Manchester Life 2017 | Page 83

refreshers . She recently received a unique certification for dog strength and conditioning training that focuses on a dog ’ s fitness in order to help them lead healthier and happier lives . For these classes , you ’ ll see equipment similar to that in a yoga studio – think balance balls !
Now celebrating their 30th anniversary , Pets Etc . is a local shopping destination . It carries the latest products and triedand-true favorites for four-legged animals , two-legged animals , and no-legged animals ( check out their aquarium section ). Join them for their birthday party at the end of July featuring games , giveaways , contests , and food for both animals and humans .
609 Depot St ., Manchester . 802-362-5447 or www . petsetcvt . com
dorset equine rescue
Dorset resident Jen Straub was on vacation and during an evening walk with her husband passed by a group trying to wrangle close to 40 wild mini horses that were starving and in need of care . Jen had always owned horses growing up , but hadn ’ t had one in some time when this incident inspired her to do something . The couple ended up becoming foster parents for two of those mini horses that they named Daisy and Duke .
Flash forward six years and Jen and the staff at Dorset Equine Rescue are fielding several phone
Miniature Rescue Horses at Dorset Equine Rescue
calls and emails each week from people all over the East Coast trying to rehome horses in need . The rescue does their best to take in as many animals as they can that come from law enforcement seizures , kill auctions , and private relinquishments .
Dorset Equine Rescue currently operates out of the barn at Jen ’ s home as well as the barn of Dorset resident Connie Blatchford . In all , they only have space for about 14 animals ( including horses , ponies , donkeys , and even goats ) and rely on the generosity of the local community to help with elements like transportation , daily feeding and care , and medical bills . Several other DER horses are currently in foster care due to special needs or space restrictions .
LISA CUEMAN
Caring volunteers come to the barns multiple times every day to help with the animals before they find their forever homes .
Caring volunteers come to the barns multiple times every day to help with the animals before they find their forever homes . Jen and DER are very careful when it comes to finding the right home for the right horse where they will be well cared for , and they often employ a considerable amount of training to ensure an animal is ready to place . Recognizing that the needs of each horse are different depending on a number of factors , they may go on to thrive in environments as a trail horse , jumper , or equine companion .
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