One Dog Saved For Thanksgiving!

Imagine having a puppy you love. It makes your heart smile, brings happiness to your life. Time passes and your job changes, you move to a new home, your children are in high school. All this time, your loyal dog stays loyal, happily moving along as you ask. He wags his tail when he sees you. He doesn't ask for much but a meal and a pat on the head, maybe a nice walk on a sunny day.

You look at your dog, he's now 13 years old. It is the day before Thanksgiving. You are preparing for a houseful of company. You clean your house extra well, put out the best dishes and find your best recipes. It will be a day of friends, family and thanks for all you have.

Then there is the dog. Your 'pup' of 13 years. You get his leash. He is happy now. He loves walks with you as his companion, the companion he has been to you all these years. You walk with him to the car, he loves rides. Then you stop. You take him out of the car and he happily wags his tail and looks at you with his loving eyes. You open the door and you both walk in. You talk to the people behind the desk. You explain you are having company tomorrow it is Thanksgiving. You tell them your dogs name is Simba, he's 13 years old and you don't want him anymore. You hand the man behind the counter the leash and you walk away. You are now going to finish planning your party for Thanksgiving.

Simba? He is confused and sad as he sits in the cold kennel at Animal Control. Frightened dogs barking, cold kennels, people he doesn't know. Luckily he doesn't know that an owner turn in can be euthanized in 5 minutes. Even if he did, he has no control over what happens to him. It is up to humans. Simba is lucky he is a purebred and a sweet dog, despite his uncaring owners decision to 'dump' him like a piece of garbage at animal control.

My sister, Michele, who runs the dog division of SaveTheHorses, Canine Adoption Network (CAN), heard about Simba and had a CAN volunteer pick him up. Michele has no room for him but took him because it would have been wrong not to take him.

Please help us find a permanent home for this sweet little Westie dog. His owner didn't care but I know you all do. Make it a good Thanksgiving by helping Simba find a really loving home asap.

Contact Michele at 1000dogrescue@gmail.com Please pass it on! Thank you. One dog saved for Thanksgiving because YOU helped.

SaveTheHorses Rescue Is Greener This Winter!

Greener and Winter

don't seem like they go together. They leaves are falling, Jack Frost is starting to show his artwork in the early morning sunrise. The smell of fire wood is in the air. It may make you think of white, like in snow, rather than green.

Yes, we are planting some rye grass which will stay green in the pastures all winter but the green I am talking about is the green in 'Go Green'. We are building a 'green' barn for the mini horses. Not the color green but recycled pallets and other recycled wood we can get. The mini horses have two run ins, now they will have stalls and stay cozy during the colder weather. We plan on redoing fencing and opening up space so they can really enjoy the new 'green' space.

Holes were dug and poles were put in to to keep the horses safe. They will be replaced with 14 foot 4x4's. Pallets are being bolted together and will be bolted to form the walls as we get farther into the building. It is fun to see the progress. The mini's are sure curious to see what is going on. Right now they are behind the fence and not able to get into the barn building area. I just couldn't find any hard hats in their sizes!
They will be surprised when they all get stalled!

This is a project planned by several people. Girl Scouts to professional builders and contractors to parents and volunteers are have come together to make this happen. Thank you all for getting it started. Now keep watching for continued progress. It is only the beginning of our 'green' makeover.

If you want to help us 'Go Green', send us some 'Green' dollars to help us continue our efforts. You are the people that make this all happen. Thank you for your continued support!

Alivie Is She For You?

Alivie is a three year old, very beautiful Thoroughbred mare. She was sent to the rescue to recover from a racing injury, a broken knee. We do think she will heal to become a nice trail horse. She'll never race again, she'll never be capable of an athletic career like some off-track Thoroughbreds but she sure is worth saving. Her eyes are the mirror to her soul. She is exquisite. She is kind and soon with find the best loving home for her to live her life out. She isn't for everyone. Many people are afraid of Off track Thoroughbreds, and many people are not going to take a horse with an injury. From all my years of experience, I know the right person will come along and adopt Alivie. We will wait for that right person. It will be someone who is altruistic. Someone who cares about the horse more than them self. Someone who is giving and if Alivie is never ridden, she will be loved.

Come and meet her if you are this person. Come and meet her and you will fall in love.

"Show me your horse, and I will tell you who you are'. Is Alivie your horse?

watch her race..

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/race/USA/MTH/2010/8/1/6/race-6

Jammer is in a JAM!

A friend, Izelda, has been a horse lover for many years. She was asked to take a lame horse. She found a home as a companion for Jammer but the new home needs a bit more time to get ready for him. Izelda asked if I could take him for a short time until he could go to his new permanent home. Of course, I agreed to put him in our pasture.

