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Surprise donation helps horse rescue feed, tend to abused equines

Christmas this year brought a special surprise for horse rescuer and rehabilitator Holly Plunkett, who operates Plunkett Ranch Rescue...
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Holly Plunkett

Christmas this year brought a special surprise for horse rescuer and rehabilitator Holly Plunkett, who operates Plunkett Ranch Rescue just outside of Stettler.

Two of her friends spent the month of December hand-making and selling cabbage rolls and perogies, donating the money to Plunkett and her rescue without letting her know beforehand.

Plunkett found out when the pair, Jennifer Courtepatte and Deanne Wittmack, came to visit on Wednesday, Dec. 21.

"It came out of the blue," Plunkett said. "I didn't even know about it, I didn't even expect it."

The two Barrhead friends raised $1,000 for the rescue by selling pans of cabbage rolls for $14, and perogies at $1/each. Each perogy and cabbage roll was hand made, meaning that not only were the delicious European delicacies inexpensive for shoppers, they were time-laborious for the makers.

"The money will be mostly used for feed and veterinary bills," Plunkett said, though some will go to other housekeeping needs that come up during the rescue's day to day operation. "It also goes to the farrier and chiropractor."

For Plunkett, the money is very welcome, as feed and veterinary costs are higher in the winter. Though she only has one horse right now, she knows there are a potential two in the wings that are just waiting to be brought to her ranch to begin recovery. One is in very "emaciated" state, she said.

"Without donations, we couldn't keep the rescue going," she said. "We do a lot of rehabilitation, so it's not a quick process of simply helping the horse become healthy again. What this means for us is we can help that extra horse we couldn't afford on our own. We can get the extra supplements, the different therapies needed ... there honestly isn't the words to describe what it helps with."

Other organizations and individuals donate feed, hay, tack, blankets and other items that are sorely needed and greatly appreciated, Plunkett said.

The rescue ran a small fundraiser in early December challenging Stettler-area residents to donate their morning coffee money, which raised $140 for the rescue.

"That money is being used today to x-ray a horse's foot," Plunkett said. "The foot has had an abscess on it for months and it wasn't being cared for by its previous owner."

Anyone interested in helping out can find Plunkett Ranch Rescue on social media and contact Plunkett for more information.