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Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Update from the Ranch: March 17, 2009It was recently brought to our attention that our last blog entry came in September of last year. That made us immediately
do a bit of a double take-- September? Of 2008? Really? There's always so much happening here at the Grace Foundation
so it seemed unreal we'd go so long without updating our blog. But that's probably part of the problem, when you think
about it. We went so long without updating our blog BECAUSE there's always so much happening. Anyway, please accept
our sincerest apology. We didn't forget about our readers-- honest! As you might expect, plenty of changes have
happened at the ranch since September. It's a little tough to choose where to start. The big "thing" at
the ranch right now is the horse care video series we've been working on. Yes, you read that correctly-- a video series
devoted entirely to horse care. It might sound like a lot of work... and it is. But given the way our economy is forcing the
modern horse owner to adapt, there's a definite need for something like this. Basically, this project is a video
series covering everything a new or veteran horse owner needs to know about taking care of their hoofed friend. And much to
our surprise, there's nothing else out there even remotely similar to this. We've brought on two new team members
(Michael and Jim, the two guys with cameras) to help us with this project, so say "Hi!" if you happen to see them
wandering around at the ranch. But with each passing day, we just get more and more done. So expect to see The Essential
Guide to Horse Care soon! We're also getting ready for a big public service announcement about our HERO
project. In case you don't remember, the HERO project is an owner outreach program which educates horse caregivers, provides
little to no cost medical care, even shelter to recovered horses. Just like our video series, the HERO project becomes much
more important by the way.
A big "Thank you!" to the Humane Society of the United States for helping
us with HERO! The final big project we're planning is a reality TV show about life at the ranch. We're still
in the discussion phase of this but we know the Grace Foundation is the perfect subject for a reality TV show-- on a daily
basis, our volunteers see life and death, joy and sorrow, humor and drama. So stay tuned to your TVs for more! That's
about all the time we have for right now. Duty calls! But thanks for reading and, as always, thank you for all of your help--
whether it's a nice letter or monetary donation, every little bit helps as we strive to make the world a better place
for all living things.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Long Time No SeeHello everyone, it has been a while since I wrote to all of you. I am sorry, but I have been a little selfish...Guess
what?? I am in LOVE! That is right --- Cupid's arrow came zooming through the air and aimed for my heart. Her name
is Savannah, and she is part of that Somerset case that has been all over the news. She is a beautiful Bay and a little older.
We take things slow, stand side by side by the food barrel, snooze in the sunlight, or go for little strolls in the pasture.
You can't tell that Savannah has a severe heart murmur. My friends....she is one lovely gal. Otherwise things are
pretty awesome too. I have gained about 450 lbs so far, and am feeling pretty good. I just recently saw myself on TV. Ryan
Gingerich's the "Behaviorist" just aired part one of two on RFD TV. It is unbelievable to me that I was THAT
skinny. Enough about me. Let me tell you about Morgan. Morgan came to the Grace Foundation about 2 years ago. She is
a former racing beauty. Morgan has been living with 4 other Grace horses at a beautiful foster facility just outside Jackson.
On Monday, September 1, 2008 Morgan got into a terrible accident. She broke through a wooden foot bridge with her hind legs.
Her foster father acted quickly and started to cut her out of her trap. Morgan sustained severe laceration due to the fall
on all four legs. Caretakers from the Grace Foundation rushed out to help. As it was a holiday weekend they had a difficult
time reaching a vet. Morgan had lost a lot of blood and was in very poor condition. The gals from Grace were able to get her
onto the trailer and rushed her to the hospital. Morgan is a very strong girl, and held on until they reached Willow Oak Equine
Clinic, where the vet team of Dr. Linda Harrison and her husband Butch did an outstanding job saving her. Morgan spend 5 days
in the hospital until they were able to take her back to the Grace Foundation. She is in good spirits and heading for a 6-8
month recovery. Her dressings need to be changed daily and she will be on heavy antibiotics and strong painkillers for a while.
I can't imagine what the cost is, and will be....but you know how dedicated the folks at the Grace Foundation are! If
I could ask a big favor of you all and keep Morgan in your thoughts and wish her well! Thank you! OK - I am off
to treat my lady on a walk! See you soon! ~D
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Danjo Reports - New Arrival at GraceGood day everyone, As I promised yesterday I am showing you the newest members of The Grace Foundation Family. Please meet Gavin
and Garrett, two calves that came in like me....a little skinny.  
