Stress, both environmental and physical, can cause painful gastric ulcers in horses. That is why when Hurricane Helene and Milton hit Florida, an equine rescue did everything they could to reduce the stress on their animals. 

Hope Equine Rescue in Winter Haven, Florida, cares for all sizes and aged equines. They have over twenty permanent residents and dozens more in rehab or in training to be put up for adoption. 

A senior horse named Blue is one of the rescue's permanent residents who spent years as a therapy horse. He was not being properly cared for and suffers from severe arthritis. He has a permanent home at the rescue and is finally getting the care he needs. 

When the hurricanes hit, the rescue made sure Blue was comfortable with a heavily bedded stall and pain medication. The stress was also taking a toll on his body and to prevent any further issues he received GastroGard, thanks to your donations. 

They told us, "Having access to GastroGard to treat and prevent ulcers has significantly improved his well-being. This wonderful horse, who has helped so many children, deserves everything we can do to make his final days as comfortable as possible. He is a beloved resident, and we are grateful for the grant that has enabled us to care for him."

A retired Thoroughbred racehorse named CC also benefited from the GastroGard donation. Ulcers can be found in roughly 90% of racehorses due to stress. CC was retired due to an injury and eventually found his way to Hope Equine Rescue. 

Shortly after Hurricane Milton, CC started to show signs of ulcers which include being lethargic, depressed, and less active. His training was paused to reduce any further physical stress on his body. 

Thanks to your donations he has recovered and is back to his energetic self. 

The rescue shared, "When the GastroGard arrived, we immediately started him on it. Within several days, he started acting normal. As seen in this photo, he loves to run. After a week, he returned to 100% and ran around his paddock like a Thoroughbred should!" 

CC is back in training and up for adoption. Learn more about the rescue and the horses they care for by visiting their website. 

Together with Greater Good Charities, 140 trucks filled with food, water, hygiene products, pet supplies, and more were delivered to some of the hardest hit areas after Hurricane Helene and Milton—delivering over $8.7MM worth of critically needed aid.

However, the need is still great as thousands of people and pets lost their homes and all their belongings. Join us in sending essential supplies and pet food to those impacted by the hurricanes. Donate today.