Quite the character - Ned.

 

Ned's arrival 7-3-2020

Some of our beloveds are with us for many, many years and some for what seems like too short of a time. How ever long they are with us they are loved. Ned came to the rescue July 3, 2020, at the request of Nature Jeffries, many months after his owner passed away. He had been loved by all at Nature's boarding facility for many years and being quite the character even at his 30 years of age he just needed a soft landing to live out his day.

Ned's bi-weekly weigh in Arthritic on arrival and a little on the slender side, we started him on Previcox to help with any pain. We did his dentistry to find he had few molar teeth left to chew with (not unusual at age 30) so we transitioned him to a senior feed diet and he gained almost 50 pounds while here. Trimming his feet was a little tough because he was weak on his hind end so we were patient to not cause any stress. Ned was blanketed from the rain and snow and in the bad weather remained in an interior stall of the barn, warm and dry. Anything we could do to keep him comfortable.

Happy 31st birthday Ned! On February 17, 2021, Ned turned 31 years old and we celebrated with special treats. You can tell from this picture he had nicely put on weight. We added in several supplements donated by Absorbine Company to help with pain, his feet and his overall health. He loved his senior feed for breakfast and dinner and would sing to anyone in the barn while waiting for the food to be put in his feeder. Like I said, he was quite the character.

2-27-21 Ned and Willow Ten days after his birthday he was frolicking around the pasture feeling his Wheaties and took a tumble. We did not see what happened even though we were standing there in the pasture watching all the horses, but saw he was down and immediately rendered help. He scraped up his face and pulled many muscles when he fell on the ground. The vet said it was mostly soft tissue swelling, superficial scrapes and that he would be sore while he healed.

We adjusted his pain management. Kelli from Animal Krackers came out immediately and we designed some body work that would help his muscles loosen up and heal and our volunteers all learned out to apply liniment in the various places needed. Ned was started on Summit Joint Performance which Kelli donated on his behalf. Slowly Ned started to recover and was back to singing at meal time, roaming around the pasture and seemingly back to normal.

Ned by Leslie Brucker taken August 2020 Sadly, last week he quickly declined. Ned no longer sang at meal time, took a long time to eat and just did not seem engaged at all. His hind end was dog-tracking so we felt that maybe he laid down and struggled to get back up, hurting himself while doing so. He would stand off by himself and lean up against a wall to sleep. All the signs were there that he was in great pain. On 5-28-21, Dr. Guss came out, confirmed our suspicions and we made the heartbreaking decision to let him go. I told him Poco, Dreamer, Autumn were waiting for him and there would be no pain in heaven. He is now Running In Paradise (RIP) pain free and happy to be with his old friends.

NED

Said goodbye, turned around And you were gone, gone, gone Faded into the setting sun Slipped away But I won't cry 'Cause I know I'll never be lonely For you are the stars to me You are the light I follow I can hear those echoes in the wind at night Calling me back in time Back to you In a place far away Where the water meets the sky The thought of it makes me smile You are my tomorrow Sometimes I feel my heart is breaking But I stay strong and I hold on 'cause I know I will see you again, This is not where it ends I will carry you with me 'Till I see you again- "See You Again" by Carrie Underwood Thank you to our volunteer Stevie McAdams for this beautiful horse-shoe sign in his memory. Ned you are so very loved! Registered name: Contenders Nieto 2-17-90 to 5-28-21

Thank you to all who have supported, cared and loved him. Christine and everyone at EqWBR

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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