and veg- for heart-healthy sandwiches. Be etables) creative with various types of breads, at (330) 296-5914 if you would like • A package of soy-based (nondairy) buns and add your favorite pickles or to volunteer at the fair. cheese slices condiments. Toast the hot dog buns in a toaster In the next newsletter we’ll add Later in the Year: oven or a conventional oven. Slice the more creative dishes for your weekly (more info on these events in the hot dog lengthwise and insert the slices meatless meals! Summer newsletter) September: Randolph Heritage Thanks to Frank Seiden and TSC (Tractor Festival Supply Company) of Chardon for inviting October: Happy Trails Fall Festival Happy Trails to set up a booth for a weekend at the store, and for the warm welcome extended to our volunteers Don’t forget to always check by Frank and his staff! We talked to TSC customers about the farm your cosmetic and soap labels animals needing adopted through for the important disclaimer: the Happy Trails rescue program. NOT TESTED ON ANIMALS page 6 taking time to visit the rescued animals MANY, MANY THANKS... • The Godfrey family for always being there Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary is we met some wonderful “horse” people to help in an emergency and to Arlene Godfrey for handling the Acme receipts a quickly growing sanctuary operating on a • Everyone who has brought warm, old small budget. We do our very best to ensure sleeping bags for the cripple and arthritic pot that your donations are used for the best belly pigs for the Winter — mucho gracias SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR interest of the animals. We believe that from the toasty piggies. (And keep collecting CURRENT FOSTER HOMES: we’ve been doing a very good job of the old sleeping bags for next year!) • Becky Albright (Atwater) providing the rescued farm animals with • Frank and Candi Steigh for their time and • Mary Verhoff of Lone Pine Farm Tack Shop appropriate shelter and a safe environment efforts in digging a trench near the barn to (Alliance) while providing any needed medical help drain our excess water to get the horse • Beth Wilbur of Ashwood Farm & Rachel attention at a minimal cost. Thank you for paddock dried out Whitehawk of Whitehawk Ranch (Wadsworth) your support and allowing us to help the • To the Sunshine Kids 4-H Group of Lake • Joy Wagner (Canton) animals! County and Shirley Latimer for inviting • Cheryl Livensperger (Alliance) There is never enough room to thank Happy Trails to give a presentation at their • Kathleen Varga and Deb Shears (Penin- the multitude of kind souls who donated monthly meeting — what a warm welcome sula) toward the care of the animals, but we will we received! • George Hoy of The Inn at Brandywine highlight as many as we can in the space • The Salzer family for all their hard work in (Peninsula) provided here. Many many thanks to updating and caring for Heaven’s Trail, the • Kim Denham of Double D Ranch everyone who has supported the rescue pet cemetery (Mogadore) efforts of Happy Trails! • Judge Mary Spicer for supplying Happy • Don Whitmer in (Doylestown) Trails with plenty of nutritious cat food every Thanks to: • Char Scroggins (Spencer) month for the barn cats (four adopted feral • Trinity Koontz (Deerfield) • Dave’s Fireside Restaurant in Rootstown cats from Hearts & Paws and two of Dr. for providing Happy Trails with the use of a • Joyce Godfrey (Ravenna) Odian’s barn cats, who now run the barn) • Nancy and Chuck Conring (Springfield) large room for our monthly and special • To Debbie Kohery and the staff at Donzell’s events meetings Garden Center for inviting Happy Trails to RECOGNIZING OUR EXTRA • Joy Wagner, David Spencer, Jeff Amsden , participate in their Spring Festival Weekend Ron Frey and Jason Cotrell for their help in April SPECIAL HARD-WORKING with digging post holes and constructing the • To our faithful Sunday farm volunteers: VOLUNTEERS fencing for the four acre horse pasture Alex Hale, Dick Zampini, Sharon Bernard, Every Sunday since the beginning of • All the people willing to trailer horses in Chris Cook, Diane Sotnak, Rob Willard, Sara time (or so it seems — for at least the last emergencies and who have waited patiently and Tim Linden, Liz and Rick from Hiram two years), Alex Hale and Dick Zampini have with us for rescues to happen: Nora Stanton, College, Nancy and Chuck Conring been spending their Sunday’s helping to Nicki Milano, Sims Campbell, Shannon • Eleanor Richards, the Equine Nutrition Alexander, Kim Painter, Becky Albright, update the Happy Trails facilities and helping Specialist at Western Reserve Farm Coop to care for the rescued farm animals. Anne & John Keres, Cathy, Gwen & Cara for helping to evaluate the nutritional needs Alger, Phyllis & Jake Leonhardt; Dave Dick Zampini is not just a Sunday-kin- of our rescued equine friends of-guy though. During the weeks he hauls Rosen; and to Cheryl & Keith Livensperger • To our much-needed weekday volunteers: & Don Whitmer for the use of their horse hay, picks up supplies and helps to handle Carolyn Hayes, Diane and Eric Sotnak, Abby any other crises that may arise. Dick has trailers; and the DeCranes and Mary Alice Robinson and Karissa Shomo Cowen for the use of their trucks helped pick up a baby lamb, hauled horse • Our new hard-working Sunday volunteers, trailers, helped round up farm hogs, mended • TSC (Tractor Supply Company) of Judy Lander and Brad Ravenna for donating the many horse fly fencing, worked at the Browns football masks, heat lamps, post hole diggers, yard • Nancy Sidwell for providing our Sunday games fundraisers, ordered building tools, and trash can volunteers with healthy, vegetarian lunches materials and mended more fences. • TSC (Tractor Supply Company) of Chardon • Bill Poloski for his generous donation Alex Hale also has helped to pick up a for donating almost 15,000 lbs. (yes you toward constructing the outdoor exercise baby lamb, picked up and hauled hay and read that right) of feed arena for the rescued horses feed, regularly picks up donations from the • To ADM Alliance for the hundreds of bags • Everyone who helped load and unload the Cuyahoga Falls Giant Eagle, and helped out of feed that they have donated to the 15,000 lbs. of feed: Joni Clague, Kim & faithfully at the Browns football games rescued animals at Happy Trails Frank Longar, Joyce, Maggie, & Olen fundraisers. Godfrey & Tyler Grafton, and Russ & • Giant Eagle of Cuyahoga Falls for all their On Sunday, these two go-getters do Annette Fisher; and to Jim & Joni Clague for donations of kitty litter, dog and cat food, and everything from major construction to other supplies paying for the rental of the moving truck shoveling out horse stalls, mending even • Sara Linden and Maggie Godfrey for more fences, moving sand and gravel, fixing • The Ravenna United Fund for awarding operating the bingo concessions at Access Happy Trails a grant to assist with our To Independence every Friday as an shelters, unloading hay and straw, fixing stall sanctuary projects — we so appreciate the ongoing fundraiser for Happy Trails gates, and they are always game for support of our local community! • Rosemary Krasovic for putting together anything else that comes along! Their • Mary Alice Cowen for our monthly gift scrapbooks of Happy Trails cards, letters Sunday morning coffee and donuts at the certificates to Western Reserve to help with and memorabilia farm are their fuel to get them started, and our enormous feed bills • The Northeastern Ohio Arabian Horse both the people and the animals at Happy • Western Reserve Farm Co-op and Eleanor Assocation for inviting Happy Trails to their Trails truly appreciate all their hard work and Richards for inviting Happy Trails to set up a April meeting and to set up a booth at their dedication! booth at the Trumbull County Equine tack auction at the Geauga Co. Fairgrounds Symposium held on Saturday, March 13 — • Doris Strakka, Pet Communicator, for page 7 What to expect if you’re looking to adopt a horse from Happy Trails: I am amazed at many of the muscle-tone disease in drafts phone calls we get from people called EPSM, hoof walls separated wanting to adopt a horse. Surely from the hoof itself, severe “I think they wanted me they can’t be “horse people”! starvation, blindness caused from to wear that thing....” When