Happy Mother's Day!

 

Rimson summer 2019, Photo by Leslie Brucker

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY To all the women. Because all women have mothered someone at some point in their life, it’s just what we do. We care, we nurture, we mother. For the mothers who are knee deep in family life, this is your day to feel like a queen, please do. It’s entirely deserved and no one needs a day of pampering more. The chores can wait, be rested. For the mothers who have lost children, this day is another on your ‘harder’ calendar and for that I send you love, you are so very brave. To the women who no longer have their mother, this day is a heart-breaking reminder of an overwhelming grief. Your mother would want this day to be a time to say her sayings, cook her favorite meal and play her favorite songs. So, please don’t avoid that today. I know it hurts but it will help the heal. To the women who have not made it into motherhood, who so desperately want to. This day is tough, there is nothing you want more than a 3am wake up and a hand drawn card full of love. Please take today to acknowledge all the hard work and energy you have put into your endeavors. I see the hole in your heart. I see you and I want you to know you're a warrior of love and you deserve so much joy in life. Please let it in. To the women who mother another child, you are a glorious example of humanity and love, my heart fills to bursting just to witness the gift you give. Thank you. To the women who feel they have not had that maternal love they so crave, please forgive. You need your heart whole to make so much love that the future outweighs the past. It starts with you. You deserve it, make it so. To the women, ALL the women. We mother like no other. Donna Ashworth Author of ‘to the women’

Christine and everyone at EqWBR

 

Sable, Rain and Willow in back, Photo by Leslie Brucker

4-25-21 it has been a year since Rain, Sable and Willow (formerly Sassy) arrived at the rescue. Their owners had been given a 7 day notice to show they had received vet care for the severe condition of neglect and also having two other horses, they contacted us for help. We agreed to take Rain and Sable sight unseen and when they delivered those two they asked if they could bring one more, so we said yes and they went home and brought back Willow (named Sassy at the time). Below are pictures of the devastating condition they arrived:

Willow (prior name Sassy) 4-25-20

Rain on arrival 4-25-20

Sable on arrival 4-25-20

They arrived in much worse condition than we were lead to believe and we called Dr. Tammy to come do her veterinary assessment and do bloodwork to see if organs had been effected by their long-term malnutrition. Tammy arrived and had tears in her eyes saying Rain and Sable were the two skinniest horses she had ever seen that were still alive. Rain and Sables blood work was off the charts, Willow being younger was able to fight for food so she was not as underweight, but still very malnourished. They all had swollen legs from lack of protein, dermatitis issues, long hair that should have shed but didn't, their feet were horrible and they were all dull eyed and VERY depressed. We are certain that Sable would not have lived much longer with out us starting care immediately. When equines in are such horrendous condition they need slow, frequent feeding, water consumption monitored and slow introduction of different feed, hay or supplements. It was touch a go for the first week, then we were able to get them on a more regular schedule and add the supplements they would need to get well.

After two weeks they had each started to gain weight. Willow 45 pounds, Rain 59 pounds and Sable 22. Much of that weight was rehydration and having enough of an appetite to be eating almost a complete normal portion of feed and hay a day. We were able to track their weight gain with the addition of a 3000lb digital livestock scale purchased for the rescue by the Hovden family. This allowed us to know exactly what their weight gain would be through their recovery. Through their recovery they lost all their hair and had new regrowth that came in healthy and shiny, their hooves started to heal from deep thrush and when they were trimmed our farrier said they were in such bad condition they felt like dried, old Tupperware...just crumbly. They started to respond to human kindness and care with little sparkles in their eyes. Willow was the first to recover her weight gaining 325 pounds in 4 months , but it took longer for her dermatitis issues to clear. Rain recovered her weight in 5 months gaining 450 pounds. Sable took over 6 months to gain appropriate weight for her size, but a few more months for her hip bones and top of her spine to cover. Sable more slight of build gained 330 pounds. It also took six months for their blood work to return to normal and we still worry about organ damage Sable may have sustained in the near death condition she was in upon arrival. Now a year later here they are:

Willow 11-18-20 Photo by Leslie Brucker

Rain 11-18-20 Photo by Leslie Brucker

Sable 11-11-20 photo by Leslie Brucker

Take a look at Sables hips a year ago and now, it is hard to believe it is the same horse. They ALL look fabulous, have wonderful, vibrant spirits and have become SO affectionate. Both Willow and Rain have been adopted by wonderful families and Sable will remain here at the rescue to happily live out her days. She and I have created a bond that is so very special...my heart horse for sure. For those of you who remember Gwen, I think her spirit lives on in Sable. We have so many people to thank for the love, caring and support we received to be able to provide EVERYTHING they needed to have a full recovery. Together three precious lives were saved and reborn a new. We wish them all a Happy Anniversary and thank you all so very, very much!!!

