Sunday, September 20, 2009

Too Little, Too Late

Hey Everyone,

Yesterday, we were able to take our starving boy (I posted pics in yesterday's blog) to the vet. Dr Smith looked at him and said that he was cachexic (extreme weight loss, wasting of muscle, and loss of appetite due to starvation). He had bloodwork done, and we found that his kidneys were ruined, and well as his liver. He was so emaciated that his organs began to shut down, and there was no way to save him. Being in his twenties, we had to make the decision to end the suffering humanely instead of letting him waste away with kidney and liver failure. To all of those who kept him in their prayers, thank you. His last hours were full of good hay, grain, water, and love, which is all that we could do for him. We are pursuing this case with the local humane officer to make sure that whoever is responsible for this horse's condition will be punished appropriately.


As that tragic story comes to a close, we received another 'heads up' on some starving horses yesterday. We are still working on this case, and cannot intervene until we go through the legal process. Until then, keep your fingers crossed. There are between 5 and 10 horses involved in this particular case, maybe more. As winter is approaching, it is evident to us that there are going to be waaaaay more starving horses this winter than the last one. We are receiving calls about starvation cases already, and it is only September, which makes me wonder what's going to happen when there is snow on the ground and NO grass.

Unless a miracle happens, we won't be able to take in these horses, but as usual, we will do the best that we can. Like I always tell you guys, PLEASE try to make a conscious effort to tell ALL of your horsie friends (and even your animal lover friends... or super caring friends) about us and explain what we do. I like to believe that education is the first step to change, so I figure that the least that we can do as horse lovers is to educate the public about the issues that we face. We owe it to horses, who define many of us, to help them to the best of our abilities. They can't help themselves... if humans fence them in and don't take care of them, they die. I read a good quote the other day... I thought I would share it with you...

"A horse thinks, feel, and makes decisions. Treat him like a friend, not like a slave. People have to learn that whatever the horse does is right. You're the one who got into his life, he didn't get into yours." -Ray Hunt

As always, leave your comments and thoughts. I will try to answer any questions as soon as I can.

Happy Trails,
~Rachel

5 comments:

tbkisser said...

Rachel, I can foster one for you over the winter, he or she will be in a stall, nice big one and have limited turnout. I still have the first and only one I fostered for you guys. You'll be in my neck of the woods next weekend if you are interested.

Last Chance said...

tbkisser:
Give the farm a call at (740)594-4336. We will probably take you up on your offer of fostering, we just have to put a voice/face with a name. Thanks soooooo much! You have NO IDEA how precious of a gift you are offering to not only the horse that you will be fostering, but the many that we will be able to save because of that empty stall in our barn as well! Give us a call!

kas0859 said...

Rachel- I read about the senseless death of 'Slim Kitty' last night. I am soo outraged. If those people had called you or the humane society when they first KNEW they couldn't care for him, he could have been spared months of torture. I wonder where the abuser's family and neighbors were? Did no one see this poor guy starving to death?

I will be ready to foster for you, too. When the inevitable times come. Kathy

CESSA762003 said...

Hi, I have been following your blog is it possible for you to post what horses you currently have available as I have been unable to find what for sure that you have available. Thank you.

Len said...

Im am so sorry to read this post about losing slim kitty..You did the best thing for him though and showed him love in his last days ..at least he had you..