The snows of fierce March weather have finally melted and signs of spring are appearing in bright sunshine daffodils beginning to bloom at the sanctuary. This winter was relatively mild by Northeast standards, with the exception of a few knock-out-the-power, snow-up-to-your-eyebrows storms. We survived the Great Arctic Freeze in February with temperatures reaching -15 degrees below zero. The dogs refused to venture out in the chill, preferring to do their business in the house, thank you very much. We silently blessed the inventor of puppy training pads. Barn Manager Brenda Izzo arrived dressed for an expedition to Antartica and dealt with frozen water buckets and pipes. Thank you Brenda! The horses were bundled up in warm winter blankets with access to shelter, happily kicking out fence rails for entertainment.

him around. We knew he would not fight for space in the run-in shed, so we brought him into a stall just before the high winds and precipitation commenced. How nice to have a stall with plenty of hay and a warm mash all to yourself, right?? Haha! What silly heads we are! Lou immediately commenced a vehement protest, yelling and circling his stall punctuated by forceful kicks to the door. Wyatt, munching hay two stalls down, was delighted to have an accomplice in creating mischief and responded with syncopated kicks on the walls of his own stall. The effect was rather like sitting in the kettle drum section of the orchestra during a performance of the Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique. We kept our resolve and expressed a fervent wish that the barn still be standing in the morning. The day after the storm we let Lou back out in the paddock where he gleefully romped in 300 feet of snow and kicked down a fence rail for good measure.

But enough about winter. We're tired of snow. So there's a wonderful Italian film that was released several years ago entitled "Meno male che ci sei" which translates to "I'm Glad You're Here." It's the story of two strangers unwillingly thrown together and facing continued challenges from life. They begin to help one another and gradually their resentment turns to gratitude for the mutual support. The importance of this film is not so much the story line, but the phrase "I'm glad you're here." It had a powerful effect on Founder Susan Bandy. The Lily Pond was started in 2015 as a sanctuary to provide a lifetime home to otherwise unwanted, un-adoptable animals. We have created a house of belonging. Every day, Susan tells the animals "I'm glad you're here" while petting a cat or walking a dog. The animals need assurance that their lives matter; that there is a place of safety on the planet where they belong... especially the horses saved from the kill pen. Eight years later, we continue our mission with 51 animals currently in our care. Rescue works. Your support makes a difference. We're glad you're here.

It was a mild autumn day when we got a call from the Standardbred Retirement Foundation (SRF), a non-profit organization that raises funds to save horses from shipping to slaughter by bailing them from kill pens and rehoming them. We were notified because a 17-year-old ex-race horse named Super Tuesday had landed in a kill pen in New York.

Super Tuesday in the kill pen

This was not just any race horse. He was a champion with 137 starts: 22 wins; 14 seconds and placing third 23 times, generating $67,502 in earnings. Not only could this horse compete, he has a steller pedigree with Runningtobe Aqueen as his dam and Presidential Ball as his sire. Presidential Ball is a Harness Racing Hall of Fame champion who earned over $3 million in winnings during his career. SRF was working to raise bail for Super Tuesday and asked if we could provide him a home. The Lily Pond would be responsible for the cost of his transport, quarantine, vetting, and lifetime care. We agreed. Super Tuesday would be quarantined at Vindonah Horse Shelter, run by expert horsewoman Liz Ingersoll. We began preparing for his arrival, only to discover that SRF had not been able to raise any bail funds. Zero. We were piloting a flight into the heart of darkness to save a life, stuck in the runway revving our engines. The clock was ticking.

Sophie Newsome & Rory Tice from

Cooper's Daughter Spirits

Susan Bandy at the Cooper's Daughter Spirits anniversary party. This photo was taken minutes after she directed the release of Super Tuesday.

donation jar. And then Candice and Noy Korish walked up to our table. After studying the poster, Candice stated, "We want to save this horse. How much do you need?" Susan explained the costs and listened in grateful dismay when Candice responded, "Done. A check is on the way." Boom. Cleared for takeoff. All systems go. While patrons were chatting and laughing over delicious cocktails, Susan texted Liz and SRF: "We just raised bail for Super Tuesday. Pull him." They immediately went to work contacting the kill buyer to arrange for Tuesday's release.That night, a life was saved. And that is an awesome thing. The next day, appropriately a Tuesday, our champion