So very, very blessed, Christine and everyone at EqWBR

Marshall - the amusement park horse.

 

Marshall, Sheriff and Pistol at EqWBR 5-5-12 In the spring of 2012 it came to our attention that five horses that had been retired from a southern CA amusement park were going to be sent to auction by the broker who handled horses for that company. In a joint effort with Tijuana River Valley Animal Rescue we raised funds and were able to purchase all five horses to ensure they would not be purchased by killbuyers and sent to slaughter. On May 5, 2012, three of the horses arrived at our Ramona, CA, facility and first the first time in a decade were turned out in pasture to kick up there heals. We named them Marshall, Sheriff and Pistol and it was amazing to watch them run the pasture in the same order they were harnessed when pulling the stage coach or other carriages. Marshall 5-6-12 Sheriff was adopted by a family wanting a older, beginner safe horse, Pistol went to TERI Therapeutic Equestrian Center and in August 2012, Marshall was adopted along with one of the orphaned foals rescued from the Fallon Feed lot in October 2011, both he and Blossom went to live in the country on a 40 acre hobby ranch and enjoy their days in wide open spaces. Circumstances changed and in July of 2019, both Marshall and Blossom were returned to the rescue. Happy to have them back we were unsure if we would ever find a home interested in two mature, unrideable horses that were best friends. Marshall and Blossom headed to their new home We were very blessed with Rina and James came to the rescue and fell in love with both of them. They adopted both and the two remained at the rescue for a few months while the Flanigan's got their home completely set up for horses. In December 2019, we trailered Marshall and Blossom to their forever home were we knew without a doubt they would be so loved and well cared for. Sadly yesterday we got the news that Marshall needed emergency medical care and it was determined that with is health issues to let him cross the rainbow bridge would be the kindest thing for him. At age 24, Marshall brought joy to everyone who rode the stage coaches and carriages he pulled at Knotts Berry Farm. Marshall brought joy to two families that loved him dearly and he brought happiness to us and all of our volunteers that loved and cared for him. We thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts who loved him, especially the Flanigan family who made the most loving, yet heartbreaking decision of his life. He was blessed to be part of your family. He truly was a gift to so many. May you Run In Paradise (RIP) with all those waiting at heaven's gate for you to come play. Marshall - 1997 to 2021 With sadness, Christine and everyone at EqWBR

AZ Gives Day - You can still participate

 

Hello, Everyone!

AZ Gives is an annual day for people to support non-profits they love that are located in Arizona and this year was on Tue., April 6th. We had a matching donation up to $5000 and by early afternoon it was matched with donations. The current amount raised so far is $14,023.00. Fabulous, Awesome, Wow! So very humbling. This morning more people are letting us know they still want to donate to help our Mission and we want you to know that you still can. When you click the link below it takes you to our Donation page and as you scroll down that page it has links for PayPal, Debit/Credit cards and Venmo. If you want to send a check our address is: EqWBR, 8369 Buckskin Trail, Snowflake, AZ 85937. We will make our final tally next week so everyone has the chance to participate. We are so blessed with the support you give us. It helps us care for the 32 horses, donkeys and minis at the rescue and help others that are in need. You help us save and make their lives so much better! Thank you, thank you so very much!

Donate NOW!

Jake fully recovered after being hit by a car and 3 surgeries

AZ Gives Day! Help us raise funds.

