Rescue Pets of Florida

Many people know that Rescue Pets of Florida, Inc. an all volunteer animal rescue started a farm division last year to help save and rehabilitate horses and other pet farm animals. Just like many in our area, our farm got hit by Hurricane Milton and our bunny hutch, duck enclosure, a an entire shed containing donations and most importantly part of our fences were destroyed. We really need help for the rebuild asap, as we have farm animals roaming the entire property including being able to get on the highway. And the best part is all donations are tax deductible and you are sent a receipt right from go fund me with our 501c3 number.

We currently house and care for on the property 12 horses, 4 cows (including a Watusi, and 2 babies), 2 goats, 2 sheep, 7 pigs (including 3 piglets), 1 mini donkey, 3 burros, 7 dogs(owned and fosters) 10 cats(also owned and fosters, two were rescued just from the last storm ) 12 ducks, 5 bunnies, our cockatoos and our 23 year old cockatiel.

This is an account from our volunteer care giver on the property: Hurricane Milton

The night was long… The wind was insane… The eye went over us (or just next to us) as a category 2 hurricane.

We had been getting slammed with 40 to 100 mph wind gust all night. Each time I thought the roof is coming off, how will I keep the inside animals safe if that happens? So many alarms, Tornado alarms, Highwind alert alarms.

I could hear from the house we’ve lost roofs, not sure who’s or how many... and if the animals are safe. It was so dark, no power, you just hear wind and rain hitting the windows. I could hear metal twisting, ripping and flapping around.

The wind that sounds like a freight train coming through.

I have to reiterate evacuating from this storm was not an option, and I’m not going to take some and leave some, we prepared the best we could and hope for the best.

Zero deaths, or injuries, for that we are blessed.

I live on property with the animals, and the wind was so bad the house was shaking and howling from the wind, we lost skirting and siding and have multiple leaks, including the volunteer room and bathroom, it was like a water fall in the back part of the house. Not sure how much of my personal items are salvageable. We lost a shed, but the other two sheds are intact with water seepage at the doors, not sure what has damage just yet. I’m sure we had a small tornado come through. We have lost trees, big limbs and fences.

We are currently lake Milton . . . but the water is starting to run off.

Overnight, I could not wait for the wind to slow down or just stop!! just so I can check on all the horses and animals to make sure they’re ok.

It is going to be a lot of work to clean up, and get the animals’ houses back in shape and safe for them. (Complete rebuilds) I’m sure this is going to be expensive to fix.

Insurance is not going to cover the farm buildings, if you live in Florida you know that even home owners insurance is almost impossible these days so, that will be an undertaking in it’s self to get the home damage fixed (and for another day).

My focus is the animals and getting them their homes back.

All donations will go towards rebuilding better stronger structures, replacing the fence, for future storms, and also to replace feed & hay that has been ruined in the storm.

Our immediate need is:

The repairs and replacement of the fencing.

To rebuild the bunny hutch, as they are currently on temp cages.

To rebuild the duck habitat as they are just loose and easy picking for predators.

To replace damaged and lost supplies including

Hay (the ground is a lake)

Absorbent pellets

Shavings

A new shed

Please donate what you can, and please feel free to share this fundraiser.

If you live in the Plant City area or in surrounding areas and you want to help, we are desperate for physical labor at the farm, including:

Help cutting up limbs and trees.

Help remove broken building and structures.

Help rebuilding buildings and structures.

Clearing and removing debris.

It will be so appreciated! Clean up will start 9am all three days, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Follow us on Facebook and meet all the babies. Horse’N around with Rescue Pets of Florida.

Thank you!!