Horse Open House a Sweet Success
The Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals held its second
annual holiday open house on December 8th at its farm facility in South
Windham. With the sweet smells of horse, hay, hot cider, balsam fir,
and carrot cake scenting the air, the big barn at the MSSPA was filled
with rescued animals, happy people and holiday spirit. Nearly two
hundred friends and supporters of New England's largest horse rescue
and rehabilitation facility braved the brisk seasonal temperatures to
celebrate the spectacular work of the non-profit organization.
One highlight of the event was the celebration of Delilah's first
birthday. A gorgeous, pure-bred Belgian filly, Delilah was seized from
a neglectful owner by Maine law enforcement officials on December 6,
2006, the day she was born. Both Delilah and her mother were placed at
the MSSPA and, but for the provision of medical treatment and superior
rehabilitative services are likely to have perished. Delilah's stall
boasted a big happy birthday sign and a delicious carrot cake with big
number one candle sat just outside her door. Many MSSPA members and
friends of the Society brought Delilah carrots and other birthday
gifts. Following singing the traditional birthday song and blowing out
of her candle, MSSPA staff offered guests pieces of the specially made
carrot cake with cream cheese filling. At the same time, Delilah and
her mother enjoyed the carrots and hay that were served to them by
Society workers. They were also treated to many kisses and kind wishes
from the horse lovers who came to visit.
The holiday open house featured festive decorations, with gorgeous
holiday garlands from O'Donal's Nursery (thank you to O'Donal's for their
generosity!), delectable hors d'oeuvres donated by Wild Oats Natural
Foods Market (thank you!), and holiday sweets donated by MSSPA members.
Hot chocolate, tea, coffee, and hot cider rounded out the refreshments
offered to guests attending the party. A candy cane tree with
wished-for items like halters, lead lines, feed buckets, and cash
donations added to the holiday atmosphere. Several door prizes were
drawn, including, the most beautiful horse to ever grace a girl's
bedroom! Check out the photo gallery - you can almost taste the treats and feel the velvety noses hanging over the stall doors!
The Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals thanks everyone who visited our barn for
their generosity. Without the hard work of the staff, the
open house would have been nothing more than a great idea. The Society
is a non-profit organization, which receives no federal, state or
public funding. Although it provides forever care for animals placed with
it by the State of Maine, the Society does not charge the state
or Maine taxpayers for its services. The Society donates nearly one
million dollars annually in services to Maine. Without it, Maine's
Animal Welfare Program would be unable to continue at its current level
of operation. The MSSPA depends entirely on member dues, donations,
grants, bequests, and fund-raising to operate its facility. Currently,
the Society is providing permanent care to more than rescued eighty horses.