Liz Ingersoll from Vindonah Horse Shelter

Hogues Best Sunday in the kill pen

Vindonah, Hogue refused to load into the trailer. He was terrified of being taken back to the hellish kill pen. So Tuesday was loaded first and Hogue was willing to follow him. A storm was brewing, compromising road conditions. Erin safely navigated the 4-hour freedom ride, staying just ahead of the squalling snow and gusting winds. Super Tuesday and Hogue stepped off the trailer to a chorus of welcoming neighs and stomps from

Super Tuesday steps off the trailer at

The Lily Pond Sanctuary

Hogues Best Sunday in the paddock at

The Lily Pond Sanctuary

our herd. True to the sweet personality of the Standardbred, they made friends quickly. It was evident that they were used to sitting low in the herd hierarchy, letting Max and Trooper boss them around and gulp down their food. So we moved them into their own stalls and paddock where they could eat in peace. Our first goal with Super Tuesday was to get his weight up. Hogue was more complicated, stuck in a depression and in need of emotional healing. We nicknamed him Hogie Bear, offered reassurance and showered him with affection. The other horses also made gestures of support. Just as Lou de Fontaine helped Thunder gain confidence when he arrived, Thunder in turn befriended Hogue, often nuzzling and playing with him over the fence line. We can almost hear Thunder whispering in Hogue's ear, "It's going to be okay friend. It's going to be okay."

We would like to express our gratitude to a community that came together to save a life. Special thanks to Cooper's Daughter Spirits and Supreme Soft Serve for fundraising on behalf of The Lily Pond; to Candice and Noy Korish and The Michalwicz Family Charitable Fund for their generous grant that purchased Super Tuesday's freedom; and to Liz Ingersoll and Erin Brodeur, who cared for our boys and brought them safely home.

Moon greeting Hogue

Super Tuesday

Thunder befriending Hogue

Won't you please consider sponsoring one of these horses with a monthly donation? They have been through so much and deserve the best care we can give! 

Sponsorship is tax deductible and sponsors receive regular updates and a gift.

Thank You!

Simon Says

Sweetie is the friendliest of the two, which is a relative thing since neither care to be pet. Sweetie's visage is illuminated by uniquely orange colored eyes and her gaze is intense. She also has an issue with her back legs that causes her to toddle in a wobbly fashion when she's running, either away from a human or towards a handful of treats. We find her wobbly trot cute and endearing.

Twinkles has a pink, heart shaped nose and a set of green peepers that are more likely to shoot lightening bolts than twinkle. This gal does not appreciate human contact. Nope. Nope. Nope. She will launch into the stratosphere clawing at air molecules in an attempt to avoid being pet. We are grateful that both sisters like the company of other cats and have mellowed considerably since their arrival. We're pretty confident that warm, snuggly cat beds and 24/7 access to food is an improvement over the concrete jungle they survived prior to their arrival. So please join us in welcoming Simon, Twinkles and Sweetie to our family!

We recently had to say goodbye to three beloved members of The Lily Pond family. These transitions are never easy... in fact they are devastating. One of the most difficult aspects of animal rescue is grieving the loss of their passing - a challenge we face regularly given our focus on seniors, special needs, and hospice care. We also acknowledge the privilege of supporting an animal as they cross over into the next phase of their soul's journey. These moments are sacred and full of grace. We find comfort in the special memories we shared with our beloved four-legged friends and the fact that they were living their best life with us... safe, well fed and cared for, and loved.

Always loved.

Sedley with his best friend Buttercup

the window then slowly amble back to my side. Speaking of windows, Sedley was an avid bird watcher, chattering softly when they landed within view. Simply put, Sedley exuded the energy of quiet contentment.

It was after Thanksgiving that Sedley's health began to decline. We made a vet appointment and were heartbroken to learn that his kidneys were shutting down. Time flew so fast. I was with him in his final hours, cradled next to me with Buttercup also by his side when he crossed the Rainbow Bridge the night of December 8th. An old and wise soul, Sedley made the world a better place. He is deeply missed.

Thank you Sedley for being such a special friend and part of our family.

Your gentle loving presence was a comfort to us all.

May you rest in peace. ❤️🌈💫

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

onto a truck and shipped her East. This was her only interaction with humans before arriving at her adoptive home. Zoom's person worked to rehabilitate and train the young filly, with much success. Moon and Zoom spent many happy years together with their previous owner until a relocation to a smaller property necessitated finding them a new place to live. We agreed to provide them a forever home where they are not required to ride and will be able to stay together for the rest of their lives.

