Narragansett Hay for Horses
The MSSPA knows that when it comes to saving the lives of animals, one is never too young to make a difference. The first-graders of the Narragansett School in Gorham proved this after raising $570 for the Society. This money is designated to help keep the barn’s hay loft stocked and the horses’ bellies full. $570 will buy 114 bales of hay. This summer, hay farmers contended with increased fuel costs for operation and a poor, rainy harvest season. Those factors combined with a steadily decreasing amount of farmers who do harvest quality hay inevitably made demand soar and prices skyrocket. Some called it a crisis as Mainers were left scrambling to find hay before the grass was covered in snow.
In these cold winters and high prices, some Maine horse owners are faced with a difficult decision – heat their home, or feed their animals. Hay is a necessary element of the diet of a healthy horse. However, new arrivals at the barn typically are far from healthy. After being seized by the state, horses often arrive at the Society severely underweight after enduring neglect and starvation. Putting weight back on a horse is a delicate process. A feeding regimen must be implemented, and that includes high-quality hay. Our happy, healthy residents are a testament to this care, but each horse eats about a bale a day. This winter, the Society is going through approximately 90 bales every 24 hours – a staggering number. While about 1/3 of our hay is harvested from our own land, the expense of hay production and storage is daunting. Purchased hay must also be stored and handled.
In December, Mrs. McKeen’s students were in the Holiday spirit as they all pitched in and collected bottles and cans from their family, friends, and neighbors for the sake of the horses in South Windham.
The bottle drive was a wonderful success, and on the 18th MSSPA staffer Meris Bickford accepted a larger-than-life red and green check from the students of the Narragansett School. An assembly was held for the occasion, where students were able to ask questions and learn more about the work done by the Society and where their gift would be going.
The MSSPA thanks Mrs. McKeen, the first grade teachers, and the staff of the Narragansett School for their hard work and their compassion for rescued horses. At a young age, their generosity is exemplary. Our work would not be possible without efforts like theirs, and it truly makes a difference in the Society.You can view additional photos in this gallery .
If you would like to contribute to the Society, there are several ways you can help out. The Buy-A-Bale campaign is still running, and we are pleased with our new campaign, Recycle for Rescue. Like Ms. McKeen’s class, you can donate your returnable bottles and cans. MSSPA staff accept them at our 279 River Road location from 1:00PM to 4:00PM daily. Another option is Patman’s Inc, a local redemption center. They have graciously set up an account in our name. When returning your recyclables at Patman’s, just say, “Please give my return to the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals!”. Your generosity is appreciated. Patman’s is located at 95 Tandberg Trail in Windham and can be reached at (207) 892-5218.
The MSSPA is a tax-exempt, 501(c) (3) entity and receives no federal, state or local funding. The Society is entirely funded by membership dues, donations, bequests, grants, and fund-raising activities. The Society does not charge for its services and seeks no reimbursement from any public source. The MSSPA provides more than one million dollars in services annually to the taxpayers of Maine and salvation to abused animals.