Contributed photo
The Rockin T Equine Rescue in Lisbon Falls, had some help over Columbus Day weekend from some Aroostook County Volunteers in erecting a fabric covered building donated by George and Florentine Berube of Caribou and Dennis and Lori Berube of Limestone. Shown inside the equine construction are, from left, Andy Tuttle of Lisbon Falls, owner of the Rockin T Equine Rescue, Vaughn Michaud of Limestone, Danny Storman of Lisbon Falls, Dennis Berube of Limestone, Janet Tuttle, owner and Mykel Tuttle both also of Lisbon Falls.
Rockin T Equine has been rescuing horses for the last 30 years but didn’t become incorporated until 1991. Most of the animals taken in have been brutally abused and neglected and are not adoptable deemed to stay at the rescue to live out the rest of their lives.
Some horses can be adopted-out at no charge, but donations are greatly appreciated. Lori Berube says her and her husband have already adopted two horses and the Tuttle’s have been wonderful to work with. Berube wants the public to be aware that the rescue runs solely on donations throughout the year with some grants.
Due to state cutbacks the rescue has received no grants this year. Tuttle says the rescue has lost approximately $45,000 in grants this year alone but the animals and calls keep coming in. Berube and her husband are staying at the rescue to help out with chores while Tuttle recovers from surgery. Berube also stated the real need for people to step up and help with donations however small. The Tuttle’s have gone without so much just so the animals can eat. Tuttle says that it is in her heart and soul to save the animals she can and give them a comfortable place to live out their last years or days with love and comfort.
Businesses from Aroostook County have been a great help in donating building supplies to get much needed repairs completed before winter. Specials thanks go out to S.W Collins, J.M. Huber, Beaulieu Brothers, MPG and the Berube families and friends for their donations of time and supplies.
Rockin T accepts animals from all over the state, from as far north as Fort Kent and south as the New Hampshire border. As of Oct.1, the rescue has 36 horses, 2 sheep, 4 goats, an emu, a llama, cat, fish and seven dogs. Tuttle says just for a week of grain the cost is over $650 to keep the horses, not counting hay and other things the older animals need. Tuttle and her family run the rescue with minimal volunteers but not on a daily basis. Tuttle gets calls daily to take in yet another abused/neglected animal or to go out and check on one.
Anyone wishing to make a donation can send it to: Rockin T Equine Rescue, 60 Edgecombe Road, Lisbon Falls, Me. 04252 or contact Tuttle at 207-353-6581, or visit their website at: www.RockinTEquineRescue.com.