Brenda Izzo & Zoom

Moon saying goodbye to Zoom

Susan Bandy & Zoom

It was March of 2022 when we observed that Zoom was losing weight. We increased both amount and caloric content of her food, without noticeable improvement. Puzzled, we call the veterinarian who was not able to identify the cause of her weight loss. And then she developed digestive issues and abnormal manure. We transferred her to a stall for closer observation, following the veterinarian's suggested protocols. And then she became dangerously dehydrated. We rushed her to Rhinebeck Equine Clinic, where a battery of tests and an intestinal biopsy were performed. We received the diagnosis in stunned silence: intestinal cancer. Terminal. We discussed options with her medical team. They had been able to stabilize her and were willing to let her return home with a special diet and medications to keep her comfortable for whatever time she had remaining.

Zoom was delighted to rejoin her herd, prancing around the paddock with pep in her step. There were good days and bad days, but we were able to keep her comfortable enough to enjoy a lovely summer in the sunshine. We worried about how she would survive another winter and hoped for the best. But on the first cold day of Autumn, Zoom went down in her stall. The medication wasn't enough to control her pain or keep her digestive track running smoothly. We saw the look in her eyes. Our hearts broke. We made the call to the veterinarian and our Zoomie Girl was peacefully transitioned surrounded by her horse and human friends. She is deeply missed, but we are so grateful for the extra months of a sunny and peaceful summer with her.

Thank you Zoomie Girl for joining our family. Your sweet friendship was a joy.

May you run free with the Horse Spirit Herd in the sky. ❤️🌈💫

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

KABUKI arrived with Patches on a cold December day in 2021. They had each been rescued from a feral colony, living with their rescuer. When she was diagnosed with cancer, she contacted The Lily Pond, as neither were strong adoption candidates due to their feral nature and special needs.

An older fellow with a perpetual grumpy expression, Kabuki was not interested in people and displayed an impressive ability to hiss and scratch. But he did enjoy the company of other cats. His frowny expression was understandable given his history. Born into a feral colony, he was plagued with medical issues including FIV, an eye infection and a wounded

paw. His rescuer got him to the veterinarian, who gave him one month to live. Kabuki proved him wrong, going strong for another three years! Kabuki loved to snuggle with Patches and when he arrived at The Lily Pond, he befriended Gertie, another FIV+ cat. They quickly became buddies, snuggling together every night at bedtime.

One night in late Fall, he ate his dinner as usual and settled comfortably in his bed with Gertie at his side. The next morning, I came in to feed breakfast and found Kabuki deceased. He looked so peaceful, still curled up in his bed exactly as I had left him the night before. I was stunned, as there had not been any sign of a problem. Perhaps the angels had called his soul and he quietly transitioned out of his body in the comfort of a peaceful slumber.

Thank you Kabuki for being part of our family and making so many friends.

May you rest in peace. ❤️🌈💫

For those who've ever been invaded by kittens, you will know that this typically occurs in the spring. We folks in animal rescue actually refer to the season following winter as "Kitten Season." This year the invaders planned a surprise attack, arriving in the cold months at year end. We are pleased to introduce four new tiny felines at the sanctuary!

WINSTON is a green-eyed tuxedo with the floofiest tail on the planet... maybe the universe. We're thinking of contacting the Guinness Book of World Records, which surely must have a category for maximum fluff. Let us know if you have their number. Winn was an orphaned kitten from a nearby farm suffering from a respiratory infection. We scooped him up and got him to the vet for treatment. During his transition in the cat tower, he would purr happily when pet. Once he was out roaming the cat house he went feral again, scampering away, floof flying in the breeze at our hapless attempts to make contact. We go into cuteness overload at the sight of him and can't help but want to cuddle this gorgeous guy. Work in progress. But we do know the way to his heart... a handful of treats, of course.

FINNEGAN is an itty bitty grey and white kitten rescued from the same farm as Winston. His growth was stunted due to malnourishment during the first few months of his life, so he will remain of diminutive stature. But his personality is grand and gregarious! He has an advanced degree in cuddle technology, draping himself over a shoulder and nuzzling close with a jet engine purr. His preference is to be snuggled in the arms of a person at all possible times and will demand to be picked up with a looping soundtrack of plaintive meows until he gets his way. He always gets his way. Upon reflection, all of our cats get their way. We simply live to serve their capricious whims. We are rewarded when affectionate kitties like Finn greet us with joy and jump into our arms for hugs and cuddles.

