Lush pastures and love - the healing continues
by Alice IrwinNovember, 2005: "Busy" doesn't even begin to describe the bustle of activity this fall at Cracker Box Palace Farm Animal Haven at Alasa Farms. After taking in over 100 farm animals from a cruelty case in Williamson in late August, the already enormous daily workload became even more demanding - the farm's population doubled. All of the rescued animals have been vet-checked and received necessary vaccinations. Everyone is thriving and on the road to recovery from their unspeakable ordeal. Dr. Wolfer of Lyons Veterinary Clinic removed the horn which had grown through one of the goats' eyes. Although permanently blinded in that eye, "Doc" is recovering nicely and should be just fine! "Tulip" a goat whose hooves had grown to nearly a foot long is also recovering wonderfully after Dr. Trachtenberg of Ledgewood Equine Clinic trimmed her hooves. Tulip was the hero responsible for saving all of the abused animals at the Williamson farm. She had broken loose and was found walking down the road on her knees; her discovery led to the rescue of all the other animals.
Volunteers at the farm jumped right in to care for the other rescued animals; "Burt" Madison trimmed the hooves of the other 21 goats and volunteer Shelene Lochner trimmed the toenails of 40 rabbits in one afternoon! Burt also assumed the role of Farm Dentist, taking care of the rabbits' severely overgrown teeth. Walworth Animal Hospital's Dr. Luba Druin performed exams on the rescued rabbits and guinea pigs and donated neuters for three of the male rabbits. Farm Manager Cheri Roloson is grateful to all for assistance in caring for the new residents, and particularly for guidance on care of "critters" new to the farm: "The Rabbit Resource / House Rabbit Society helped us with rabbit donations and referrals and gave us some great direction on what to do with guinea pigs, or "cavies" as we learned their real identities; we never had them before and we had to learn real fast what to do with them to keep them healthy!"
Adoptions are going well; "Tulip" and another rescued goat, "Keli" were adopted and several more goats are spoken for. Ducks have found new homes and ten hens were adopted by Kris Steffen at Second Chance Wildlife - they'll provide much needed eggs for Kris' critters. Six guinea pigs now have loving homes and several of the 35 rescued rabbits have been placed in welcoming homes. Many of the animals were pregnant at the time they were rescued. Four baby guinea pigs were born last week and the farm is still awaiting the birth of several baby goats. All of these loving animals will need homes.
A very tired Cheri commented, "All are settling in and getting used to us and the crowds of people and volunteers. I'm pretty happy with their progress and I'm especially proud of how we handled the volume and came up with solutions to make everyone comfortable and well again! The volunteers and donations were amazing! Mark Plyter and the other animal cruelty officers were wonderful support through the case and the State Troopers that were there the day we picked up the animals were all a great help. I'd like to extend a great THANK EWE for all the help we've received with this case."
For information about the farm, donations, membership, events, or volunteer opportunities call 315-483-2493, e-mail crackerbpalace@netzero.net, or visit www.crackerboxpalace.org.
End