Ranch off Greenwald welcomes Canyon Lakers

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Photo by Crystal Hoffman and Becky Simms

Just outside the North Gate is a fun and little-known place for Canyon Lakers to take their animal-loving kids! Not only are there plenty of animals at the Meadowbrook Animal Sanctuary and Haven (MASH), but lots of other activities as well. On top of everything, MASH helps animals. Several groups from Canyon Lake have been going to MASH to help and enjoy the company of the animals.

Becky Simms and her daughter Jenna were there recently with a bunch of friends for a day of riding horses, competing in games and playing with the animals – all while learning about helping and donating. The event was organized by Cathy Felber, and Crystal Hoffman took photos of the fun.

Photo by Crystal Hoffman and Becky Simms

Becky says, “This place is super awesome! It’s so close to Canyon Lake and is way bigger than anyone knows.” She adds that she would love to plan a few events at MASH especially for Canyon Lakers.

On horseback, the kids played jousting games by throwing a rod through hula hoops, sweeping balls into a pen and more. Those who didn’t ride got to visit with the animals – from horses to miniature donkeys, peacocks to pigs, emus to sheep, and more. They enjoyed a bonfire and treats while telling stories of the fun times they had. Rain, unfortunately,  shortened the day but not the good times.

Renee Duncan, the owner of MASH, has devoted the last 22 years to sheltering crippled and slaughter-bound animals on her 12 acres off Greenwald. During that time, Renee has rescued thousands of animals; nurturing them back to health and placing them into new loving homes.

Photo by Crystal Hoffman and Becky Simms

The animals that required the most help, such as ongoing medical care and/or special needs, were provided a permanent home at MASH to live out their days in comfort. Renee was an emergency room nurse in Riverside for almost 40 years, so she is familiar with caring for those in need, both human and animal.

The grounds of the sanctuary include Renee’s home, built in 1860, as well as facilities for the animals. At any given time there are as many as 50 horses, 20 pigs, dozens of goats, emu, donkeys, geese, turkeys, ducks and several dogs.

Photo by Crystal Hoffman and Becky Simms

There is also a small river that connects to the Santa Ana River watershed that serves as a wildlife corridor for animals and birds including the burrowing owl, red-shouldered hawk, Monarch butterfly, endangered gnatcatcher, bobcats, coyotes, toads and kangaroo rats, among others.

MASH was founded in 1993. It is a 501©3 non-profit dedicated to animal rescue, rehabilitation, placement and sanctuary of injured, crippled, abused and slaughter-bound horses, barnyard animals, wild animals, puppy-mill mothers, and abandoned and abused pets.

Photo by Crystal Hoffman and Becky Simms

To help raise money, MASH holds fun events, such as an Easter Egg Hunt on horseback April 11; races in June (fun for spectators!); a get-together in August on the beach at Fiesta Island; a treasure hunt with a Halloween theme on horseback in October; and a poker ride in December.

Although most of these include horses, MASH is open to ideas for everyone who is interested. MASH is also available for other activities such as petting zoos and school or scout outings. Of course, donations and volunteers are always needed and greatly appreciated!

MASH is located at 20773 Riverside St. in Perris. For more information about MASH activities, contact Bonnie Montoya-May at 818-621-4880. To volunteer at the ranch and/or work with the animals, contact Rex Tuggle at 951-743-5975. To donate funds and/or materials, supplies, feed, fencing, equipment and/or services, contact Bonnie Montoya-May at 818-621-4880 or info@mashrescueusa.org.

For more information, visit www.mashrescueusa.org. They also have a Facebook page.