We here at LittleThings love inspirational stories about animal rescues and the incredible people who get involved to help save our animal friends. Beth Miner of Mystic, IA is an incredible woman who has dedicated her life to making sure rescued farm animals are taken care of, and she's inspired countless other to make sure that they take better care of their own animals.
But now, an unfortunate fire has destroyed the barn at her nonprofit animal rescue, Heart for Hooves. The fire killed several of her animals and has left 20 horses, several goats, and a llama without a place to live.
LittleThings spoke to Beth exclusively to help her figure out how she can rebuild her her life, and to see how we could help.
Beth is currently working with volunteers in temperatures below zero degrees and 35 mph winds. She's working hard to build temporary lean-tos of wood and plastic sheeting to house the animals until another permanent shelter can be purchased.
The barn was insured, but "they will cover depreciated value, not replacement." Her home owners insurance will cover the contents of the barn up to their depreciated value, but they are dependent upon donations so they can "get a new barn put up. A little bigger and a whole lot better."
Please, please visit the Heart for Hooves Facebook page, where you can learn about donations, how you can help, and see photos of her gorgeous animals. Please SHARE Beth's story so that she can rebuild her barn as soon as possible.
Special thanks to 13 WHO TV for bringing this story to our attention. Please read on, because there's so much more to this story…
Beth has been assisting with rescues for nearly 10 years, but she received non-profit status officially in 2013.
In the words of Heart for Hooves, "It is our goal to rescue and rehabilitate hooved animals. And to bring them together with their human companions."
Not only did she lose the structure itself, the nonprofit lost $2,500 worth of feed, 50 squares of hay, all of their feeding buckets, uncountable pieces of equipment, and many large bales that were were destroyed by smoke and water damage.
Most terribly, her nanny goats and five baby goats were all killed in the fire. There are still dozens of animals suffering in temporary shelters as you read this.
Suzie, their mascot goat, survived, but she is pregnant and due to give birth in 10 to 20 days. This nanny goat does not yet have a permanent place for her kids to be born.
Adorable Shetland pony Reba seems camera shy here, but she's not afraid of public events. Beth and Heart for Hooves use Reba to help bring attention to the importance of taking care of the animals you already own. Reba was born with a crooked spine because her mother was most likely malnourished.
Beth is not only making a difference in the lives of animals, she's also helping humans, including several youths in the area who come from difficult home situations.
If there are kids in the area who need a place to stay until their home issues are resolved, she'll help them out with temporary shelter. She teaches them "how to use screw guns and hammers to build."
She points out that there's no official program in place, but she'll give them a place to stay in exchange for their help around the farm.
The kids learn to "intermingle," bond with the animals and do minor repairs around the farm as they get back on their feet. She's not giving free rides though. "If you're staying with us, you're working with us," she said.
Charlie the llama is another mascot who comes to all of their events, because it's clear that no one can say "no" to a face like this!
If you've lost a pet, you know how devastating that feeling is. Heart for Hooves has lost several of its animals and with subzero temperatures at night, they could possibly lose more.
This organization wants to "go to the public and provide awareness of what abuse, neglect, and abandonment are. We must also educate on why good animal care is a must and the results from the lack of it."
Beth, her employees, and her volunteers are keeping faith and holding on, but the struggle is tough. The temperatures are worse than frigid, and she must face the charred ruins of the last 10 years of her life's work. Please help them in whatever way you
Please visit their Facebook page to learn how you can help. If you can not help financially or with donations, then take a few seconds to SHARE and help raise awareness.
