Animals

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We Love You, Elle

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Tuesday, May 22, 2012. Today, we lost a wonderful free spirit. Elle, our amazing Belgian draft mare, passed away peacefully. Elle was over 27 years old and still full of life. Her mind was clear and her heart full of love until the end. Unfortunately, her body couldn’t keep up with her youthful soul. Elle suffered from arthritis and ring bone. After two major falls this past winter, we knew her next fall would be her last, but she surprised us all when she stood up by herself after two falls in 24 hours.

Elle was loved by all the Gress family and volunteers. She was the matriarch of the ranch, full of kindness and gentleness–a special horse that did it all for both people and animals. Everyone misses her dearly, but we know that Elle would want us to continue the important mission of helping animals and people.

Read Elle’s inspiring story on her MEMORIAL page.
Leave a dedication to Elle in our GUESTBOOK.

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Look Who’s New!

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Sunday, May 13, 2012. After hiding her eggs under the duck house for several weeks, Sunshine finally emerged with her ducklings!

We made a quick count…actually, it’s really hard to count ducklings. They all look the same and they never stop waddling, peeping and squirming! But we finally got a good head count. There are 12 new babies at the ranch!

“I nearly fainted from the cuteness!” said volunteer, Genevieve Chatel. Ben Gress simply said, “Twelve more ducks?” And Kathryn Gress has spent the past week rounding up fluffy little ones who keep escaping the duck pen. Screening has now been added to keep the babies safe.

Sunshine is an attentive mother and Poppa Shadow just wanders around the duck pen looking bemused.

Check out the duckling video. If you’d like to see these darlings in person CONTACT the ranch to volunteer. Visits are by appointment only.

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Meet Penny!

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Wednesday, April 25, 2012. A week ago, Ben and Kathryn woke at the crack of dawn to pick up…..drum roll….Yes! A GREAT PYRENEES Puppy coming on Transport from Tennessee to Pa….on the Last Chance Highway. Penny is a 5 month old Pyr puppy who is now fitting in very well at The Gress Mountain Ranch. Rocky is slowly adapting to his new little sister and we all hope that she will help to cheer him up. Rocky’s been a little sad since Kayla’s passing. But who can be sad with a beautiful friendly puppy around? Welcome Penny!