someone calls to inquire rocks coming up from driving in about adopting a horse, we will ask, the streets as well as a blindness adoption fees for a horse, then “What exactly are you looking for?” due to Uveitis, severe swaybacks you are trying to adopt one for all It is inconceivable the amount from being ridden too young or the wrong reasons. of people who call a rescue group from carrying too heavy of a When exploring adoption and make the following request: I’d person, severe lower articular through a rescue group, look at all like a trail-safe horse — one that’s ringbone (a degenerative bone the horses available and then be good with kids or is good for disease), painful arthritis, major realistic. beginners; one that is well-trained, knee injuries, heaves, anemia, and Be willing to work at some traffic safe, and is healthy and proud flesh covering major issues with your new equine friend. sound (don’t want to deal with any wounds. Be willing to know the Be willing to take some time to health issues); no vices; don’t want rescued horse for it’s physical build a relationship of trust. a cribber; don’t want to have to limitations — many can be wonder- Happy Trails does not pretend work on loading —has to load well; ful walk/trot prospects after to be a training facility. We are a has to be up-to-date on all shots recovery if you don’t need to go RESCUE group in the truest sense and vet checked. And oh, I don’t galloping wildly down the trails. of the word. We help them to heal want to spend hardly anything or Behavior problems have physically, and at the same time pay very much for the horse — I included: not being able to load, work on healing any broken hearts just want a cheap horse. Ha! aggressiveness with other horses, and hurt feelings that our equine Though many people like the and biting and kicking to name a companions may have toward us idea of adopting a “rescued” horse, few. Be willing to work around humans. It’s up to the new adop- they inquire about adoption for behavior flaws — many can be tive family to continue that work, the wrong reasons. I politely corrected with time and patience. and to provide the love and care explain that you have just called a Training issues have included: and training they need. RESCUE group. In order for any horses that have been buggy or The rescued horses at Happy animal to come into the Happy track horses but have never been Trails are all perfect in our eyes Trails rescue programs, including actually ridden under saddle, because they are survivors! If horses, they have to have been horses that have been trained your dream of a perfect horse is either abused, abandoned or improperly, and horses that are what was originally described at neglected. In a few cases they green broke or have never been the beginning of this article, were bound for slaughter or handled at all. Consider working consider buying a statue. picked up from an auction where with a certified trainer to get the they would have went to the meat rescued horse to your skill level buyers. They have not been (not Uncle Bob’s cousin’s friend’s Does Happy Trails take treated kindly and they have not sister who used to have a pony she in owner surrenders? been well cared for. In some trained when she was nine). It’s Many times unforeseen circumstances circumstances we will take in an always worth it to have a profes- happen which cause horse owners to owner surrender, which is a topic sional horse trainer work with you become unable to care for their equine covered in a neighboring article. and your horse. Your personal companions or their other farm animals. We are very honest with safety is worth every penny you Happy Trails tries to reserve space in people about our rescued equines. put into the solid training of your foster care for true emergencies, such as If a horse is healthy, well-cared new equine friend. It’s safer and it the death of a pet owner, sudden loss of for, well-trained, beginner safe, sure beats any hospital bills and job or income due to divorce or accidents, traffic safe, and has no bad injuries you may receive trying the or the failing health of an animal care- habits, chances are good that it is do-it-yourself method when you taker or elderly owner. not in need of being rescued and feel you know way more about We can counsel a pet owner who that we will not be seeing it at horses than what you really do. simply wants to give up their pet for Happy Trails. And please don’t “bargain shop” personal reasons by offering suggestions Let me give you an idea of or “make offers” to a rescue on how to screen prospective homes, what’s been wrong with some of group! The money we receive for a where to put up flyers and how to write horse adoption simply goes toward ads for the newspapers. It is the responsi- the horses that have been fortu- bility of an owner to find their own pet a nate enough to come through the helping the next horse that’s in need of a home. Happy Trails good, caring home. Happy Trails does our Happy Trails rescue program. very best to help out in emergency Health issues have included: sometimes spends thousands of situations concerning owner surrenders. broken hips and a broken pelvis, dollars on the care of each of the We also have a “Want-A-Pet” file to blown tendons, the neurological rescued horses. If you feel you help people get in contact with each other disease called EPM, the lack-of- need to “bargain” with a sanctuary who need help to place a farm animal or for the minimal $250 to $900 page 8 are looking to adopt a farm animal. Senior Citizen Horses Do you have a senior citizen horse will surely end up with the meat buyers, Here is a list of caring horse owners that you have allowed to retire with you? and that is simply not fair to a horse that who will love their old horses to the end, to Then bless your heart for being a caring, has worked so hard during it’s life and give us all hope that not everyone has the responsible pet owner who is seeing to has done so much for an ungrateful “throw it away” mentality that we often see. the well-being of a retired equine friend! owner. We truly wish we could help each We give a standing ovation to the following Often situations arise where a horse and every older horse that we are called individuals who are continuing to care for owner cannot continue to care for their about find a good home — is this their senior citizen equine companions senior citizen horse, one that they have realistic? Most likely not. Look at the during their twilight years: ridden and enjoyed spending time with Happy Trails list of the Pasture Pals • Abby and Deb Robinson: “Chance”, a for many years gone by. Retired horses, needing homes at any given time, and 26 year old Quarter horse gelding while not affording us the fun of riding or you’ll see what I mean. Horses that are • Joy Wagner: “Danny”, a 24 year old driving, often cost even more to care for not rideable are much more difficult to Arabian gelding than a younger, healthier horse that we place than horses that can “work” — • Phyllis and Jake Leonhardt: “Mr. Bill”, can be-bopp with down the trail. It is their chances at a peaceful retirement 33 year old Standardbred gelding also very difficult to watch our horse with a caring family are slim at best. • Pam Catlin: “Pony”, a 29 year old sweetie grow old, feeble, struggle to Animals are not items to be thrown Spotted Appy stand up in the mornings due to arthritis, away or discarded when you are simply • Susie Wiley: “Camry”, a 25 year old and get slower with life in general. done “using” them. It makes me Quarter horse mare incredibly sad when we receive these If you’re like me, you look at your • Bob and Lynn Matson: “Dixie and horse with a tear in your eye and calls from uncaring people simply Festus”, a 24 year old Quarter horse reminisce about the times you went to wanting to “dump” their older horse and mare and a 20 year old full-of-himself this Metro park or on that trail ride, and it’s health problems on someone else Shetland pony because they are such an inconve- would give anything to be able to do it • Char Scroggins: “Rocky”, a 25 year all over again with your buddy. But you nience and not useful to them any old Quarter horse gelding longer. know in your heart that he or she • Maureen Frederick: “Silver Baska”, a doesn’t have it in