Outside of my professional role, the equestrian world has been a huge part my life for the past decade. While I had not expected that my obsession with horses would cross over into the FIT/WB Hurricane Ian effort, it began to quickly make sense in this case. But before I explain why, I want to share a story of the “unicorn” who has been a source of inspiration for all of us who have met him and love him.
Leading through high-waters
Goose is an older, grey horse who prior to the hurricane lived out his days walking freely on his family’s 25 acres [that was severely damaged in the storm]. Oftentimes he would “knock” at the window to let his owner Dakota know that he wanted her to come outside. He has the personality more like a dog than a horse. Goose and Dakota have been together since his previous owner – Dakota’s close friend, died in a small airplane crash.
When the post-hurricane flash flooding began to inundate Venice and Arcadia, Dakota and her family were asked to help coordinate high-water rescues of area horses through the dangerous flood waters. Even after rescuing and relocating their own 50 horses to safety, [including Goose] they have spent countless hours rescuing, transporting, and later caring for these horses.
Dakota leading one of many high-water rescues.
[Image credit: Leigh Ann Griffith]
Time in those toxic waters is incredibly hard on these horses and it has left Goose suffering with painful abscesses and walking is nearly impossible for him. He is not the only one suffering. Horses exposed to these conditions have skin that painfully sloughs off, have puncture wounds from debris, and suffer rapid weight loss from the stress.
FOX LEA EQUESTRIAN SUPPORT
There are now over 100 horses at Fox Lea where we have been asked to help support donations and operations. I spent time with about half of them including Goose, who even in pain, is usually in great spirits and mostly just wants lots of love. And still there were moments we were afraid we were losing him. So far, he continues to bounce back.
So, why the horses? Fox Lea Farm is where the rescued horses are being stabled and cared for. All the owners have lost a great deal in the hurricane and/or the subsequent tornado and flooding that followed. Fox Lea set up a donations management operation to support the needs of large animals across the southwest Florida region.
FIT designs innovative donations and shelter management solution with impacted communities - this community happened to include friends and their equine family members. I have responded to various disasters alongside FIT where we have supported donations management solutions and I’m humbled by the invitation to support such a powerful community-led response and recovery.
We have set up an Amazon list for direct donations for those wishing to give here.
As part of the recovery, we will work together with the community to modify the FIT shelter management model to include large animals based on the lessons learned in Hurricane Ian. This will provide a digital blueprint for communities to develop their own shelter and donations management plan.
With gratitude,
Angela Devlen
Founder + CEO Wakefield Brunswick
WE WILL CONTINUE TO TRY TO PROVIDE REGULAR UPDATES REGARDING OUR HURRICANE IAN RESPONSE AND WAYS THAT YOU CAN SUPPORT OUR EFFORTS.
Visit our Hurricane Ian Response page for more information and to read past updates.
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