 

Hello, Everyone! AZ Gives is an annual day for people to support non-profits they love that are located in Arizona. This year we are very fortunate to have a matching donation up to $5000. What does that mean? For every dollar you donate today to raise funds for the rescue, it will be doubled. $5 becomes $10, $20 becomes $40, $100 becomes $200, and if we match the entire $5000, that will raise $10,000 that will help us help so many. Our beloved Poco needed and received so much care thanks to you! In 2020, we brought 26 horses, 3 donkeys and 3 mini donkeys into the rescue. Rain, Sable and Willow were emaciated and needed food and health care, Waylon who had cancer, Jake was hit by a car and needed surgery and nursing care, Poco the brave little burro was disabled his entire life and needed so much care. We were able to provide for their needs through the wonderful donations from all. You make a difference in so many lives. There are SO many charities to support that provide wonderful services. We are one of the few 100% volunteer organizations, meaning we have no paid staff or employees, not even me..... Donations go to the feeding and care of the 32 equines currently at the rescue and others in need. Through our Equine Emergency Food Fund last year we helped feed 90 equines and since the fund started we have spent over $7400 to help horses, donkeys and minis whose families needed temporary help with feeding. We know there are so many deserving charities and we humbly ask that you give us consideration if you are making donations today. We hope we have proven ourselves as an organization that puts those in our care first and still reaches out to those in need in the community. Our volunteers are able to do so much with what we are blessed with and we appreciate every dollar donated to help our Mission of providing loving rehabilitation, nursing and hospice care for equines with medical needs and finding homes or sanctuary for others at risk. Donate NOW! Jake fully recovered after being hit by a car and 3 surgeries Checks mailed today will still count towards doubling and if you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask, just reply to this email or call me at 760-703-4860. Thank you all for your generosity!!!! Christine and all of us at Equine WellBeing Rescue 501c3 Public Charity Tax ID 45-2835562

Poco, the Brave Little Burro

 

"They changed my bandage and no matter what they tried I could not seem to walk on my foot. They made the boot walker a little bigger for my healing foot, then they tried using just the splints without the walker and when they tried to get me to stand up on it straight I just couldn’t do it. I heard mom call the doctor and he said he would be out as soon as he could. Mom gave me a massage that felt so good and lots of cookies. Doc and his friend, another doctor arrived and I got up from my nap to say Hi. I had a lot of trouble getting up and it wasn’t my foot. Doc looked at pictures of my foot mom had and said it looked good, then a video mom took of me walking and said my knee was not working anymore and that is why I could not walk. They knew my other knee was hurting really bad and said it couldn’t hold all my weight. They all seemed to know how much I hurt. I had medicine before that let me sleep so I wouldn’t hurt while they worked on my foot, changed my bandage, took lots of x-rays all over, and did the diagnostics and treatments I needed. Mom gave me cookies and great big hugs, then they gave me some different medicine. This time when I woke up it was beautiful, this first day of spring. I saw desert flowers and heard birds sing. Then I saw Warrior, Dreamer and Amy (who had passed before me). They said to me, " Get up little one, let's go play." I got up and nothing hurt. I looked at my foot and it was perfect. They took off and I said, "wait for me!"  I walked so easy that I started to run and kick up my heels....joy I have never felt before. I bucked, I rolled, I reared up, I ran and did it some more....so happy, I sang my song for all to hear. Then I saw it, the most beautiful rainbow and heard my mom say, "Run Little One, run. We all love you so much." This place they call heaven is a happy place where I feel so good and know I am so loved.  Thank you ALL for what you have done for me. When you hear a donkey or burro bray, think of me and know I am in Paradise running pain free. Love, Poco. The Brave Little Burro"    This was posted on our Facebook Page 3-21-20.

Many of you may not know Poco's story, a wild burro found in the Havasu Wildlife Refuge and photographed by hiker, Terry Shoblom Watt in 2014. Poco was dragging his right hind foot and it appeared the hoof had grown in a circular manner and was quite long. The BLM was contacted and their Wild Horse and Burro specialist, Chad Benson, captured him and he was given to Journey's End Ranch Animal Sanctuary (JERAS) in Kingman, AZ to live out his days.

Poco went to the local vet, x-rays were taken and it was discovered that his right hind foot had a deformity and the overgrown hoof was removed. Cathy at JERAS was able to care for Poco and his special needs hoof until June of 2020, when, because of her own health, she asked us if he could live out his years here. Poco joined EqWBR on June 20, 2020 along with his companion a mini-donkey we called Teddy.

