We are still evacuated and we continue to monitor the fire information. The fire is about 24,000 acres and 8% contained (as of Friday 9/13 afternoon). The weather is definitely cooperating with higher humidity, a marine layer and much cooler temps (78°). As soon as the warning is lifted, we will begin the process of returning to the ranch. We’re hoping it’s this weekend but we’re not sure.
12 horses are at Serrano: Garnet, Venus, Ladybug, Sierra, Star, Andromeda and Tillie are in temporary stalls and they are pretty happy about being with each other. Gypsy, Ulysses, Ollie, Ruby, and Darcy are in individual stalls.
Serrano has been so fantastic, helping us through this difficult time with feeding and caring for the horses. We’ve been able to turn everyone out in Serrano’s nice big arenas and round pens.
Ulysses has made a friend next to him named Soda, who is a branded BLM Mustang. Gypsy has also made a friend.
Lou Dillon, Gabriel, Hope and little Abe the mule are at our friend Kelley’s house in Orange.
Lou Dillon is doing ok and we are keeping a close eye on him. He witnessed everything that happened with Quixote and he got to say goodbye. Horses have a sense about these things and they often display acceptance much quicker than us humans.
Volunteer Susan normally spends a lot of time with Lou Dillon so this week she has gone up to Kelley’s house everyday to keep him company. She brings him carrots too. We walked him around Kelley’s property and he was able to say hello to quite a few horses, which he truly enjoys because Lou Dillon is a friend to everyone! (Although he’s partial to the ladies).
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- Visiting Lou Dillon
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- “I miss my friend but I’m ok.” – Lou Dillon
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- “Do you have my lunch?”
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- Lunch time.
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- “My regards to the chef.”
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- “I am being helpful by cleaning up all the extra hay that is around the stalls.” – Lou Dillon.
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- “How much longer do I need to stay here?” – Gabriel. (we changed his fly mask after this because he somehow got burrs all over it and in his hair).
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- Little Abe (right) was rescued with a few other orphan foals. Serenity (left) was one of them so Abe has been very content with being displaced. They are both very happy to see each other and hang out.
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- Ruby, surveying her empire at Serrano.
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- Ladybug getting some exercise in one of Serrano’s round pens.