them any more. They Let’s together change this mentality, 28 year old Arabian mare; “Athena” & can’t see quite as well, their steps aren’t and encourage our friends and neigh- “Darna”, two 19 year old Arabian sisters as sure-footed, their once-straight back bors to continue to take care of their • Kathleen Varga: “Yngve”, a 20 year old has started to sway, and their walk is senior citizen animal friends. They have Fjord gelding much slower. But do we love them any worked hard all their lives for us, and less? If anything, we love them even deserve to have a happy, peaceful • Luanne and Don DeCrane: “Bonnie and Clyde”, a 20 and 24 year old pair of more, because we know that the time retirement when the time comes. If they Quarter horses and bonds between us and our senior could talk directly to you, they would let citizen horse companion is something you know that they are more than • Anne and John Keres: “Blondie”, a 26 special — something that will always be appreciative for that Bute tablet on the year old Palamino Quarter horse mare there. mornings that they are stiff and sore; • Angie Shaffer: “Rogue”, a 25 year old Many of us wouldn’t even consider and that they’re grateful for that extra Saddlebred gelding allowing our older horse to retire at flake of straw to snooze on during the • Annalise Spetrino: “Kelly”, 34 year old another home — after all, no-one could colder weather; and how they are happy Quarter horse gelding possibly care for them as good as we when you soak their feed with warm • Candi Bowan: “Dreyfuss”, a 30-some- can! We know their likes and dislikes water to make chewing easier since thing Haflinger gelding and funny quirks and eating habits. And they can’t get dentures; and for giving Unfortunately, due to limited space besides, they deserve the extra care them that extra pat and hug at bedtime we were not able to list everyone who and attention since they worked so hard and telling them that you love them. requested to be a part of our senior list for us for as long as we owned them. They are sure that they gave you 110% — our apologies. But who’s kidding who — did we ever of their all while they could. Let’s give If your name is not on our list and own them, or did we own each other? back to them the 110% that they have you plan to allow your horse to retire in We often get calls from individuals given us! your care when it’s time comes, give wanting help to place their older horse in And when it is their time to go, let yourself a pat on the back and a round another home so that they can replace them go peacefully and kindly, and not of applause, and go hug your horse and them with a younger, fun, rideable have to experience the stress and tell him or her just how lucky they are to horse. Sometimes these callers threaten confusion of being run through an have you for their guardian. Good for to take their horses to auctions if Happy auction and then suffer the unspeakable you for caring! Trails cannot help. 99% of the old cruelty of being sent through a slaughter horses that are run through the auctions house. page 9 Welcome to Corona, BRITNEY’S COLUMN Britney Shafer, young the Amish Buggy Horse neighbor and hard- working volunteer at Occasionally Happy Trails Happy Trails, shares will receive a call from an Amish family requesting help to her views with our relocate a buggy horse that readers. She can ride, needs to retire. The Amish handle the horses, feed, water, hay, buggy horses are hard workers. and turnout the crew better than They trot many many miles most adults we know. She has a every day to carry their families determination to learn and do to town, to the blacksmiths, to things correctly and safely with the go to the store, to visit a friend, horses. and to go to church. Many Amish communities are located Camry, the now 25 year in beautiful scenic areas, but are situated in rather hilly old Quarter horse mare was the first horse I’ve ever terrain. The family buggy horses CORONA are their vehicles to get around, ridden at Happy Trails. I so just like the postman, the don’t really have a favor- horses are out working daily in ite horse because I like rain, sleet, snow and hot them all, but if I had to Summer sun. This scenario is normally what choose, it would be Camry. Happy Trails recently accepted happens to the horses, and they are She’s good for me when I Corona, a 15 year old Standardbred replaced with another horse from off groom her, ride her, and mare into our Pasture Pal Program. She the track. When the old horse is sold walk her. Camry can be was being retired from being an Amish at an auction and is purchased by a meat dealer, they get to stand in the groomed without being tied buggy horse after having been with up. She can be a funny mare her family for ten years. She was not killer pens for the day until the sale is able to trot the required distance over, along with other horse who may at times too, especially at needed any longer to keep her service be aggressive toward them and cause dinner time when she rocks valuable. Her red blood count was low them further injuries. They are then back and forth in her stall and she was anemic. Corona is the loaded into very large stock trailers and whinnies at you as you sweetest, most lovable mare! She has and shipped off to the slaughterhouse. pass by with food! been resting quietly as she regains her One of the major horse slaughter- Dancer is a beautiful strength. She was a great deal houses is located in Texas, and the brown and white Paint mare. underweight, had thrush, and is unfortunate horses are shipped on the She’s one of Camry’s recovering from terrible ear infec- two to three day journey without food or water in the overcrowded trailers. friends at Happy trails. tions. She was double-blanketed at Even though Dancer isn’t Happy Trails to keep her warm and Amazingly enough, this is legal! And toasty — though her coat was long and though it isn’t a pretty picture to rideable, I still like to shaggy, her undercoat had not prop- paint, it is honest and accurate. groom her in the barn or erly grown in and being anemic hadn’t Happy Trails does not buy these even out in the paddock. helped matters either. horses from their Amish owners, but She’s usually good when These hard working equine who we do agree to accept the horse into she’s being groomed. Dancer are often purchased by Amish families our rescue program and find it a home is a pretty good horse to are ex-race horses. Most of the if the owner will allow us to help out. work with in the stable. horses are Standardbreds — the Thanks to the Amish folks who She’s one of thee best breed used for racing by pulling a cart, have willingly surrendered their pasture pals, I think. But so they are very well broke to the horses to allow them to live out their I have to admit that she’s harness. lives resting peacefully at a caring, not very cautious when Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctu- loving home, and may God bless the she’s walked and doesn’t ary hopes to work more with the people who have agreed to adopt these watch her hooves, so I have tired, hard working horses. Amish community to give these horses to make sure she doesn’t the retirement homes they should Corona is now available for step on my feet. have. After serving a family well for adoption to an approved home, and she many years of it’s life, pulling heavy has already gained a good deal of weight up and down steep hills, weight. Proper nutrition has the pounding the pavement in the extreme anemia under control. Though she has temperatures of both Summer and never been ridden, she is doing Winter, the faithful horse’s reward excellent with her ground work and we when it can no longer serve it’s owner believe should be a wonderful trail to it’s fullest capacity should not be to horse prospect. be sent through a local auction to end If you are interested in adopting a up in the hands of the meat buyers for “Pasture Pal” (non-rideable) horse that a slaughterhouse. needs a loving retirement home, please call us at (330) 296-5914. BRITNEY’S DRAWING OF CAMRY page 10 AWESOME ADOPTIONS!!! Visiting Happy Trails Twice a year Happy Trails opens it’s doors for the public to visit the rescued animals and I know we don’t have the space to bred mare, found her permanent home attend our semiannual fundraisers: in