To give you a little background Michael Gelb president of The MatWorks Ltd. is not only a car fanatic but a horse lover as well. With Hunters and Jumpers, 2 Clydesdales, and 2 Bureau of Land Management Rescue Donkeys on the farm, Mike has a passion for animals.
Last year 2 horses were sent to Mike’s farm for rehabilitation. Both had been starved. Photos would be too upsetting to show. 1 horse was so weak it had to be lifted up every time it fell. Mary did not have enough muscle to get her self back up after falling or lying down. Knowing Mikes passion for animals and engineering knowledge, Dr Ken Marcella recommended the horses be sent to Mike’s farm. With 48 hours notice a stall had been outfitted with an overhead gantry crane, and a rolling portable A-frame with crane and generator were fabricated. On almost a daily basis for a month or two, Mike would be called out to the farm before sunrise to help raise Mary to her feet. If she fell during the day while out of her stall, the portable gantry would be used to lift her.
With all of this going on Mike started looking in to what services were available to help horses and other large animals in distress. Upon selling one of his race cars GA Large Animal 911 was formed. A true non-profit organization with 501c3 paper work submitted.
As of right now Mike has put together the following: 2007 Chevrolet 4500 crew cab hauler, 44 foot gooseneck trailer, 6X6 Polaris Ranger, Glide rescue sled for transporting sedated animals, Becker rescue slings, Becker deep water rescue slings, 3 different size padded head protectors used to protect the heads of animals during a rescue, Jaws of life cutting, spreading and jack system, Custom portable 20 foot portable aluminum gantry, Honda 6500 generator, 2 ton electric hoist, 2 pneumatic air bags large enough to lift a flipped trailer, small chain saw, large chain saw, steel and concrete saw, portable lighting, and multiple ladders and hand tools. The Trailer is also equipped with a stainless steel work area with hot and cold water for veterinarians to work in.
Being a non-profit organization, and not requiring payment for rescues GA Large Animal 911 will have to rely on donations to exist. For this reason we will be out displaying our rescue unit when ever possible. We want to spread the word on how important it is to have a rescue team in all areas heavily populated by horses and other large animals as well as continue our fund raising activities.
Once we receive our 501c3 documentation, all donations made to us, weather financial or in parts and equipment will be fully tax deductible!