Starting Over's AKI grant project, Construction of an additional shed for one of the rehabilitated donkey herds, grew to be much more than what we originally funded when we received donations to provide vet care for SoS horses and donkeys.
First, Starting Over's grant project built a shelter, which they so needed because of the record number of donkeys and horses rescued from conflict areas in Israel and Gaza. When SoS submitted their proposal, they had over 900 donkeys at the Starting Over Sanctuary. By the time they completed their project, over 1000 donkeys were living at the sanctuary.
The tent was constructed just in time. "We now have heavy rains here and they find important shelter underneath. The shed also allows us to provide them with dry food that does not get wet and lost. Hay is extremely expensive here," Sharon, SoS director, told us.
And there was more. When a kind AKI supporter wanted to help donkeys and horses, we thought that Starting Over's work in conflict areas fit perfectly with the donor's interests, and the donor agreed. The additional donation provided veterinary care for Bzik at the Beit Dagan Veterinary Hospital.
When Bzik was born to donkey Deborah (rescued in Gaza when she was pregnant), he was weak and couldn’t stand on his feet. On Bzik's first day in the world, SoS volunteer Yael milked Deborah, regularly and fed him, but when his condition got worse, Yael rushed him with his mom to the hospital.
After a week at the vet hospital receiving supportive care, Deborah and Bzik returned to the sanctuary and since then are doing very well.
Sharon told us that "We learned that rushing to the hospital can save lives and without the grant we would have needed to seek funds to cover the costs and that would have delayed Bzik's care. We are happy to see him healthy growing up with his mom by his side."
Bzik's and Deborah's story was such a happy one; a few of our supporters had seen it and they also wanted to help.
What serendipity! Just days after hearing from these donors, we heard from SoS about an emergency situation they were dealing with.
"AKI was amazing to come immediately to the rescue after they were alerted to the situation of Damka a small foal, who broke her leg completely and luckily was rescued and brought to safety by a caring combat soldier. She was rushed to Beit Dagan veterinary hospital and underwent hours long complex surgery. The surgery involved the insertion of two plates to repair her severe fracture. Unfortunately, the injury damaged a nerve, so her leg is currently supported by a splint. She is receiving regular physiotherapy, and a custom-made splint will be designed to support her leg, help her walk, and protect her healthy leg from strain."
Thanks to our wonderful supporters, we were able to fund Damka's surgery and hospitalization. Sharon said, "We are so happy to have her with us and happy to assist her with any ongoing treatment she still requires."
Sharon added, "As for Damka, we thank the soldier who rescued her, the medical team that operated her and our staff who takes care of her daily. It warms everyone’s heart to see her continued progress and growing up. She is still a work in progress due to the nerve damage that requires close medical attention. Damka is loved by our medical team and we tell her story to the many visitors. It is an example of how we can help animals in need and how helping them is bringing us joy and satisfaction."