mention all the wonderful adoptions that with Joy Wagner. Dutchess is com- June for the Summer Picnic and in have taken place recently, but we would pletely blind, but comfortable enough October for the Fall Festival. like to highlight at least some of their with her new mom to continue to ride! If there is anyone interested in stories. See the whole story on adopting a farm animal, you would Hercules, a gentle Dutchess on Page 12. make an appointment with an adoption counselor giant Percheron draft Duesie, (Royal to meet you at the sanctuary or at one of our gelding, won the hearts of Duesenburg) a handsome foster homes. Lisa and Jim Lambrakis. Standardbred gelding, We respectfully request that people do not He is settled in comfortably found the love of his life simply “drop by” to visit and here’s why: Happy at his new home and has other horses when he met Cathy Trails does not have a staff that is here at the for his companions! Allison. The two are now inseparable sanctuary at certain times, so therefore we do Arabella, a and go riding almost every day! not have regular “business” hours. Everyone Joyce Godfrey was kind enough to involved with Happy Trails is strictly a volunteer — sweet, Hackney mare, we do not have paid help that is always at the had been returned to adopt an assortment of chickens and facility and available to give tours at all times. We the Happy Trails ducks who were in need of lots of TLC. are normally feeding, watering, turning out horses, rescue program, and After a large mucking stalls, or caring for a sick or injured is now enjoying her rescue of 41 animal when we do have help. Our gates are second adoptive home with Victoria chickens, all have always locked for the safety of the rescued Carani where she has retired as a found wonderful animals and the safety of our volunteers and pasture buddy for another horse. homes! Thanks too guests. So when people show up at Happy Trails Zeus, the Percheron to Donna Iacoboni of Medina who also and honk their horn in the driveway as though they’ve just pulled up to the drive-through at gelding, is in the process adopted a good number of the chick- ens, ducks and also some geese. McDonalds, it does a disservice to the animals, of being adopted and will our volunteers, and our kind neighbors who be moving to his new Cassie, a sweet little black Cyuga support the sanctuary. home where he’ll have a female duck was adopted by Margo Bellar as friend for Our main goal as we grow is to make sure large pasture and Isis the that the animals we have taken in at the sanctuary Standardbred for a friend! her lonely duck. The are cared for properly and that they are our Dick Salzer fell head-over- two have made a number one priority. If we have just finally been heels for the big, lovable draft! great match! able to pick up the hoof of a horse that is Hootie, a greyish male duck, is now Spot, a four day old uncooperative, have just calmed down a stressed- the new companion for lamb, came through the gates of Happy out pig, are trying to administer medication to a Hank, another duck Trails. He was lucky sick chicken, or are leading an arthritic horse from rescued through Happy enough to get adopted one paddock to another, the volunteers cannot Trails. Both have been by Holly Ferrara of quickly drop the task at hand to greet the honking Ravenna! He is an horn and give a tour to a passerby who decided adopted by Becky they wanted to drop by to visit. We appreciate Albright, volunteer and absolute sweetheart! everyone’s understanding of our limited staff board member, and Benny, a West African male Pygmy resources, and hope that everyone will see the both ducks enjoy the goat has now made himself quite at importance of making an appointment if you wish multitude of creatures wandering about home with his new to visit on a day other than Sunday. on Becky’s farm. mama,Trinity Coontz. Sunday’s are always our volunteer days Camry, Annette Lucky little Benny was (volunteers must be at least 16 years old), and we Fisher’s senior citizen adopted through welcome volunteers who would like to help clean Quarter horse mare, is Happy Trails thanks to out pig pens, rake horse stalls, wash water now happily living in the kind folks who buckets, help with general yard clean up and Pennsylvania along with cared about him at the Akron Zoo. repairs, or are willing to pitch in with whatever special project happens to be going on that day. Baby Bopp (for those who Many thanks to everyone who has remember the sweet, giant Belgian Times to stop by and volunteer on Sunday’s are adopted a rescued farm animal from normally between 10am and 5pm. Always wear mare) at Susie Wiley’s. The two horses Happy Trails! For a list of the animals boots (Happy Trails is a working farm - plenty of used to be best friends here at Happy that are available for adoption as of this mud in the Spring), dress in layers and always Trails, and now have a chance at printing (our list changes daily!) please bring work gloves. For more information or a retirement together. see the adoption list on page 13 or visit volunteer application call (330) 296-5914. Dutchess, an adorable Standard- our website at happytrailsfarm.org. for a more updated listing. page 11 Behind The Scenes...

On Wednesday, May 5th, K105FM’s very own remote disc jockey, “K- Man” (Andy Sitko), visited Happy Here you see Joy the cow at one Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary and of her “glamour fittings”. Sharon hung out with our volunteers and Barnard (the one not wearing the Janice the pig, founder of Happy rescued animals from 6am to 9am. veil) and Chris Cook (hiding out of As he talked on air to morning camera range) began to gather Trails, enjoys the summer sun- shine, the fresh green grass, and DJ’s, Maryann Graff and Doug glamourous outfits for Joy the James, K-Man tried to get the cow who will be featured in “Glam- her thick, soft comforter. Janice is crippled and cannot walk due to rooster to crow, the pig to oink, our Shots With Joy The Cow” at and the goose to honk...on cue! Ya the Happy Trails Summer Picnic & muscles that have atrophied, but it doesn’t keep her from enjoying life right, they all said! The animals Fund-raiser. Here Joy models one would wait until he was off the air of her many glamourous outfits at the sanctuary! She kept an eye on all the volunteers on Sunday to to give their very best crows, that she could dress up in for your oinks and honks! Pictured above special glamour shot! Many people make sure they were getting their chores done just right! (left to right) Dick Zampini, think of glamour shots as making Shelby the Belgian draft horse, themselves glamourous and beauti- Abby Robinson, Zeus the goose ful. This whimsical twist on glam- being held by Annette Fisher, our shots allows you to choose a Maggie Godfrey and Samantha the special outfit for the cow so that dog, Andy Sitko “K-Man” from she can look glamourous, and you K105, and Jen and Rachel Salzer. get your photo taken with this Many thanks to K105 for not only bodacious bovine! You will be able the remote broadcast, but for to choose different themes: the including Happy Trails as part of wedding veil (shown above); the their Sunday morning Forum tropical cow with a large, flowery Program, which features nonprofit Hawian lei; the Bahama beach cow, organizations from 7am to 7:30am. with scuba goggles and a snorkel; Happy Trails appreciates your the beauty pageant cow, with a support — you guys are great! glittering tiara and a “Miss Happy Trails” sash; the 70’s cow; and, Alex Hale (above left) and Dick well, let your imagination wonder Zampini (above right) begin to tear what other outfits there is for our apart the old barn at Happy Trails. glamourous cow! (Below) Alex Hale They have chosen this structure (the one not wearing the scuba as their Spring remodeling gear) hugs Joy the cow as she project! Thanks, guys! And don’t happily forget you can help out as a licks up volunteer on Sunday’s, too! Bring her nose your tools and a smile and spend for the the day helping Alex and Dick Can you believe that both K-Man camera, renovate the old barn! and the horse posed for this modeling photo? the latest snorkel equipment! Don’t forget: Always check your shampoo and cosmetic products for the important disclaimer: NOT TESTED ON ANIMALS! page 12 New Faces...

