Rescued from abuse or neglect or lately, simply unwitting victims of the economy, these horses found their way to CERA, Carolina Equine Rescue & Assistance. As you can imagine, caring for all these horses is time consuming and costly. Volunteers and donations are always highly valued at CERA. Established by Darlene in April 2008, CERA created a rescue
organization that not only worked with local
law enforcement in seizure and surrenders, but one that could help educate owners on how to properly care for their animals and hopefully avoid unlawful neglect. Darlene also wanted to be able to take in horses that were at risk due to hardship of their owners, almost eerily forecasting the current state of our economy and the rapidly increasing numbers of abandoned pets. And most of all, Darlene wanted all monies donated to CERA to remain in Union County to help the horses locally, unlike other rescues. CERA also works to educate horse owners, law enforcement and animal control on basic equine management
With today's tight economy, many are finding it harder to make donations, even to organizations they have traditionally supported. Make a commitment to volunteer at CERA each week. Not an experienced horse person? No problem, there are plenty of different tasks involved in caring for all the horses, many of which don't require extensive horse handling skills. Darlene has a book filled with photos and stories of all
the horses she has cared for over the last 3 years. “Each horse has its own story and most are heartbreaking to animal lovers like yourself. Each animal also has its own personalities, likes and dislikes. CERA attempts to treat each animal under its protection with tender loving care until it is ready to be placed in its forever home.”
Good quality horse hay is always in demand. Sold your horse and have a few bales left over you hadn't used up yet? Consider making a tax-deductible donation of your remaining bales to CERA.
