Horsy love

By Bridget Brady
HORSE lovers in Casey have rallied to help a sick and elderly Cranbourne man care for his precious pets.
George Smith said he was overwhelmed by the influx of generous offers that poured in after he appealed for help to care for his seven horses.
Mr Smith, who has bone cancer, said his horses were his only reason for living and had found it increasingly difficult to care for them.
“I’m very, very grateful for all of the help that I’m getting. It would be so easy to give up otherwise.”
Since the News reported Mr Smith’s request for help last week, Barrie Tapp from the Animal Cruelty Hotline received more than 100 calls from people who wanted to chip in.
“The phone didn’t stop ringing,” Mr Tapp said.
“This is a dream outcome.”
Due to the flood of calls, a working bee was organised at Mr Smith’s farm on Sunday and a roster has been put together for volunteers to help Mr Smith with his horses.
Donations of feed, fencing and even a house cleaner have also been organised for the passionate horse lover. Mr Tapp said people from Cranbourne, Pearcedale, Berwick and Narre Warren offered to help, including one of Mr Smith’s former riding students.
“George is in his glee. It makes you feel great. We’ve got young people to retirees helping out, it’s just a great mixture.
Mr Smith said he wanted to thank everyone for their well wishes and offers of assistance.
“It is a bit overwhelming,” he said.
“The doctors reckon I’ll have another 18 months of life and I’m hoping for longer than that. In the meantime I live for my horses,” Mr Smith said.
“Even if I feel really ill in the morning I have to get up. I can’t just lie in bed and moan. It’s like a mother with children – she can’t give up on them.”