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The name is an oxymoron.
Lucky came to the Forget-Me-Not Horse Rescue and Sanctuary in Linn Creek a fallen horse. He had been road foundered, and left along side the road by his owner to die. He was unable to stand on his feet because of hoof wall separation. He had developed several “bed sores” from struggling to stand.
“He had lost a large amount of weight and his eyes showed that he had almost lost hope hat he would be rescued,” explained Connie Hendrix, owner of the rescue sanctuary.
After being told by several veterinarians and farriers that Lucky was beyond help, Hendrix and her entourage of support were guided through a holistic treatment that saved his life. His will to live helped him pull through despite his health issues.
“I’ve always been an animal lover,” Hendrix said.
Forget-Me-Not came to be when Hendrix became aware of horses in the lake area that needed a safe haven when they were no longer wanted or useful. Some horses are holder that were used and abused, and then thrown aw3ay when no longer useful, Hendrix explained.
As owner of Connie’s Dog Grooming, Hendrix has a passion for helping dogs and horses. Her interest in horses is rooted in her dog rescue business, which transitioned into horses when people turned to her for help. Today, she gets calls from law enforcement officials, from people who know of abused and abandoned horses and from horse owners who just can’t deal with the expense and care.
“We very seldom have to put a horse down,” Hendrix said.
Nearly every horse is rehabilitated and offered for adoption. The rest are part of her menagerie at the farm near Linn Creek. Hendrix said adoptive families are closely matched with the horse. She estimates she has placed between 20 and 30 horses in homes over the years. Those that remain at the farm are available for sponsorships by individuals or families who want to help and who want the experience of owning a horse. The sponsorship income helps cover costs.
Hendrix has been rescuing horses in the lake area for 15 years, and to date has handled the expenses herself. Her dog grooming business has helped support the horse sanctuary. But now, she says, she needs help. Her friends told her to have a fundraiser.
As a result, a BBQ Contest, silent auction and feast will be held Sunday at The Tailgate Party in Osage Beach.
Chris Schultz at Tailgate helped Hendrix with the last rescue, and offered his place of business for the benefit.
“It’s to the point now that I can’t afford it, and the number of horses we’re learning about is increasing, and winter is coming on,” she explained. “It’s an on-going problem and it gets kind of overwhelming at times.”
Donations of money, hay and grain are always accepted.
Hendrix says she’s especially thankful for the help from Mike and Donna Ogle, and from veterinarians Barry Leek of Osage Beach and Mark Markway of Eldon.
“It doesn’t matter to me if the horse is viable or not, if they have a medical problem or not,” Hendrix explained. “We’ll take them. We just find a way to do it.”
Forget-Me-Not Horse Rescue & Sanctuary provides care and rehabilitation to severely abused, neglected and abandoned horses and offers adoption options to qualified providers. It’s a pending not-for-profit organization, and Hendrix said she has applied for 501(c)3 status.
To make a donation, contact Hendrix at 573-346-0147 or 573-216-3838; or email at bluemoon28@hughes.net or connie@missouriforgetmenot.com.
The name is an oxymoron.
Lucky came to the Forget-Me-Not Horse Rescue and Sanctuary in Linn Creek a fallen horse. He had been road foundered, and left along side the road by his owner to die. He was unable to stand on his feet because of hoof wall separation. He had developed several “bed sores” from struggling to stand.
“He had lost a large amount of weight and his eyes showed that he had almost lost hope hat he would be rescued,” explained Connie Hendrix, owner of the rescue sanctuary.
After being told by several veterinarians and farriers that Lucky was beyond help, Hendrix and her entourage of support were guided through a holistic treatment that saved his life. His will to live helped him pull through despite his health issues.
“I’ve always been an animal lover,” Hendrix said.
Forget-Me-Not came to be when Hendrix became aware of horses in the lake area that needed a safe haven when they were no longer wanted or useful. Some horses are holder that were used and abused, and then thrown aw3ay when no longer useful, Hendrix explained.
As owner of Connie’s Dog Grooming, Hendrix has a passion for helping dogs and horses. Her interest in horses is rooted in her dog rescue business, which transitioned into horses when people turned to her for help. Today, she gets calls from law enforcement officials, from people who know of abused and abandoned horses and from horse owners who just can’t deal with the expense and care.
“We very seldom have to put a horse down,” Hendrix said.
Nearly every horse is rehabilitated and offered for adoption. The rest are part of her menagerie at the farm near Linn Creek. Hendrix said adoptive families are closely matched with the horse. She estimates she has placed between 20 and 30 horses in homes over the years. Those that remain at the farm are available for sponsorships by individuals or families who want to help and who want the experience of owning a horse. The sponsorship income helps cover costs.
Hendrix has been rescuing horses in the lake area for 15 years, and to date has handled the expenses herself. Her dog grooming business has helped support the horse sanctuary. But now, she says, she needs help. Her friends told her to have a fundraiser.
As a result, a BBQ Contest, silent auction and feast will be held Sunday at The Tailgate Party in Osage Beach.
Chris Schultz at Tailgate helped Hendrix with the last rescue, and offered his place of business for the benefit.
“It’s to the point now that I can’t afford it, and the number of horses we’re learning about is increasing, and winter is coming on,” she explained. “It’s an on-going problem and it gets kind of overwhelming at times.”
Donations of money, hay and grain are always accepted.
Hendrix says she’s especially thankful for the help from Mike and Donna Ogle, and from veterinarians Barry Leek of Osage Beach and Mark Markway of Eldon.
“It doesn’t matter to me if the horse is viable or not, if they have a medical problem or not,” Hendrix explained. “We’ll take them. We just find a way to do it.”
Forget-Me-Not Horse Rescue & Sanctuary provides care and rehabilitation to severely abused, neglected and abandoned horses and offers adoption options to qualified providers. It’s a pending not-for-profit organization, and Hendrix said she has applied for 501(c)3 status.
To make a donation, contact Hendrix at 573-346-0147 or 573-216-3838; or email at bluemoon28@hughes.net or connie@missouriforgetmenot.com.
The fundraiser
Barbecue contestants are wanted for Sunday’s big event at The Tailgate Party on Highway 54 in Osage Beach. Food cooked will be served to the public.
Anyone wanting to compete is asked to contact Chris Schultz at The Tailgate Party, 348-2700. There’s a $60 per team entry fee, which includes the meat. A team meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Friday. It’s not too late.
Grilling starts no later than 7 a.m. Sunday and judging is at 2 p.m. Cost to the public is $6 per plate, and other specials will be available.
There is a silent auction, pony rides and other activities. There also will be a raffle for a 42-inch Vizio television.
Silent auction items include jewelry, a trolling motor, fishing poles and lures, bedding, a membership to Curves, two nights at a deluxe lakefront condo, a twin headboard and gift certificates to various restaurants and others too numerous to mention. More than 130 items have been donated to date.