Rocky, a large Percheron colt Clyde, a lovable old Quarter horse yearling, is a big baby according to “Junebug”, a sweet little girl piggy gelding, had been starved for the his foster mom, Joy Wagner. went into Happy Trails foster care second time in his life. The vet Rocky is going to make someone a program with her new foster suggested that Clyde needed to wonderful backyard pet, and has parents, Nancy and Chuck Conring. gain about 200 lbs. when we potential to be a great walk/trot How could you foster such a sweet accepted him into our equine backyard trail kind-of-guy! He is little pig and not adopt her? rescue program. Thanks to Mary great with other horses and loves Nancy and Chuck couldn’t figure Verhoff of Lone Pine Farm Tack in attention! Are there any that one out either, so yep (you Alliance for being such a wonder- Percheron lovers out there inter- guessed it), Nancy and Chuck are ful foster mama for our boy Clyde. ested in adopting a big baby? now the proud new parents of a If you are interested in adopting precious little pot belly pig! Clyde, he is between 22-25 years old, deals with arthritis, and is slowly recovering from malnutri- Don’t try this at tion. He may be ridable for kids as home... he continues to gain weight and regain his strength. Hogan the pig was a good sport about allowing us to set a tiny, Spring is here! “mini” saddle on his back for a photo opportu- nity. Though the saddle was almost too small for a Barbie doll, Just passin’ Hogan wore his new apparel proudly! He also likes through... the Western look on himself as opposed to the English saddles! Good-bye The warm, breezy to snow! Spring day was just One thing we perfect for these won’t miss this three piggy friends who Summer — all were rooting around the snow and the yard at the sanctu- ice we got to ary. The pink pig (shown trudge through back near the duck and during the long chicken enclosure) is Winter! Shelby Dennis, in the center is This little guy, along with two of never seemed Mr. Bojangles, and on to mind it as his buddies, was in foster care a the right is Hogan. In whole two weeks before they much as we front of them all is did! found their permanent home! part of a flower garden Thanks to Nancy and Chuck with our animal statue Conring, again, for fostering the of St. Francis. goat family! page 13 The Story of Dutchess Dutchess, a completely blind found the horse a home. Sadly Standardbred mare, was turned once again Shannon called Happy down for help from Happy Trails Trails — her “good home” for three times before being accepted Dutchess was not as it appeared, into our equine rescue program. and Shannon learned that the Someone had purchased the horse horse might be once again sent to at the Sugarcreek Auction where the slaughterhouse auction. Could Dutchess was being bid on by the we help? meat buyers. This kind soul Happy Trails still didn’t have purchased Dutchess, but then room, so we did what we always didn’t know what to do with her. do...we made room. Dutchess was Happy Trails was overflowing brought to Happy Trails one very with horse rescues at the time, cold Winter day, and was an and no foster homes were avail- absolute love to work with. able. We sadly said that we Her blindness (in both eyes) couldn’t help, but gave them the is caused by Uveitis, a degenera- with this beautiful creature. Joy name of someone who might. tive eye disease that causes waited until Dutchess healed Dutchess ended up with complete blindness and also completely, then took her home Shannon and Scott Alexander of causes the eye to recede back into to be a part of her family. Cuyahoga Falls. Though the the hollow of the eye socket. This Dutchess got her dream — to be Alexander’s were planning on can create unsanitary conditions adopted by someone who would moving out of state, they were and attract flies, debris, and can love her inspite of her handicap determined to try very hard to result in painful eye infections. and not send her back through find a home for Dutchess before Dr. Tuckerman of Aurora the meat auction! they left. No caring home sur- Equine Specialty Hospital, Today Dutchess is riding faced for the sweet, lovable, blind recommended having both of again! Dutchess rides Western horse. Could we possibly take her Dutchess’ eyes removed to and is very confident with her for them? Still Happy Trails was prevent further pain and compli- blindness. She both walks and full — we were very sorry but we cation. Dutchess was such a trots, and has learned to maneu- still could not help. trooper! She trusted us enough to ver her way around her new Time quickly came for them load calmly into the horse trailer property. Joy and Dutchess are to move, and Shannon again for the ride up to the hospital, learning together the special asked if Happy Trails could take where she stayed for five days, needs of a blind horse. Dutchess the horse. Again we had to then back to Happy Trails for is also thoroughly enjoying the decline help but tried to offer recovery. Only one eye, the worst fact that Joy is a Certified Equine suggestions. Shannon wouldn’t one, was removed at this time. Massage Therapist — how lucky give up trying to find Dutchess a She wore a racing mask with can a horse get? home, and excitedly let me know protective eye shields to prevent It always amazes me the one day that she thought she had further trauma as her eye healed. wonderful homes that we often The surgery on the first eye alone find for the rescued horses. Their cost Happy Trails $1,600, but it lives can completely turn around was something that was needed to with one phone call or one visit! enhance her quality of life in the Everyone who has met Dutchess long run. is very glad that she became a As Dutchess was recovering part of Happy Trails! To read a from surgery, a kind and caring more detailed story of Dutchess, person began to bond with her check out the Beacon Journal and fell head over heels for this article by Connie Bloom on our trusting, personable blind horse. website at happytrailsfarm.org. Joy Wagner, a special advisor to If you need the services of a Happy Trails, began to work with Certified Equine Massage Dutchess here at the sanctuary, Therapist, give Joy a call at (330) and like the rest of us, fell in love 484-9537. page 14 Happy Trails Farm Animal ANIMALS AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION Sanctuary, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that rescues, Horses Needing Homes rehabilitates and adopts out abused, abandoned, and ne- RIDEABLE PROGRAM: Horses placed in our “Rideable glected farm animals such as Program” are physically able to ride within it’s listed limitation. We explain their horses, ponies, pigs, hogs, condition and any medical concerns. Though a horse may be in our “Rideable Program”, it does not necessarily mean they are trained for your particular needs. chickens, ducks, geese, sheep, Happy Trails is not a training facility — we are a rescue group. goats, and cows. We help to We do our best to access the temperament and talents of each horse. heal not only their health • Shana Frost: 21 year old light bay Thoroughbred mare — 16.1 hands; sweet and lovable; issues, but help to heal their 150lb. rider weight limit; still thin — needs to gain weight; great trail horse for a walk/trot spirits as well. intermediate rider; gets along well with other horses; $400 Adoption Fee The animals come to Happy Trails from humane societies • Corona 15 year old bay Standardbred mare — 15.1 hands; very pretty,150lb. rider weight limit per vet while she continues to recover from malnutrition and anemia; has been a buggy and animal protective leagues horse for the past ten years; has not been ridden but is doing great with ground work; across Ohio, and some of the rideable, sound and healthy now; great ground manners; loves attention and loves to be horses have been picked up groomed; $600 Adoption Fee from slaughterhouse auctions. • Sequoia: 7 year old bay Standardbred mare — 16 hands; gorgeous; driveable; blind in her We politely ask that you right eye; has been treated for EPM, a neurological disease; recovered 80%; is trained to pull please do not just and can pull a cart but cannot be ridden; gets along well with other horses; calm; awesome drop by to visit. ground manners; wonderful pasture mate; $250 Adoption Fee Anyone wishing to meet a • Rocky: 1 year old black Percheron colt — going to be a big boy; recovered from a neglect/ rescued farm animal you malnutrition situation; lots of potential for a great backyard/fun trail horse; excellent to work would like to consider with; gets along great with other horses; $650 Adoption Fee adopting should call PASTURE PAL PROGRAM: Horses in our “Pasture Pal Happy Trails to set up an Program” have permanent injuries, illnesses or old age. These are the hardest-to- appointment with an place horses, but they make wonderful pets. All horses in the Pasture Pal Program adoption counselor. have a $250 Adoption Fee each. We are not a public • Clyde: 22-25 year old chestnut Quarter horse gelding — 16 hands; handsome old facility and at this time gentleman; recovering from starvation for the second time in his life; severe arthritis; is an do not have a staff to absolute sweetheart; loves attention; will make a great buddy horse have open public hours. • Dancer: 17 year old brown and white Paint mare — 14.2 hands; gorgeous; solid and Not all animals listed are stocky; not rideable due to a number of leg issues: lower articular ringbone, a previous leg currently housed at the injury resulting in scar tissue in the deep flexor tendon on the front left leg, has arthritis sanctuary. We use foster homes when needed and can • Max & Erma: 10 and 20 year old mini horses — Max, brown & white paint gelding, being help you to visit the animal treated for severe founder; Erma, butterscotch mare, has a previous udder injury resulting in at their foster home. permanent swelling. Must be adopted together. $250 Adoption Fee each.

