A volunteer-run non-profit rescue in Gainesville, FL.
Goats and Horses
Don the Goat Guy is a good friend of the folks at Phoenix Animal Rescue so when he decided to find more pet homes for his goats, PAR was happy to help. Don raises Boer goats and Tennessee Fainting goats .
As strange as "fainting goats" may sound, these little critters have actually served an historical purpose. Shepherds often kept the goats in with their flocks as insurance in case of predator attacks. The theory went something like this- as wolves would come down from the hills to attack a flock of sheep, the goats would become startled and, as the name of their breed implies, they would faint. The sheep would make a clean getaway, as the wolves would focus on the stunned goats rather than pursue the fleeing sheep. Not that wonderful if you were one of the goats, sure, but downright dandy if you happened to be a sheep.
This breed has several names - the most common are Myotonic, Tennessee Fainting, Nervous, and Scare goats. The names refer specifically to myotonia congenita, a condition in which the muscle cells experience prolonged contraction when the goat is startled. The transitory stiffness associated with these contractions can cause the goat to stop moving, stiffen, and even fall down. This is not a true faint, but a muscular phenomenon unrelated to the nervous system.
While bucks are available for adoption, it is strongly suggested adopters start with wethers (neutered males) or does.
Symphony, the day of her rescue.
Symphony, exactly one month later.
Update on Symphony: After sitting in a dirt lot for five years and mistreated by her owners, Symphony has shown herself to be a true diamond in the rough. She started training under an English rider, who revealed Symphony's dressage training. Whomever had Symphony before her last owners trained her in dressage and Symphony knows dressage moves typical of highly trained, very refined horses. We are so proud of our rescue girl, Symphony, and can't wait to post her dressage pictures and videos soon!
In December, 2006 the Director of Phoenix Animal Rescue came upon two horses being offered for sale. One was so emaciated that her ribs, hip bones, and tail bone were all sticking out. The other was scrawny and had a belly bloated with worms. Unable to leave them in their dirt lot, she paid a small sum for them, and took them home. They have both since been evaluated by a vet, vaccinated, had their teeth floated (Symphony), and started training (Gambler). While these two lucky horses are becoming permanent residents at Phoenix Animal Rescue, more horses may become available as funds allow. It costs approximately $135 per month to feed and rehabilitate a horse, not counting veterinary expenses. PAR is not a horse rescue group. However, when an animal is in need, PAR will step in to help however possible. PAR will continue its focus on dogs and puppies, but will be open to adding horses in need to the adoption program. To find wonderful horses in need of a good home in the Alachua County area, contact the Horse Protection Association of Florida at www.hpaf.org. PAR also encourages you to research PMU foals and mares, the "by products" of the production of Premarin, or pregnant mare urine. Mostly drafts or draft mixes, these horses are taken to slaughter houses if they are not rescued by a horse protection/rescue group.
Gambler, the day of his rescue.
Gambler has proven himself to be a wonderful student.