Poco's foot beginning to heal In December, 2020 we noticed a change in Poco's stance and the angle of his foot, so wrapped his foot and the vet called. When the vet arrived we found the foot had a very deep infection and the wrapping had finally brought it to the surface. The tendon holding his foot was inflamed from the many years of the stress of him dragging his foot and was no longer able to support the hoof which is why the angle had changed, that caused Poco to put more weight on his left side, changing his stance. With his foot deformity (very small, crushed coffin bone) there was no bone for the hoof and its tissue to attach to and with the inflamed foot the hoof had started to detach so it was surgically removed. We felt by treating the infection and allowing his hoof to regrow, which we knew would take many, many months, was a very good option for him to make his life easier. X-rays were taken and an aggressive treatment plan was established including new types of treatment to give him the best chance at recovery.

With the lack of attachment of the tendon to his foot we created a boot walker out of PVC pipe to cradle his healing foot and support his pastern and fetlock. Every week we would remove his bandage to see how his foot was healing and to give additional treatment including Silver Honey. Using antibiotics, medical maggots, palette rich plasma (PRP) therapy, anti-inflammatories and other supportive medicines and supplements we could see wonderful healing after only 3 weeks and we were very encouraged about his recovery.

Keeping his foot bandaged and supported was helping so much in his healing. Poco's mood brightened and with the success of the boot walker we felt that with an orthotic to support his pastern that was no longer supported by the tendon, if the foot continued to heal, he could have relief he may not have had his entire life.

After x-rays of both his stifle's (knees) we found some arthritis and joint issues caused by the stress to his body from his foot deformity. We treated both his stifle joints with injections to help reduce inflammation from arthritis, provide lubrication for the joints and to make him more comfortable. For the first time since perhaps he was a foal, he was able to stand upright on his right leg and take pressure off his left hind leg that had sustained his hind end weight most of his life.

We kept Poco blanketed on the cold days and nights, in he barn during bad weather and out in the sun on the warm days where he loved to lay in a sandy spot we made for him and soak up the sun. We gave him daily massages to help stimulate his muscles and ease his tendons and ligaments. We continued our weekly bandage changes and his hoof started to grow back. We contacted several specialists that make prosthetics and orthotics and started the process of making a long-term orthotic for him.

Working from samples made for large dogs we found a boot walker type orthotic that would work great for Poco as his foot continued to heal and his hoof grow out. It would be specialized to support his pastern and room for his hoof to grow which we knew would take several more months. A completely new hoof takes about a year to grow so this would be a great way to help him. We scheduled an appointment the first week of April to make the cast mold for his custom orthotic.

We were joyful that in the mornings when we would come out to feed Poco would grace us with his bray that everyone referred to as his "song". A sign that he was feeling good and looking forward to his breakfast. Over this past weekend we changed his bandage and no matter what we tried, he could not seem to stand on his right foot. We noticed his stance was off so we changed the angle of his boot walker and that didn't help, bandaged with splinting instead giving him support in the pastern and a splint to balance and that seemed to help, but his stifle (knee) didn't look as it had and with him not wanting to bear weight we asked the vet to come out as quickly as he could. The vet arrived and brought another vet with him and what we suspected was confirmed, his right knee was "blown", no longer functioning and his left knee, already stressed from years of carrying his body was struggling to bear his weight too. Clearly Poco was in pain. Even though his foot was healing, we never want those in our care to be suffering from pain or diminished quality of life so the decision to release him from his pain was made.

There are so many people who worked so hard to help this sweet guy heal and we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Mark, Dr. Tammy and Dr. Gus, and the many doctors who helped us with our research of orthotics; all of our volunteers who took such wonderful care of Poco, assisting lovingly with all his needs, our medical team of volunteers who did weekly bandage changes (Myself, Lary, Joey, Darin), Kelli from Animal Krackers and Michele one of our farriers; Summit Joint Performance who donated funds and Equine Max joint injections, Absorbine (WF Young Inc) who donated a variety of supplements and Silver Honey which was applied to his healing foot each bandage change (a fabulous healing topical); our board of directors, followers, donors and those who said prayers for his recovery. We also thank Cathy at JERAS for the years she cared for him, we know his passing is as hard for her as it is for us. As the rescue's health care manager I had more time with Poco than anyone and he stole my heart. I am so blessed for every moment we spent together. I struggle looking out the front door and not seeing him anymore. His blanket, food bucket and everything with his name on it is a reminder of how beautiful and special he was. Run In Paradise (RIP) you brave little burro. Run like you never have before....kicking up your heals....pain free. We all love and miss you so very much!

Many, many thanks Christine and everyone at EqWBR