So, most of you diehard readers are aware that we've had some serious flooding here in Western Washington state. Since I was stuck at a friend's house all week and she and I both (a) are horse rescuers and (b) know how to do web sites, we decided we needed to do something to help the many horse owners who suffered damages - particularly losses of hay and grain. A lot of people got their animals to safety, but if they didn't have a hay loft, they lost a lot of hay and you've all heard me complain about how pricy hay is in this part of the country ($16 to $20 for a square bale of anything decent). So, we decided to help Second Chance Ranch, a terrific area Thoroughbred rescue, put on a Flake Sale!
What's a Flake Sale? Well, it's kind of like a bake sale except with hay! Basically, it's just a web site where you can log on and click to buy as many virtual flakes as you like to help out someone who has suffered flood damage. SCR is a 501(c)(3) so your donations are tax-deductible.
If you have been damaged by the floods, you can apply for aid on the web site. You will need to mail in your completed application with pictures of your flood damage. If your application is accepted, you'll be able to go to a feed store in your area and pick up some hay to replace those waterlogged bales.
We've also included information about how to safely return to your property after a flood and clean things up, as well as information about flood prep if you know that you want to be better prepared next time.
It looks like I'm going to finally get to go home tomorrow - fortunately the only animals I had at home were the cats, and they have gotten fed/watered by those who were flooded in instead of flooded out. I was lucky but many people weren't so we're all hoping the Flake Sale will help them get through this difficult winter - and of course, help them not have to give up their horses because of a loss of feed. This is the kind of disaster that puts otherwise responsible horse owners in a bind, and it's a time when I think it's totally appropriate to lend a helping hand.
