As part of Klebe Fuel’s ongoing “Klebe Cares” program, the company has agreed to donate a penny a gallon for all fill ups during the month of September when customers mention Flash to help feed a severely neglected pony recently rescued by the Humane Organization Representing Suffering Equines (H.O.R.S.E.) of Connecticut.
The Winsted company, which has been in business for nearly 25 years and raised over $50,000 for local organizations over the past 2 years, will serve as a collection point for donations to help feed Flash, a 15-year-old Hackney Pony who was used for pony parties then left neglected for 3 years.
“As a family business, we understand how important animals are to both children and adults,” said Matt Klebe, owner of Klebe Fuel whose company made over 11,000 oil deliveries last year. “When we heard about Flash, we decided to help him. We respect the work that H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut has done and we know it’s not easy. Taking on another pony when their shelter is full is a tremendous financial burden.”
According to the Patty Wahlers, president of H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut, who has rescued more than 650 horses over the last 30 years, Flash is almost 200 pounds underweight.
“When I first saw Flash, his hooves were so overgrown that he could barely stand. He was thin and looked as if he had given up on life,” Wahlers said. “We immediately brought in our farrier to trim his feet and our vets for blood tests. It will take hundreds of dollars and months of care to return him to normal health. We really appreciate Klebe Fuel’s willingness to help Flash. After everything he’s been through, he deserves to feel good.”
“This is one of the worst cases of neglect that I’ve ever seen,” said Kelley Babbin, general manager at Klebe Fuel who also owns Howling Flats Farm in Canaan and has experience with large animals. “We’re hoping that everyone can come together to help return Flash to good health. He really is a sweet pony.”
Babbin points out that the company will also donate $10 for new customers who sign up for automatic delivery during the month of September.
The Klebe Fuel service area includes: Cornwall, Bantam, Goshen, Litchfield, Morris, Torrington, Harwinton, Colebrook, Riverton, West Hartland, Winsted, Norfolk, Sharon, Salisbury, Lakeville, Canaan, Falls Village, Winchester, Barkhamsted, Canton, Avon, Simsbury, Pleasant Valley, New Hartford, East Hartland, West Hill, Bakerville and Burlington.