MILO is a sweet, shy tuxedo born to our neighbor's cat Missy, and therefore spent the first few months of his life on and under the porch of our cat house with his brother Spence. They quickly learned from their mother how to demand a meal while avoiding any contact with us. It was a terrible respiratory infection that prompted us to capture the two kittens for vet treatment. Actually, we opened the door to the tack room and placed food on the floor. They walked right in. Initially, Milo was a hissy, scratchy ball of fury. But as he adjusted to life in the cat house, he became curious about all the cats who would jump in our lap for pets and cuddles. He would keenly eye the movement of our hands while petting others. And one day, he summoned the courage to let us scritch his back. Oh the joy! Now he joins us on the couch every night for cuddles. Success!

SPENCE is a grey tabby, son of Missy and brother to Milo. A talented hunter, he would bat around the toys we left out on the porch for his entertainment. Like Milo, he developed a terrible respiratory infection, bleeding from his nose. We were grateful when he and Milo waltzed through our tack room door so that we could get them treated. Spence adjusted well to life in the cat house, but remains elusive when attempts are made to pet him. However, he's inclined to follow us around the house, hovering close but just out of reach. At cuddle time on the couch, he parks himself in nearby proximity and purrs contentedly. Not yet brave enough to participate in direct interaction, he nonetheless enjoys being in the company of humans. And guess what? He loves treats.

Join us for an Earth Day Celebration to benefit the rescued animals at The Lily Pond Sanctuary

Saturday June 3, 2023

65 Downing Road, Ghent NY 12075

Main Event (All Ages): 4:00-8:00pm

• Barn Tour
• Cocktails and Vegetarian Farm-to-Table Dinner
• Live Music, Raffle and Auction Items
• Floating Wish Lanterns on the Pond

Optional Nature-Based Program (Ages 18+): 2:00-4:00pm

• Collaborative Creation of a Flower Mandala on the Land
• Blessings for the Earth, People, Animals and All Sentient Beings
• Creation of a Bouquet of Remembrance to Honor Those Departed