ANIMAL ADOPTIONS FEATHERED FRIENDS GROUPS OF POT BELLY PIGS AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION To adopt a farm animal from Happy Trails, you would first fill out an adoption • Colonel: black and white Barred Rock • Madonna, Rosie & Ellie Mae rooster, very friendly and sweet • Hogan & Mr. Bojangles application. An adoption counselor then • Milton & Mario • Earl: white Leghorn rooster, needs to be visits the new home to assure a safe • Willis & Magnolia the only rooster; aggressive environment, proper shelter, and an • Wilbur & Cleopatra exercise area is provided for the farm • Two white geese: would like to be adopted • Morris, Kinko & Sergai animal being adopted Each animal has together as buddies • Dennis, Java & Seraphina their own set of adoption requirements • Three grey geese: prefer to keep the $5O Adoption Fee per pot belly pig and must be adopted as a pet — the family together, very pretty! FARM HOGS AVAILABLE rescued animals are not allowed to be $8 Adoption Fee per duck or goose, FOR ADOPTION used as food production or for breeding $5 Adoption fee per chicken • Oliver: 2 year old rust-colored male pig; purposes. Barbed wire fencing is never overly friendly; $50 Adoption Fee approved. All animals go to their new COWS AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION • Montel, Chloe & Rusty: keeping together home with complete medical records and a family of three hogs; Montel is a black and are up to date on vaccinations, worming, • Joy: 2½ year old Holstein Heifer; very white male; Chloe is a white female with and are spayed or neutered when friendly; loves attention; needs to be adopted black spots; Rusty is a rust-colored male; as a pet; very people oriented; $150 $150 Adoption Fee for the three together appropriate. For more information, call Adoption Fee Happy Trails at (330) 296-5914. page 15 Many Chickens And Ducks Came Heaven’s Trail: To Happy Trails After A Fire At Pet Cemetery Update A Residence In Ravenna Happy Trails has always attended to the needs A total of 41 chickens and 12 ducks were dis- of the souls entrusted to people who dedicate their labors to the welfare of the abused, neglected or placed after a abandoned animals at the sanctuary. This includes fire at the home the living and those that have passed through the of their owner in grounds of the sanctuary and on to Heaven’s Trail. Ravenna. The Last Fall after the Salzer family undertook the lucky chickens cleaning and design of the pet cemetery located have all been toward the back of the sanctuary property, a placed in caring solemn ceremony of dedication of the site and homes, but there those that rest there (as well as others who rest elsewhere yet dwell in our hearts and memories) are still a few was held. As Fall turned to Winter and Christmas ducks needing a arrived, the cemetery was bedecked with floral loving family. If tributes, ribbons, and even Christmas trees. you have room in your heart and home for a pretty Snowfall only added to the visual beauty and a pair of Muscovies, a beautiful pair of Blue Swedish, spirit of peaceful rest greeted those who wandered or a white mixed breed female with a red mask, give into the woods on a snowy evening. us a call at (330) 296-5914. But the snow and cold has given way to Requirements to adopt a duck include that they Spring. And with it the Salzers again have re- have a predator-safe shelter at night and can be free- turned to the site. Spring flowers and Easter decor decorate the grounds. These will remain until mid- range in the yard much of the day or else have a April. Then the old section of Heaven’s Trail will large exercise area. Also, they are not allowed to be be cleared for Summer flowers and general care. dumped out on an open pond — unfortunately all As this goes on the main project for the Salzers is this does is feed the local wildlife, such as fox, the establishment of phase two of Heaven’s Trail. raccoons, mink, and coyotes. The ducks would Due to the need for an area dedicated for the rest prefer that they are not used as feed, and so would of larger animals, more space must be cleared. we! The projected work is to clear more land, allow Ducks need to fed a commercial duck pellet to for a roadway into this section, and placement of more floral tributes. Also the Salzers plan to assure that they will receive the proper vitamins and establish a prayer-meditation garden. In it Dick nutrients needed for our feathered friends, and being Salzer will create a memorial wall featuring a duck, they prefer to have a small pond or pool to pictures of animals that do not rest within play in. Always make sure to pick up your duck and Heaven’s Trail but will always be a part of Happy chicken eggs so you’re not making even more ducks Trails. And the family plans to create a memorial and chickens that will need to find homes or over- stone for this section as well. crowd your current fowl population! Be assured that It is the hope of the Salzers that the weather we always have plenty of chickens, ducks and geese will cooperate and allow the work to be completed by Memorial Day. In any event the site will be in need of homes to go around for everybody, so decked out and ready to go on June 27th for the there’s no need to make more of them! Summer picnic at Happy Trails. On this day a rededication of the old section and a dedication of MEMORIALS the new phase will be held. Reverend John Fisk will conduct a Native American service sure to A special thank you goes out to everyone who sent in donations honoring a friend or relative who has passed away, and to the families bring tears to your eyes and joy to your heart. Plan who have so kindly requested that donations be made to Happy Trails to join us for this very special and moving experi- in memory of their loved one. ence at 3:30p.m. the day of the picnic. Many thanks also to those who have sent memorials honoring a So if you visit the sanctuary to work, pet, pet who has crossed the Rainbow Bridge. What better way to support or just say hello, take the few minutes it remember your pet or a friend’s pet than by helping another animal in takes to walk back to Heaven’s Trail. The walk need in their memory! will do your body good. But the stop and visit Memorials are very much appreciated and Happy Trails is experience within Heaven’s Trail will do your honored to have the rescued animals helped in this way. Our heart and spirit good. thoughts and prayers are with all the families who have lost someone close. page 16 Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary is a 501c3 non-profit group that relies on the generosity of kind Happy Trails folks who believe in our animal rescue efforts. Sweatshirts, Please consider making a difference by becoming a member or by making a donation to help the save the life of a neglected, T-shirts & abused or abandoned farm animal today. I would like to become a member Baseball Hats ____ $15 * ____ $20 * ____ $35 * ____ $50 ** ____ $100 ** ____ $250** and above Happy Trails has hooded sweatshirts available for $24.95 * You will receive a membership card. in either bright yellow with a ** Receive a membership card and a Happy Trails t-shirt. dark green logo, or dark green Thank You!!! with a yellow logo. T-shirts are also available in DONATION INFORMATION the same colors at $13.95. Embroidered baseball hats I’d like to send a donation at this time of (which look great, by the way) $15 $25 $35 $55 $75 $____other are now available for $12.95. The hats are dark green with yellow Use this donation where it is needed the most embroidery. I’d like my donation to go toward ______To order any shirts or hats which is mentioned on the wish list. over the internet, log onto our I’d like my donation to be in memory of my beloved pet website at happytrailsfarm.org, or ______, a ______(type of animal). fill out the coupon below and mail it along with your check Please keep me on your mailing list. Please take my name off your mailing list. made payable to Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary. NAME ______ADDRESS ______Name ______

