Holly finds a home

In July, the Charter's sister paper, The Compass, ran a feature from the Horse and Pony Protection Association (HAPPA) in Hopeall, Trinity South, about care the association was providing for a new resident - Holly.

The "beautiful nine-year-old Welsh Pony" arrived at the sanctuary June 26 with a number of serious health conditions causing her incredible discomfort.

Holly received treatment from a vet and farriers/blacksmiths.

HAPPA asked help from the public to donate and provide volunteer assistance for Holly and other horses and ponies.

Rescue Relations Co-coordinator Clifford George last week arranged not only the adoption of Holly, but a rescue of two horses - Elroy and Toby.

Holly has been adopted by Patrice Anderson, a professional farrier from Massachusetts who is a graduate of the New England School of Horseshoeing.

"Holly's new owner has family living in Newfoundland and read the recent news coverage on Holly and instantly felt compelled to visit," says HAPPA President Dennis Bishop. "A short while later Clifford was in the process of making travel arrangements for Holly. The new owner works full time as a farrier and feels confident she can provide excellent care to Holly and help her recover."

Bishop says finding such a perfect home for a pony with medical conditions is extremely rewarding "because we know HAPPA-NL has done its part to bring her onto the sanctuary and start the rehabilitation process.

He says it is equally rewarding to find a new owner who is exceptionally qualified and is willing to work hard to improve her health and keep her alive, healthy and as comfortable and happy as possible.

"There is considerable activity and excitement at the sanctuary as of late with the adoption of Holly and the rescue of two beautiful standardbreds just this past week," Bishop said July 24.

He added, "Doing what is right and never turning a horse or pony in need away are two fundamentals that guide our board and our volunteers."

HAPPA currently has 10 horses and ponies on the sanctuary and separately are providing care for several other animals through fostering and other care arrangements.

To see photos of Holly, Toby, Elroy and other rescued horses and ponies visit: www.happanl.ca.

HAPPA-NL is funded solely through donations and fundraisers and needs the help of the public to ensure rescued horses and ponies receive the proper care. Donations can be made online.

The Hopeall Sanctuary, located on Route 80 between the communities of New Harbour and Hopeall, Trinity South has operated since 1986, providing much needed care for horses and ponies that have become unwanted, abused, neglected or harmed.