Izelda had never met Jammer but she was willing to help anyway. When she arrived at the farm Jammer was living, he was being ridden. The rider had spurs and told Izelda that Jammer was lazy so spurs were needed to make him ride. Sweet Jammer tried his best to do what his rider asked but he couldn't do it. Jammer has a serious leg injury and is in severe pain. Izelda took him away as quickly as she could as she held back the tears she wanted to shed for this poor horse. He may have a broken leg. The vet is coming out on Friday to take a look but it doesn't look good. His leg is enlarged and the anti-inflammatory medicines are not helping at all. He is 3 legged and in so much pain. What would anyone ride a horse in this condition????

Jammer is surely in a jam. He may be able to be treated but it is an old injury so it doesn't look good. We may have to do the humane thing for Jammer. We will do the right thing once it is determined what is wrong and if anything can be done to relieve his pain. He is such a sweet horse. He is in loving hands right now and we are very thankful for that. No matter what time he has left, he will never be mistreated and he will get all the love and horse treats he can handle. Please say a prayer for Jammer tonight, he needs us all.

Babes in Need Bonnie and Sassy

I received an email from a former volunteer who lives in Illinois now. She said some Nurse Mare Foals in Florida need help ASAP. A rescue in Florida, Beauty's Haven Farm, agreed to take the foals when the person who runs the farm 'rents' the mares out.

Sounds odd? It isn't as odd as we think. There are people who breed expensive horses, maybe to race or horse show. They want to breed their mare and get her back into competition ASAP. When their expensive baby is born, the 'rent' a wet mare (nursing mare) to take over feeding and raising the expensive baby. This is what a nurse mare farm does. They breed mares, any mares to any stallion because the foal has no value. They breed for the mares and her milk so she can be 'rented' to raise the expensive baby. What happens to the foal born to the nurse mare? It can starve, die, be shot, no one really cares much in the nurse mare business.

Beauty's Haven agreed to help the 3 foals but had no room. I have a great foster home in Milton, FL, Patty, who was very willing to take all 3 babies. We just needed to raise money to transport them the 6 hour trip to the Panhandle. Double B equine transport gave us a good price on $400. We split the costs with Beauty's Haven. Rescues working together get more done. While waiting for the blood test to be done, one of the foals found a home. We now have Bonnie, who is a 4 month old Draft cross and Sassy who is an Appendix Quarter Horse/Thoroughbred cross.

Look at those faces. They deserve to have good homes, long lives and gentle humans in their lives. They may come to our Georgia farm if they don't find homes in Florida.

Thank you for all your continued support. This is how we continue to help horses in need. You are their angels.

Yes, More New Arrivals.

Beautiful Dun Mare and her Mule colt, new arrivals.

I really didn't want to do it. I am struggling to care for all the horses here at the rescue farm and at our North Georgia location. Our grass is gone, hay prices are going up and I lay awake worrying about the future. So when someone sent me a Craigslist ad from Statesboro Georgia, I ignored it, almost.

Well, it was not just a mare but it was her 2 month old baby. It tugged at my heart so I opened the ad and I say a very malnourished mare and her cute little baby mule. OK Statesboro is a 4 hour trip, one way! I know without much help here lately, I can't leave for a whole day. I posted the ad to my SaveTheHorses.org page on Facebook. Someone said they could foster and many even adopt the mom once the baby was weaned and they lived in South Georgia and they could possibly transport. Things were starting to look good. Now I have a foster home who can pick up the horses and keep them a while. I called the owner from the ad. he said the mare is getting in fights with the other mare, most likely to protect her baby, and is going through the barbed wire fencing. He wanted her out of their and fast. He said if she wasn't sold by Friday, she and baby would be at auction on Saturday. Now the pressure was on me. Can I get this done? Do I have all my ducks in a row? I think so. The owner and I agreed on a price of $150. The price between life and death for these two innocent victims.

I sent the money through paypal so the owner would have it and know I am serious and will get his 'problem' mare and foal out of there. he said he'd give me a few days to move them but not too long. After all, horses fighting where there is barbed wire is a problem. I contacted the possible foster home and was told it was not possible to pick up the horses. WHAT? Wait, I am 4 hours away, they need to get out ASAP and I need Plan B which I didn't have. Sit down, take a breath, now think....

OK Who has a truck and trailer and time? I asked a few people and get a 'yes, I can' from a great friends daughter. Of course, a pony clubber who loves horses and it a horse whisperer. Brigitte headed out of the trip with another great young volunteer, Nicholas. They managed to get there and back before dark . That was another $200. in gas but money well spent. I am sure you agree. The mare and foal have been happy to have room to run and get regular meals. I may have a good home lined up too.

Just in a day's work here at the horse rescue.

Thank you for all your support. We couldn't do it without you.

Lobo

Gwinnett County Animal Control went out an animal abuse call and found several malnourished dogs and one malnourished horse, too. They confiscated them all. After they were awarded custody after the court case, the needed a place to send Lobo so he would get the love and care he needs to gain weight, recover from neglect and maybe find a forever home.

