Dear friends,
Yesterday, we met a horse named Shalom whose story deserves to be remembered with tenderness.
His previous owner had passed away, and he had gone to live with an elderly neighbor facing serious health challenges of her own. When her daughter contacted us, she was hoping we could help find him a home.
Our rescue is full, and initially we offered suggestions for finding help. Then she sent a photograph and a short video. I could see that something was terribly wrong, and we offered to transport him to Dr. Laird.
When we arrived, we found a catastrophic leg injury and a horse who was painfully thin. With Dr. Laird’s guidance and approval, we were able to end his suffering through humane euthanasia.
We wish we could have met him sooner. We wish there had been a different ending. We are grateful to the daughter who reached out and to everyone who helped us bring him relief.
This week is Veterinary Technician Week, so I find myself reflecting on the medical nursing care that is such a large part of life at Equine WellBeing Rescue. We are grateful to be able to provide this level of nursing care here at the rescue.
As an equine veterinary technician with certification through the AAEVT, and a dual-certified equine dental technician, I care for horses and donkeys through eye injuries and other wounds, colic episodes, malnutrition, lameness, the special needs of aging animals, and much more. Working closely with our veterinarians, I provide treatments, monitor recovery, and offer comfort through hospice and end-of-life care.
We also share our health care knowledge with our volunteers and the community. Our hope is that what we teach and share helps others care for their animals, recognize early signs of trouble, and know when to seek veterinary help.
Providing that care here at the rescue allows many animals to receive nursing attention that could otherwise require a veterinary hospital stay. It also helps us make every donated dollar go further while giving the horses and donkeys the comfort of being cared for at home.
Yesterday called on that experience in a heartbreaking way: recognizing the severity of Shalom’s condition and helping provide the urgent care he needed.
Please check on the people and animals in your community, especially those living alone or coping with illness or loss. A caring visit can reveal a need someone is struggling to recognize or manage.
We created this memorial portrait to remember Shalom whole and free, with angel wings and his little tongue-out expression—a glimpse of the spirit we wish we had known longer.
Run In Paradise, sweet Shalom. Your life mattered.
Thank you for supporting the care, compassion, and difficult work that rescue asks of us.
With so much gratitude,
Christine and Lary
Equine WellBeing Rescue
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