Problem Solvers ride to rescue of at-risk horses
CARNATION, Wash. - A rescue group that saves horses from the slaughterhouse needed some help of its own after thieves stole $1,000 worth of equipment.
And on Sunday, the KOMO 4 Problem Solvers delivered a surprise for them - a check for $1,000 - to continue their good work.
The Cowgirl Spirit Rescue Drill Team rescues horses up for auction that would otherwise be sold for meat or hides. Many of the horses are severely underweight and require plenty of TLC and hay to get back to a healthy condition.
So the team was devastated when thieves made off with critical gear - just when donations were already down.
"You know we work so hard for basics like hay and shelter - basic necessities - that for our basic necessities to be stolen, it's just devastating," said Gina Salmeri.
On Sunday, when the Problem Solvers told Gina we wanted to check back in - we didn't tell her we had a surprise with us.
Then we presented Gina with a check for $1,000.
"Thank you so much! ... That's just amazing!" said an enthusiastic Gina.
The money came from concerned KOMO News viewers like Mary Malley, who called the Problem Solvers after our first story aired, determined to help.
"I feel really good about this," says Mary. "At the end of your show it said the equipment cost $1,000, and I just turned in my taxes, and I thought, 'You're getting money back.'"
Food, equipment and other necessities cost a lot - a horse blanket can cost up to $100. But after viewers like Mary helped, the Cowgirl Spirit team was able to buy two new ones - and others donated more.
"If it wasn't for the KOMO Problem Solvers, we'd still be scrounging for halters, leadlines, things like that," says Gina.
Then the Problem Solvers presented Gina with another surprise - a second check - after more money came in from viewers.
"Oh my gosh!" said Gina.
Since the donations exceeded the losses - the extra money will pay for feed and vet bills for the horses. Year-round donations are down 50 percent.
Thieves may have left the team low in the saddle - but they're riding high once again.
And on Sunday, the KOMO 4 Problem Solvers delivered a surprise for them - a check for $1,000 - to continue their good work.
The Cowgirl Spirit Rescue Drill Team rescues horses up for auction that would otherwise be sold for meat or hides. Many of the horses are severely underweight and require plenty of TLC and hay to get back to a healthy condition.
So the team was devastated when thieves made off with critical gear - just when donations were already down.
"You know we work so hard for basics like hay and shelter - basic necessities - that for our basic necessities to be stolen, it's just devastating," said Gina Salmeri.
On Sunday, when the Problem Solvers told Gina we wanted to check back in - we didn't tell her we had a surprise with us.
Then we presented Gina with a check for $1,000.
"Thank you so much! ... That's just amazing!" said an enthusiastic Gina.
The money came from concerned KOMO News viewers like Mary Malley, who called the Problem Solvers after our first story aired, determined to help.
"I feel really good about this," says Mary. "At the end of your show it said the equipment cost $1,000, and I just turned in my taxes, and I thought, 'You're getting money back.'"
Food, equipment and other necessities cost a lot - a horse blanket can cost up to $100. But after viewers like Mary helped, the Cowgirl Spirit team was able to buy two new ones - and others donated more.
"If it wasn't for the KOMO Problem Solvers, we'd still be scrounging for halters, leadlines, things like that," says Gina.
Then the Problem Solvers presented Gina with another surprise - a second check - after more money came in from viewers.
"Oh my gosh!" said Gina.
Since the donations exceeded the losses - the extra money will pay for feed and vet bills for the horses. Year-round donations are down 50 percent.
Thieves may have left the team low in the saddle - but they're riding high once again.