We don't get many calls from people asking for older, neglected horses especially one like Lobo, who has an incontinence problem. We have to hose his legs, dry them then slather Vaseline on his legs so the urine won't scald his skin. This isn't the first horse we have had with this problem. We are OK with any problem. We just take a little extra time to love on him. Maybe some good hearted person will be happy to have Lobo live out his life on their farm. If not, he can stay here forever. It would be a great help if someone would like to help by sponsoring him. It costs us about $300. a month to keep a horse plus special needs or supplements, farrier, vet care. Even a $5. a month promise will be a big help. It can buy a bale of hay.

Lobo looks like a Saddlebred horse. He is about 28 years old and so very sweet. Come and meet him, groom him and he will steal your heart. Gwinnett County Animal Control delivered him here only a few days ago. He needs lots of good friends like you, kind humans. He needs to know there will always be a next meal and hay to eat. That's what we do!

Tennessee 30 now Tenneesee 4

Before and After pictures of Stella.


Tennessee 30 is now Tennessee 4.

Amazing what good grass can do!

Many of you remember the infamous Tennessee 30. It was 30 horses bought at an auction in TN. They were purchased for a low, low price and brought across the street from the rescue. To see 30 horses on an acre or two makes cars stop and look. Many calls were coming in to the rescue asking about them. They were thin, it was November and the grass was gone in a few days.

Who were these horses? Why were they here? The story is they were bought by a local horse trader. They are his horses and he can do what he wanted with them. At a low price, all horses are in danger of going to be slaughtered. Though we don't slaughter horses here in the USA, we do send them to Mexico and Canada to be slaughtered for human consumption. It is not illegal. The owner can do that and make some money. I called and asked him what he'd sell them for. He said $75. each so I was on the Internet telling everyone who would listen and asking them to tell everyone they know. A few of the horses sold fast. After a week or so the stress of going to auction, fighting for food, and being unhealthy and malnourished to start, they broke out with a contagious infection called Strangles. It is like strep throat. It takes a few weeks but it goes through the whole herd. The Department of Agriculture quarantined the herd. It took 4 months for the virus to get through the herd. During that time, people were picking out and paying the owner for the horses. We were collecting donation for feed and hay the horses. We wanted to give them every chance to recover. Volunteers from the rescue would take turns feeding and watering the herd. Snow, sleet nor ice was a deterrent in getting these horses healthy. As people purchased a horse, some would come and help out physically and financially. It did take a village to save the horses.

All the horses went to homes. Now months later, 4 were given to the rescue. These are nice horses but still need training and patience.

Suzy is a very pretty Chestnut QH type mare. She just needs to be trained. She was saved by a loving person, her injuries treated and ready to make some a nice trail horse. She is ready to go.

Willow is a black walking horse mare that was one of the most frightened of all. She must have been through some very mean humans. She will lead and eat from your hand but needs time and patience to move on.

Stella is a nice mare that is already trained to ride. Look at the pictures of before and after. She has come full circle from a malnourished nearly alive horse to a beautiful mare ready to trail ride.

Then there is one young chestnut mare that is terrified of people. Stella protects her. She must have been through some really horrible times to act so afraid of humans in her young life. She needs a very special person who will not hurry and understand her fear. She is gentle but wants to leave your space because she is terrified to be close to people. I am sure she has a good reason.

The Tennessee 30 is now the TN 4. Come and helps find a home for each of them. repost to all of your horse friends. These 4 horses need loving home and kind hearts. They deserve that. They did nothing wrong but end up in the wrong hands at one time in their lives...through no fault of their own. Please help us help them.

See the other horses available at http://www.savethehorses.org/

facebook at SaveTheHorses.org

Yes, I Am Back!

After a great vacation in Chicago, visiting family and a wonderful city, I am back at the farm. Living a busy life on the farm where I live, raise my grandson, run the horse rescue, feed my husband, foster dogs, etc.,it was fun going into the big city. Not to waste the trip since we were driving, I borrowed a van and transported dogs to a rescue in Illinois. The majority of people up there spay and neuter their pets so there are not as many dogs needing homes as there is here in Georgia. My 6 grand kids like riding with the dogs anyway.

Things started peaceful yesterday but the peace didn't last long. Gary, a hay man, opened the lower gate to leave and Patience, an almost one year old filly, made a run for the driveway. She really wants to see the world! She managed to get past Gary but he managed to close the gate so Sweetie, our 33 year old Granny horse who is devoted to Patience, stayed behind. Sweetie whinnied as patience ran from Gary again and again. She is a real 'patient-tryer' if there is such a word. She's a stinker for sure.

