A Casselman fire left 25-year-old Rosie, a visually impaired horse, searching in vain for the shelter she usually uses. But she and the other animals affected by a devastating fire have good news to look forward to.
Horse rescue group Dreamscape Acres' barn burned to the ground last week, destroying everything -- medical supplies, blankets and grooming kits. But donations are letting the animals get by during an otherwise rough week.
"All of those things that are crucial to the rescue were in there, from human first-aid kits to horse first-aid kits," says Eleanor Lorden, owner of Dreamscape Acres.
"You never know when something's going to happen, so it's best to be prepared."
Chickens and hay also lost
As police probed the cause of the fire, which is still under investigation, the community came through in the time of need for the 23 horses housed here: blankets, supplies, even offers to shelter the most vulnerable of the equines.
A chicken coop was destroyed in the blaze, killing a dozen birds. Yet 12 more emerged, with three recuperating in a bathtub as they try to heal.
Worst for the horses was the loss of 870 bales of hay harvested by Lorden and her husband, high-quality feed meant for the older horses.
"That was hard to take. Blood, sweat and tears goes into that," she says, but adds they do have enough lower-grade feed to last through the beginning of next month.
Fabric barn on the way
Every donation will help them raise enough money to buy more food and supplies, she adds.
As for a new barn -- with a price tag of $60,000 attached to it -- it's out of reach for the private group. A fabric structure will go up in its stead.
"You have to be positive in this business because it really can get you down," Lorden says.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Karen Soloman
