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HOT SPRINGS - The Montana Large Animal Sanctuary and Rescue has spent 15 years saving thousands of animals, but this month the founders found themselves needing their own help.

Brian Warrington and his ex-wife Kathryn ran the sanctuary practically by themselves, give or take a few ranch hands. But Kathryn was diagnosed with M.S., confining her to a wheel chair.

"She's unable to come out anymore," Brian said. "It's tough."

Then the sanctuary lost its major funding for feed. And with more than 1,000 large animals eating about six tons of food each day, the cost added up.

"We were out of food," Brian said. "I had an idea it was coming, but until it really hit, I didn't know."

The sanctuary had to ask for help. It came one week later, in trucks from AniMeals, an organization known for feeding hungry animals, in Missoula. Tons of donated hay and feed would be enough to take the edge off for about 10 days.

"With only four days left of food, when we got the call, the situation was critical," AniMeals founder Karyn Moltzen said. "I'm really happy that we were able to do it."

"This takes a lot of pressure off us, although it doesn't last long," Brian said. "It takes pressure off because I've been puttin' all the food on credit cards and the debt is adding fast."

Several animal care organizations are now stepping in, looking for new homes for all the animals, mostly llamas. Montana Animal Care Association president Phyllis Ruana is the one who contacted AniMeals and is now coordinating the adoption effort.

"It's just come to the situation where there's not enough money and the animals are still here," Ruana said. "We just need feed to keep comin', that's the main thing, and then we'll get the adoptions goin'."

While Brian and Kathryn are still realizing their dream is likely ending, they said their main concern is that the animals are cared for.

"Everything is just really, really appreciated," Brian said. "That really gets you, that people are turnin' and doin' this."

Ruana said a vet team is headed to the sanctuary next week to assess the animals. Only then can the adoption process begin.

If you're interested in housing any animals, the Montana Animal Care Association requests you email the following appropriate people:

• Llamas: Phyllis Ruana, Montana Animal Care Association president, MACAusa@aol.com
• Horses: Jane Heath, Montana Horse Sanctuary executive director, ht@mt.net
• Farm animals: Susie Coston, Farm Sanctuary national shelter director, scoston@farmsanctuary.org

They're also looking for volunteers who can transport the animals.

Meanwhile, AniMeals is looking for more food and monetary donations to fill a second truck to keep the animals fed. (406) 721.4710.