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THE CAUSE: The Saving of a SpiritThere he was. The individual who would change my life.
The one who would alter my destination in untold ways. The one who would save my life, in response to saving his.... I knew this animal's fear. I knew his loneliness. I immediately knew his heart. I could not imagine a minute of life - without him. |
After four good years in youth and ten of neglect, this tenacious gelding began to rejuvenate.
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ZEIK: Alias Prophet’s Plea
Prophet’s Plea was a 15.1 hand freckled grey Connemara / Trakehner gelding whose friends called him Zeik. Born into kind circumstances, his early years were educational, and a joy. Sold as a prospect around age four he spent the next ten years fluctuating between neglect, and subsistence.
Three different times he resided at a derelict rental stable and struggled to earn his keep, being underfed - and overworked. The stable made money while his ‘owner’ obtained discount board. Zeik was the one without benefit. |
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CHOICI: A Heartfelt ChoiceAn adorable filly who was the product of an unknown pregnancy is safely maturing into a lovely mare as part of our Sanctuary herd. When her dam’s new owners realized their horse was turning into two horses, they looked into their hearts. Struggling with the realization that they were not in a position to offer the best environment for the duo, their soul searching led them to us.
Rather than risk an unknown future they donated the mare and foal in the hopes one day to try horse ownership again, with a more ethical salesman. One day the filly may make the Centaur Herd but for now she just grows and plays with her friends. |
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SABENE: A Stallion's TaleA few years ago we were notified of a tragic situation in which a family became unable to care for their animals; inadvertently, leaving them to die. We stepped in and were able to save those remaining, but the condition of an aging stallion tore at our hearts. Uncertain if we could rescue the two dogs and three of the horses, we called in our vet.
The old gray staggered when he walked. He had soiled water to drink, not a blade of quality grass, no hay or grain had been offered in quite some time... our veterinarian had to palpate twice to assure himself this was even a stallion. Huge tumors under his tail made it nearly impossible for him to move it, even to swish a fly. |
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HAILI: Hail to the MaresA lonely seven-year-old bay mare came to us skinny, lame, shy and unpredictable. The races she had won were not for her to revel in as her damaged body had become her enemy. One of the lucky ones, she found her way to our door.
Many months later, many specialized meals and many new companions, slowly nursed her heart and soul to a place of hope. Eight years on, she happily lived and ate with equine companions, cattle, dogs and a cat. Finally sound and rid of plaguing colics she looked like the winner she was and, if she so chooses, may eventually move herself into the Centaur Herd but for now love, gentle care, friendship and food, are all she needs to know. |
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MAEPAHL & SHAMM: A Mother and Her SonIn 2009 a lovely, sound, clean-legged gelding who retired as a winning racehorse fell into poor hands. There, he and his dam were carelessly injured and severely neglected to the point of potentially losing their lives.
We rushed the imperiled animals to Surgi-Care in Brandon, Florida, where they were diagnosed and treated by Leann Kuebelbeck, DVM and her diligent staff. Lame in three legs and cut to the bone, the mare was in possible need of skin grafts; her son had a challenging case of pythiosis (severe fungal infection) which could get into his bloodstream - and end his life. After more than two months of aggressive treatment, the mare was sent home with us for follow-up. Due to her excellent care it was determined she could heal without grafts. Stabilized after surgery and months of hospitalization, the gelding was sent to Peggy Fleming, DVM in Dade City, Florida, to fully rid his body of the pythiosis. Following two surgeries, over five months in two hospitals and over a year of specialized after-care, each were on their way to recovery. Although both horses will forever bare the scars of their ordeal, they are together again in the comfort and safety of a herd with good friends. With the aid of gifted veterinarians, donations of numerous quality products and extremely creative bandaging techniques, traumas like these still cost thousands of dollars and man-hours far exceeding any forty-hour week. The dedication and passion of hospital staffs and our tireless volunteers allowed us to give this pair and others like them, a chance to enjoy life again. If not for the financial support by concerned and generous people, we would not be able to continue the saving of those spirits. |