CITY/STATE/ZIP ______PHONE______Address ______EMAIL ______City/State/Zip ______Return to Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary, Inc., 5623 New Milford Rd., Ravenna, Oh 44266 Phone ______email ______Happy Trails Wish List Size Color Amount Sweatshirt • For Our Volunteers: Bottled • Avon Skin-So-Soft (used as a water, work gloves or garden fly/mosquito repellent), or any Sweatshirt gloves; goodies on Sundays non-chemical fly spray T-shirt • Apples, carrots, horse snacks • Paste wormers such as Quest, Strongid, Zimectrin, T-shirt • ¾ or 1 ton truck to haul our Panacur, etc. horse trailers Baseball Hat • Office supplies needed are Baseball Hat • Old sleeping bags, blankets stamps, 8½x11 color or white or comforters for the pot copy paper belly pigs Shipping ($3.00 per item) • Gas cards or long distance TOTAL • Hay, Straw & Sawdust phone cards • Lime or stall deodorizer • More foster homes • Feed: Horse sweet feed, hog • Sand • A Bobcat pellets, Equine Senior feed, duck/goose pellets, chicken • Heated Water Buckets Mail to: laying mash, (any brands) Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary, • Lead Ropes & New Horse 5623 New Milford Rd., Ravenna, Ohio 44266 • A round pen Halters page 17 The Story of Isis...by Isis Sadly Missed... (As told to her new mom, Rachel Salzer) A sad tragedy happened at Happy Trails recently when two Dear Readers of “Happy Tales”, stray dogs entered the sanctuary Everybody deserves a second exercise through the back woods and man- rides as my chance. I got mine two years ago at the aged to get into the fenced in areas Mount Hope horse auctions. I was legs were still destined to be sold to the meat buyers in the which housed the feathered resi- for slaughter. It’s not that I was a bad process of dents. Lucy, Annette’s pet Pekin horse, old or ill. And I certainly did not healing. duck, was killed instantly. Taz, a deserve to die. But I was an injured Spring came white Muscovy mix was badly cart-racing horse that was no longer and I marked injured but after a week long stay at making money for my former owners. It one year the vet, is continuing to recover. was more profitable for them to sell me since my rescue at Mount Hope. When we found Laverne, Annette’s for meat than to keep me going and let Spring turned to Summer, and again pet turkey and ambassador for me live out my life. several more people showed an interest Happy Trails, she was still alive Lucky for me Happy Trails had in adopting me. But every time, some- although horribly thing would happen and I would end up decided to travel to the auctions that injured. Laverne weekend. They were out to bid against staying at the sanctuary. It was ok, I liked the meat buyers and save as many it there. But I was ready to call someone was rushed to the horses as they could. Happy Trails had my own, and I had someone in mind, my vet, but was obtained sponsors (my girl was one of girl. I wanted to have a new barn to live euthanized due to them) to pay for the cost of the bids. in, and someone to ride me every day. As her extreme injuries. They had trailers waiting. And then the summer turned into fall once again, I The two sweetest, auctions began. I was paraded through prepared myself for another long Winter most gentle crea- the auction block, and the bidding at Happy Trails. My wish was still Laverne & Annette at tures, Laverne and Donzell’s Garden commenced. unanswered. Lucy, are missed Center in Akron Happy Trails bid for me, and won! Then I got my miracle. The girl that terribly here at Happy Trails. They saved my life. I began my journey originally sponsored my auction bid Laverne had just spent the weekend to a new and happier adventure with a decided to make me hers. I was very “working the crowd” at Donzell’s brand new name, Isis. I was named happy because I would finally have a new after the ancient Egyptian goddess of place I could call home, and a new field Garden Center’s Spring Festival— love, home, and joy. My girl picked my to graze in, and more treats than I would she did so love to socialize! Holiday, new name. I traveled to a foster home know what to do with. She said she Laverne’s friend turkey, misses her that helped Happy Trails give me the would spoil me to no end. Her family terribly also. Extra fencing has been care that I needed. I was seen by a vet, supported the decision, even to the point installed to prevent any further stray received proper feed and all the hay I of relocating so I would have plenty of dogs from entering the property. could eat (and trust me that’s a lot of pasture to call my own. Edward the amputee duck, died hay). They even worked on healing my Two years after being a survivor, I recently at his adoptive home. He badly torn up legs. At the auction my am saying farewell to the grounds of was doing very well, had other legs were so raw they actually bled. But Happy Trails and hello to my new barn ducks for friends, and his own small with proper care and medicine they and family. My legs are almost com- pool to play in. His death was sadly began to heal. pletely healed, although they still do When my foster home could no gather proud flesh around the wounds. unexpected. longer care for me I returned to the (Proud flesh is a thick, tough skin that Happy Trails horses that have sanctuary. I joined several other horses must be peeled away.) I don’t like having crossed the Rainbow Bridge since that had also been saved that weekend. this done, but I try to be good (most of our last newsletter: Lightfoot, a 24 My care continued, all the while I was the time). I am glad to have had the year old Government Mustang building strength. That summer I began chance to have called Happy Trails my adopted by Rachel Whitehawk and giving rides to volunteers to grow home for the past two years. Beth Wilbur, and Ms. Esmerelda, a stronger and work my legs. I had But at my new home my girl will take 24 year old Standardbred mare, also several inquires into adopting me. All of me on rides through the woods, and adopted by Beth Wilbur. These two the people were nice, although I was brush me, and do all the fun things that horses were lucky to have retired at not always so nice in return. I usually horses like. I will be living in a new barn, a wonderful home where they were pinned my ears or tried to bite them, designed with a goddess in mind. And cared for and loved and allowed to sometimes both. It’s just me — it’s how the treats will never end. I act toward almost everyone (except Thanks to Happy Trails for my live out their lives in peace — our my girl). second chance at life. And as a story sympathies on their passing. Then Winter came, and horse about a goddess is close to a story about And lastly, many Happy Trails adoptions slow down with the cold a princess, this goddess will live happily volunteers are missing Bandit who months. I prepared to spend my first ever