JILL TATGE-ROZELL Lee Press
TOWN OF DOVER – Tiny Hooves Animal Sanctuary is running out of time to meet its year-end goal of raising $50,000 to support its ongoing capital projects and efforts.
As of December 21, the nonprofit is currently caring for 163 rescued farm animals, raising just $11,379.
Beca Thompson, founder and president, said: “We’re having a little more trouble this year than it was during year-end fundraising. She added that many donation-based organizations are facing shortages during the pandemic.
The animals at the sanctuary – established in Somers in 2015 to help rescue animals seized as part of a neglect in Walworth County – include goats, pigs, sheep, cows, mules , donkeys, horses and a variety of furry creatures.
Originally located on 3 acres off the KR Freeway in Somers, Tiny Hooves moved to 1117 N. Britton Road in Dover, northwest of Union Grove, after Foxconn announced plans to build across the street. The move was made possible with help from a private foundation that purchased a 33-acre farm and delivered it to the organization.
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In 2021, among other efforts, Tiny Hooves provided more than $50,000 in veterinary care, improved pastures and built new shelters for miniature donkeys and dwarf goats, purchased a feed crate feed the reserve’s five cows and plant a new organic garden.
Capital project
Money raised in this campaign will support additional capital projects and be used to help care for 52 newly rescued animals in 2021.
“We received seven goats and two dogs in September from an abandoned case in Ohio,” Thompson said, adding that several animals in that case died. “It is a really sad situation. The woman who cared for them developed dementia and the family came in too late.”
Donations can be made to support a specific animal, whose biographies can be found on the organization’s website tinyhooves.org.
For example, by visiting the website, donors can choose between a one-month grant of $15 or a one-time annual donation of $180 to support Jude, the lone turkey at the site. conserve.
Jude, who has severe arthritis, has lived at Tiny Hooves since 2016. He is a slate heritage breed with gray, blue and white colors and markings.
“We’re so glad he’ll never have to worry about his life, because he’ll be safe with us forever,” Thompson said. “Jude makes us smile every day with her inquisitive voice and goofy personality, as well as her excitement about food and meeting new people. His favorite snacks are blueberries, sunflower seeds, chopped kale and the occasional popcorn treat.”
Sadness about Carl
Thompson said she wishes they could help take care of Carl, the Turk who made the Kenosha Forest Park area home. However, the sanctuary is not licensed to house wildlife.
“Me too, wish we could help,” Thompson said. “I’d knock him out in a heartbeat, but we can’t coexist with wild animals with domestic animals.”
Tiny Hooves was able to help with a similar case in Union Grove last July. There, residents found a peacock – not considered wildlife – roaming their neighborhood.
“It’s an interesting thing,” Thompson said. “He was our first and only peacock. We don’t see many of them here. They are fully flown birds, so if anyone wants to leave the farm, they just go. “
The residents had given the peacock, now named Azul, for several months before a couple was able to lure it into their garage and contact Tiny Hooves. Azul, who has no identification card, has an open wound on his chest and requires immediate care.
“We took him to our vet, who was able to clean and stitch him together, and we were taken home with our fingers crossed around so he would healed,” she recalled. “Well, it took months to fully recover, and lots of dressing changes and hearing angry peacocks, but now he’s healed and slowly learned to trust us.”
“Azul’s absolute favorite thing in the world is a bowl of fresh raspberries,” says Thompson.
An increase in the number of bird species has created a need for new aviaries.
“We are creating new aviaries for all of our ducks and geese as well as our chickens,” said Thompson. “Hopefully, for the waterfowl, we’ll have an in-ground pool, which we’re really excited about.”
Other projects planned for 2022 include fencing for seven goats, an indoor chicken coop in inclement weather, and the installation of permanent fans in the barns.
Thompson said they also plan to launch species-specific tours to increase educational opportunities during the summer months.
For a complete list of ways to help access https://www.tinyhooves.org/howtohelp.