• Anonymous (3)
• Art, Soul & Horses, Inc.
• The A. Small Charitable Trust
• AWB Sunshine Club - In Loving Memory of Melissa Saccoccie
• Sue Baer
• Susan Bandy
• The Becker Family - In Loving Memory of Rugby
• Paul & Lisa Beers - In Loving Memory of Neugget & Scamp
• Gretchen Behr-Svendson
• Robert & Anna Blinn - In Loving Memory of Derek
• Anna Marie & John Bonafide - In Loving Memory of Melissa Saccoccie
• The Brennan Family - In Loving Memory of Cooper
• Gail Burns
• Carolyn Bush
• Marianna Campese - In Loving Memory of Maya, Beloved Pet of Frank Castelluccio
• Joseph Canino - In Loving Memory of Shadow
• Mathew Cantore - In Loving Memory of Melissa Saccoccie
• Deborah Carmel - In Loving Memory of Melissa Saccoccie
• Tim Christian
• Laura Christman
• Jonathan & Caroline Chuzi - In Loving Memory of Coil & Coilette
• The Clifford Family
• CDE, Amy Eskesen - In Loving Memory of Melissa Saccoccie
• CSEA, Inc. Local 1000 - In Loving Memory of Melissa Saccoccie
• CSE-PAF People Committee, Davin Carroll - In Loving Memory of Melissa Saccoccie
• George & Joanne Dardani - In Loving Memory of Melissa Saccoccie
• Deborah Decker - In Loving Memory of Melissa Saccoccie
• Alexandra Dewez
• Dan & Robin Deyo - In Loving Memory of Cody
• Kathy Diehl - In Loving Memory of Beauty
• Elizabeth Doering
• Doreen & Tony Downing - In Loving Memory of HollySu
• Dutchess Overhead Doors, Inc.
• Karin Edmondson
• The Edward W. Golden Foundation
• Joe & Tammy Eissing
• Tracy Foster - In Loving Memory of Melissa Saccoccie
• Donald Frangella, Jr. & Family - In Loving Memory of Melissa Saccoccie
• Aaron & Denise Gagnon - In Loving Memory of Melissa Saccoccie
• Johanna Gill von Plank - In Loving Memory of Truffy
• William & Margaret Golder - In Loving Memory of Winston
• Courtney Golneck - In Loving Memory of Halo
• Fernanda Gomez
• Janice Gravelle - In Loving Memory of Melissa Saccoccie
• Sally Green
• Andrea Hansen
• Dean & Donna Hanson - In Loving Memory of Melissa Saccoccie
• Amy & Matt Hausmann
• JoAnn Hildenbrandt - In Loving Memory of Melissa Saccoccie
• Kimberly Hilliker
• Brenda Izzo
• Donna Johnson
• Shannon Johnson & Kathy High - In Loving Memory of Alice B
• Martine Kaczynski
• David Katzenstein - In Loving Memory of Riley Roo & All Beloved Pets
• Tyler Kern
• Kristofer Kiniry - In Loving Memory of Zen
• Chris Knowles
• Zachary Kucharek - In Loving Memory of Tubby
• Stacy Kwiatowski
• Vincent Lanzone & Michael Ryan - In Loving Memory of Winston
• Tammy Laurange
• Lilly Bear Treats
• Joseph Leggio & Rachel Myer - In Loving Memory of Stella
• Frances Lobdell - In Loving Memory of Melissa Saccoccie
• Lynda Lombardo & Samantha & Ashley Bailey - In Loving Memory of Melissa Saccoccie
• Cheryl Lovelace
• Adriana Masselli
• The Mastmann Family - In Loving Memory of Gus
• Susan McDougall - In Loving Memory of Harley
• Barbara McNamee
• Kristine Menger
• The Morse Family - In Loving Memory of Brodie
• Rachel Myer - In Loving Memory of Stella, Beloved Pet of Joseph Leggio
• Reshma Narain - In Loving Memory of Twinkle
• Lawrence & Shiela Newsome
• Deneane Niebergall - In Loving Memory of Sophie
• Stephanie Norton
• Tim O'Leary
• Bill O'Neill - In Loving Memory of Molly, Dion, Jesse & Phus
• Mark Palmer & Ariann Stage
• Eileen Peck - In Loving Memory of Melissa Saccoccie
• Jennifer Pelaquin
• Christine Pickering - In Loving Memory of Melissa Saccoccie
• Melissa Powell & Jeff Ferriero - In Loving Memory of Melissa Saccoccie
• Joseph Pulice
• Rachel Randall - In Loving Memory of Kahuna
• RCSTA Remembrance - In Loving Memory of Melissa Saccoccie
• Laura Rieth - In Loving Memory of Melissa Saccoccie
• Peter Roberts - In Loving Memory of Whisky
• Nancy Roller
• Tracey Rostron
• Joseph & Catherine Rotello - In Loving Memory of Melissa Saccoccie
• Victoria Russo
• Robert & Lynn Sarnowski - In Loving Memory of Rufus, Panda & Sammie
• Penny & Vernon Schermerhorn - In Loving Memory of Melissa Saccoccie
• Denise Schine
• Susan & Bob Schumann - In Honor of Catherine Nelli
• Ellen Shaby - In Loving Memory of Molly
• Linda Sharkey - In Loving Memory of Shannon
• Nadine Sharron - In Loving Memory of Japser & Harry
• Cheryl Sherban
• Sienna Sky LLC
• Lorie & Mark Simoneau
• Andrea Small
• Elizabeth Smith - In Loving Memory of Cinnamin, Beloved Pet of Renae Libruk
• Dan Sparks
• Madaline Sparks
• Tom & Janet Starace - In Loving Memory of Reilly
• Marianne Stickles
• Jacob Stine & Heather McGrath - In Loving Memory of Dora
• Caroline Sullivan - In Loving Memory of Luna
• Tracey Terry - In Loving Memory of Izzy Grace
• Laura Thierry
• Carol Thompson - In Loving Memory of Angel
• Town of Coeymans Staff, Candace McHugh - In Loving Memory of Melissa Saccoccie
• The Van Alstyne Family - In Loving Memory of Jake
• Terri Vasaile
• Stephen & Margaret Vena - In Loving Memory of Melissa Saccoccie
• Monica Vogel & Ryan Kordana - In Loving Memory of Hickory
• Holly Weed - In Loving Memory of TJ
• Patricia Weed - In Loving Memory of AJ
• Janet Wilkie
• Lauren Wilkinson
• Christine Ziemski - In Loving Memory of Maxi
• Denise Zimmerman - In Loving Memory of Sadie