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It was cold and the rain was pouring down last Wednesday, March 15, 2023, when Derek arrived to pick Diesel up. Heidi was out in the pouring rain and asked Derek if he could load Diesel for her....such a heartbreaking time for Heidi...having to say goodbye to her beloved horse and watch the trailer drive down the road. Too often doing the right thing for the horse, or any animal for that matter, is difficult and sorrowful. Diesel arrived late that evening a little later than planned because of the rains hitting both California and Arizona. Much care was taken the entire journey, especially through the mountains up to and over the Mollogon Rim. Diesel unloaded and settled in for a stormy night. He was tucked in a dry barn stall with Forest and Shooter across the walkway to keep him company. |
Going back to October 28, 2011, two foals arrived at the rescue and the gray one was extremely sick. His breathing was labored, you can see he is emaciated, was running a fever and more. Diesel, named that becasue of deep the noise he made breathing, needed vet care, IV fluids and almost died in my arms as the abscesses in his neck around his throat would not allow him to swallow so I was feeding him water with a dose syringe till the vet could get there. It was touch and go that sleepless night not knowing if he would pull through. That was Diesel's first day and the rescue and after 11 years he as returned. |
We are so excited to have Diesel back with us and at the same time saddened that life circumstances changed so quickly, in the blink of an eye ...a head-one collision...and his owner was no longer able to care for him when she herself was trying to recover from such a tragedy. Wanting him to have room to roam, and regular companionship of people and other equines we made plans to bring him to the rescue. |
Many of you will no doubt remember Diesel, the orphaned foal and have followed his journey ever since. He even has his own Facebook Page (see below of read it). After the rains ceased we were finally able to let Diesel enjoy pasture time. We tried putting him with Sable and the mini donkeys, but all he wanted to do was follow the mini's around and big as he is, that scared them. We next tried Buddie and Rimson, but Diesel was more interested in the standard sized donkeys we have in our big 5 acre pasture. Buddie and Rimson, while curious, didn't seem to find a connection. |
Finally we tried our big pasture with the donkeys, Ceci, Rainee and Journey. It was funny to watch because he followed them, not really chasing them..but they didn't know that. A lot of movement all over the pasture and finally the donkeys stopped and so did Diesel. Ah! They figured it out, he just wanted to get to know them, sniff noses and be friends. |
Today I called him from the barn, he stopped eating and turned to acknowledge my call. When we go out in the pasture he walks over to greet us and we are able to give him his medicines in a horse muffin. The mares seem to like him now as do the donkeys. Will he become a herd leader? It is possible. He is smart, sensitive and confident. The donkeys and the horses seem to like him. With 5 acres to roam and a bunch of new friends we see him settling in just fine. |
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We can't thank you all enough for your donations to help get him back to the rescue and to cover his health care needs and medicines for the next six month. We reached and exceeded our fundraising goal which covers his care for even longer. We are in contact with Heidi every day giving her updates on how he is doing. While such a tough decision, she is happy that he is happy. We wish her a complete recovery and have extended the invitation to come visit Diesel at any time. In the meantime, I will update her with pictures and stories of his antics. Working together, we all have made their lives better and kept a commitment we made the day we rescued him back in 2011.....he will always have a home to come back to if needed. You can follow Diesel's Facebook page by clicking the link below. |
Equine WellBeing Rescue is a 501c3 public charity which is 100% volunteer run and managed. There is no paid staff or employees so funds donated goto the care of the equine at the rescue and others in need that we can help. Our volunteers are loving, caring and the best ever!!!! There are lots of wonderful charities to support and we are honored and humbled by the support we get from you and your friends. We want you to know YOU ARE APPRECIATED!!!! |
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