after. recently died of cancer. Bandit was a winter with Happy Trails. The good food One lucky horse, ISIS... friendly, happy dog who was a and hay continued, as well as the personal rescued pet of Annette and Russ Fisher. His constantly wagging page 18 tail is missed by everyone. The Name Game Though Happy Trails assigns each farm animal that is accepted into our rescue Follow Up program an animal intake number, we provide them with a name that seems best suited for them also. We try to think of something unique; something that will make a prospective pet owner fall in love with that particular animal because their name is just sooooo cute or different! Though some animals come with names already, we offer the farm animal a new lease on life — a second chance to find peace, happiness, care and love. So why not give them a new name to go with their new beginning? However, after rescuing what feels like a million animals, sometimes our thinking caps concerning attractive and cutesy names runs out of steam. May we borrow some of the unique and funny names that you have named your pets? Write to us or email us and let us know of the one-of-a-kind names you’ve given your own pets, so that we have some interesting ideas to name any new animal faces that will be coming to Happy Trails. We’ll try to publish some of the funnier or more original ones in the next newsletter. We’re not doing too badly ourselves coming up with adorable names. Not too Remember Tundra, the big five many people have a beautiful 900 lb. farm hog named Mrs. Beasley, a wicked year old Belgian gelding that Happy wicked Leghorn rooster named Earl, a gorgeous dark bay Standardbred mare Trails picked up from the Mid-Ohio named Sequoia, a chubby pot belly pig named Cleopatra, or a baby lamb named Draft Horse Auction in Mt. Hope, Shakespear. Ohio? He was going to the meat buyers late in the day on a Friday two years How did Madonna Get Her Name? ago, and that weekend Happy Trails purchased nine horses that would have When Happy Trails handled a rescue concerning the neglect of a female pot otherwise ended up at the slaughter- belly, we discovered a star! We arrived to find a severely overweight piggy with house. Thanks to Josephine Wardle hooves so long that they had curled up and twisted — her hooves measured eight who sponsored an auction bid for a inches long. Every time she attempted to walk the misshapen appendages would very lucky horse. Tundra was pur- cruelly poke her in the face, barely missing her eyes. chased and saved from the kill pen. We coaxed her into the middle of a large comforter, and four of us gently While Tundra was in foster care, he picked her up and set her into the van. We placed her on a mound of soft blankets, had a severe colic and was sent to Ohio pillows, sheets and comforters. This made her deliriously happy, and for the entire State Veterinary University for ride back to the sanctuary, she excitedly shredded all the brightly colored emergency surgery. Tundra amazingly materials. She loved the blankets and comforters and was quite fascinated with enough came through with flying them. She would rip the sheets and other material into colors, was adopted by his foster shreds, then attempt to make herself a nest in the family, Shannon and Scott Alexander, van. and has since moved to a beautiful So enamored with all the material was she, that pasture in West Virginia this past we felt it was only fitting to name her Madonna — January. Here are some photos of a after all, she was quite the “material” girl!!! fat and happy Tundra at his new home! Madonna is still available for adoption (along with her friend Rosie Pig). Madonna is on an antiinflamma- tory due to her arthritis, and she has difficulty walking. She had been fed dog food instead of the proper diet of commercial pot belly food needed to satisfy the nutritional needs of a pot belly pig, and she had become severely overweight. She is an absolute sweetheart and loves to be petted and hugged and have her belly rubbed! If you could help to give Madonna and Rosie (her black and white pot belly pig friend rescued from a starvation situation), or any of the other piggys a proper home, or would like to know the housing requirements for a pot belly pig, please give us a call at (330) 296-5914. The photo shown here of Madonna, fast asleep with her little piggy stuffed animal friend in the background, was taken compliments of Marcinda Franks of Marcinda’s Magical Moments Photography. Marcinda has been kind enough to photograph many of the rescued farm animals here at Happy Trails. She will be using their photos as greeting cards that can be purchased at the Summer picnic in June with proceeds benefitting Happy Trails. The photos can then be removed from the cards and framed! For all your family or commercial photography needs, including pet photography and photographs taken on location, make sure to give Marcinda a call at (330) 699-1623. Thanks Marcinda, for caring enough about the rescued animals to help out Happy Trails! page 19 NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID AKRON OH PERMIT NO.12

5623 New Milford Road • Ravenna, Ohio 44266 (330) 296-5914 happytrailsfarm.org

OR CURRENT RESIDENT

Website Links Worth MISC. TIDBITS Hearts & Paws Rescue Checking Out! • HAPPYTRAILSFARM.ORG Group Needs Foster Don’t forget to check out Homes For Dogs & Cats • Premarin Horses Needing Happy Trails website at Homes: www.pmurescue.org happytrailsfarm.org. ! It’s Hearts & Paws is a wonderful • Dog Rescue Group: continually growing and filled with dog and cat rescue group that has www.animaladvocates.com lots of information and updates. worked hand in hand with Happy • Defending Farm Animals: Thanks to Chuck Conring for all Trails for quite a while. They are his hard work on the website and www.DefendingFarmAnimals.org always in need of loving, caring for handling all of the Happy foster homes for dogs, puppies, • Newspaper for people who care Trails computer mishaps! We don’t cats and kittens. If you do not have about animals: know what we’d do without him! the facilities to foster a farm animal www.animalpeoplenews.org • Thanks to the new Development for Happy Trails, maybe you would • Animal Rights 2004 National Committee volunteers: Sandra consider opening your heart and Conference: www.AR2004.org Wolf, Nancy Conring, Diane your home as a foster parent for a • Humane Educator, Michelle A. Sotnak, Leona Griffiths, Cathy homeless dog or an abandoned Bondurant, Rob Willard, Cheryl kitten until it can be placed with a Rivera: www.Animals101.com Livernsperger, Luanne & Don • SHARK’s Tiger video trucks DeCrane, Josephine Wardle, permanent family. It will do your tape animal abuse across the Annette Fisher, Maggie Godfrey, spirit good to have played such an country: www.sharkonline.org Carolyn Hayes, and our Committee important role in the life of a Chairperson, Joy Wagner rescued animal, and dogs and cats • Best Friends Animal Society in are admittedly easier to foster than Kanab, Utah and the No More • A special thank you goes out to Lynn Baxter, CPA, who has been a horse, cow or farm hog — here at Homeless Pets Conference: a tremendous help to Happy Trails Happy Trails we understand that! www.bestfriends.org by donating her time and volun- For more information on either • Looking for a special pet? teering to help out with all of our adopting a cat or dog or being a Check out petfinder.com. paperwork and accounting needs. foster parent, call (330) 665-9941.