Aren't they cute! These guys get the bottle several times a day,
and I am sure that pretty soon they will be looking much better. Oh, how much I love watching the wee-ones! OK - we are all gearing up for the 4th of July celebrations! My advise to you all.....Be
Safe!!! ~ D
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Danjo Reports - July 1, 2008 
Hello again, It is another sunny California day out here at the Grace Foundation. As I promised I'd
update you on the ranch life as I see it. See
the picture? As you can see I am still eating away. I put on about 150 lbs. and that brings my weight to about 892 lbs. and
still gaining. The farrier came by again today and I got another pedicure. 
Don't you think my toes look nice :). One of the sheep from the Somerset case had surgery today. His ear was swollen
and Dr.Russell had to eliviate the pressure. Lucky for him he has a girl friend that is keeping him company. Summer Camps is in session and there are so many kids out here every week.
I can't wait until I am well enough so I can participate in clinics with the kids. It seems that 2 calves are on their way in from Animal Control..Can't wait to take a
looksy at those little ones. I will let you know all about them when I see them. Until then... Yours always, ~ D
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Danjo Reports
Hello everyone,
My Name is Danjo. Strange name, isn’t it? Well, I am named after two of
the most wonderful people and supporters to the Grace Foundation, Dana and Joe of Roebbelen Construction. I arrived on June 9, 2008 at the Grace Foundation.
The great officers of El Dorado Animal Control were amazed that I was still walking, when they recued me from my previous
owner. Can you imagine I am about 600 lbs. underweight? Euthanasia was recommended, but the folks at the Grace Foundation
took a look at me and said “no way!” and called out Dr. Mike. After he took a good look at
me it was decided that I am a case of starvation, but otherwise I was ok, had good gut sounds, good heart beat and most of
all had a very healthy appetite. I am now a Grace
horse! YEAH!!!
Well, about two hours into my bowl of watered down senior grain this gentleman looked through
my stall door…..no other than Ryan Gingerich, the Behaviorist! Mr. Gingerich and his beautiful wife Gina, and fantastic crew Gary and Mark came to film for their show
on RFD TV. They were told that although I am a
bad case, that cases like me are not uncommon. In fact most of the residents here started somewhat looking like me, but many
of them are now proud school and therapy horses right here at the Grace Foundation. They get to be with the many children
at the ranch. On Wednesday June 11th
Mr. Gingerich and his crew finished up filming, and the most wonderful thing happened……Mr. Gingerich
presented my care takers with a generous donation and said that he is sponsoring me, even mentioning that after my recovery
I might find a home at his ranch in Missouri! How awesome is that?? Well, that is going to take some time, so I decided that
I will report from the Grace Foundation to you with little things that happen around here and keep you updated about myself.
Speaking of updates…. On June 10, 2008 we had a scare at the ranch. In the neighboring development they were
welding and sparks set the dry grass on fire. In a very short time close to 100 acres of the Grace Foundations land burned.
The flames were heading towards the buildings. The fire department did an excellent job controlling it and putting the fire
out. Everybody was ready to evacuate the kids from the horse camps and us, the residents. Animal Control and Neighbors came
to assist in anyway they could. It was so great to see that the Grace Foundation has so many supporters in the community!
Thank you all for being there!
 
On Tuesday last week I got my toes done. You know,
we never take enough time to thank the farriers for the great job they do. So, here it goes …. Thank you Bob and the
Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School for making me feel great, and supporting the Grace Foundation. Oh, and not to forget… I got the most fabulous bath with bubbles and all. The only thing missing was a rubber
ducky J. Let also talk about Tardanza, a Peruvian Paso that came in with the Somerset seizure. She was older, her supensories
terribly and irreversibly broken down. Tardanza was in excruciating pain everyday and she was so tired and depressed. The
team at the Grace Foundation fought for weeks to safe this mare, only to make the inevitable choice of finally alleviating
her anguish and letting her pass on to the special pasture. It was so sad to their broken hearts, I wish I can hug the
caregivers, and let them know it is ok. We are all so very grateful to them, even Tardanza. That is all for now. Please stay tuned for the next “Danjo Reports” Thank you and have a great day! ~D
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