Sask. family struggles to look after evacuated horses

Many evacuees living away from home for weeks have animals they had to relocate as well.

Clifford Johnson and his wife Tina were evacuated three weeks ago from La Ronge. They also evacuated seven horses.

“Not being able to go home is kind of a pain,” Johnson said. “Moving the horses down was a real– well it was not a fun time having to borrow trailers and all to get them down here.”

Johnson said they rented a trailer from a friend and and evacuated their horses to Prince Albert within 17 hours.

On Saturday they headed north once again, this time to pick up four horses from Sucker River.

“There was an issue with not being able to get feed up there,” Johnson said.

A family who they’ve purchased hay from near Spruce Home have lent them corrals for their horses.

“I think the hardest part about it has just been trying to find funds to meet the needs of the horses because we have to actually drive out there and haul water for them because the water levels are so low,” Johnson said.

He said they’ve had some help so far. One farmer generously gave them a large round bale and a company in Prince Albert donated feed as well.

“We’ve had a few generous donations,” Johnson continued. “It has been really good but still at the same time it’s been a real trial trying to make sure that the horses are well taken care of.”

Johnson said he’s been looking for work in Prince Albert to support their needs for the time being. They have stayed with friends there instead of a shelter.

“It’s getting stressful where we are because there’s like 29 of us,” Johnson said. “You take a whole bunch of people away from their homes and you throw them in one place, they start to get agitated.”

The family is hoping to go home soon.

asoloducha@jpbg.ca