The driveway is gravel with ditches and very uneven. Sweetie could trip and fall, she has lost her balance out there before. That's why the gate is closed. If Sweetie does fall, it takes people, a tractor and a sling to get her up again. her old body isn't working the way it used to but she gets around great, she just doesn't get up.

As Gary coaxed Patience back down toward the gate, I stood at the gate waiting to open it to let Patience in and not let Sweetie out. Patience came running in and Sweetie turned and ran up the hill toward the house. I headed to open the gate and drive away in the van I borrowed. I turned to see Sweetie running fast to keep up with Patience. Just then, she stumbled, landed on her face then fell over on the side of her face and neck. She was going so fast, her back end flew over her head. It is hard to describe but she couldn't move at all. It was a horrible position. She couldn't breath because her body was crushing her head. I have only seen a horse in that position in a rodeo video. It was a broken neck. I was afraid she would not be able to walk again. Would this be Sweetie's last day?

I was running up the hill towards her screaming as loud as I could. I had to get the weight off of her head. Gary was at the top of the driveway but he heard the screaming. He said it was blood curdling. He turned around and came back to help. Roger the volunteer who stayed at the farm while I was gone, was in back of the house near his trailer. I kept on screaming even after I reached Sweetie. I had her back legs in my arms trying to push her body off of her neck. I pushed and pushed to get the weight off of her head. Roger came running as I was still screaming. We finally got her lying down. I was so afraid she broke her neck. I moved her legs and didn't get much resistance. I think she was in shock. God knows I was! Roger ran to the barn and got a tent. We needed to keep Sweetie out of the sun. It was so hot and humid. Sweetie has Anhydrosis. She doesn't sweat. She was already panting pretty hard. I wet her neck and face but I didn't want to wet the Georgia clay too much. I thought about the tractor slipping down the hill. We needed no more mishaps. There is a balance of decisions to be made at a time like this.

Roger called 911. The Fire Dept has a large animal rescue unit with a sling! We have gotten her up many times with a sling but I wasn't sure she'd be able to stand or walk this time. I don't know what damage was done. I can only imagine. I called 3 vets, they were all busy and it would take a few hours to get here. We decided to try and get her up when the firemen arrive. It was a miracle but she got up and walked within minutes. So far she seems to be doing well. Damage can show up days later. So far, so good. Every day is a blessing.

Now I am ready to leave, again, and return the van. Lucky my rescue friend who let me borrow it is patient. On my way there, I saw a chicken that fell from a chicken truck. I turned around and couldn't find her. I just saw her, I know she's there. I was near my sister's farm. I picked her up and we drove back and found the poor chicken. She was over heated and panting hard. We put her in the air conditioning hoping to stabilize her but she died about 2 hours later.

Yes, I am back.

The Borrowed Sling...bad timing.

We need our own sling.

We can make one.

A sling at a horse rescue is a necessity, really. A sling is also expensive so we don't have one. Thanks to Lori at another Georgia horse rescue, Sunkissed Acres, we had one for a few months. She had one donated and needed it for a downed foal but with great care the foal is up and strong. Lori loaned the sling to us and we really used it. Our 33 year old mare, Sweetie falls or lays down and need help getting up. Once up, she is off and moving just fine. It's the getting up she has a problem with.

Today, Lori called and needs to sling. Tomorrow I am leaving town for a week to visit my elderly relatives and I have volunteers taking care of the farm and checking on Sweetie. The first thing every morning about 6:30, I check to make sure she is up and the last thing at night, about 11 pm, I check on Sweetie. She does consume me sometimes but she is a wonderful horse that gave happiness to so many. She was Cohutta Highlanders Pony Club horse of the year. She evented at Kentucky Horse Park, competed in dressage, games, Eventing and trail riding. She taught so many children to ride and took care of each child who rode her, including my own child! Though Sweetie has never had her own foal, she has raised a few with much love. I am happy to honor her. I am honored to help her. Our wonderful volunteers feel the same way.

The timing is bad because we may need to sling and we don't have one available. We do have some improvised straps that would be used if she goes down or we can call the Milton Fire Dept because they have a donated sling as well. They have used it to save many horses. They are really horse heroes!

I am going to work on getting what we need to make a sling ourselves. The pictures are of the parts of the sling. I know someone knows where and how to make it for less than the $1500. is costs to buy. Put on your thinking caps, please, and help us get our own sling. It will be used well!

http://www.savethehorses.org/

Happy Endings!

Cortez started his life with someone who wanted to own a horse. As time went on, the owner moved and left Cortez behind. The neighbors cared for him for a while but no one felt Cortez was their horse. Somehow, Cortez injured his neck. He just missed his jugular vein which would have been fatal. That injury gave him a chance to have a new life when a caring neighbor called and asked us to take him.

We picked him up and brought him to the rescue farm. The veterinarian gave him a clean bill of health while we continued to treat his wound until it completely healed. Cortez gained weight, muscle and training to be ready for adoption. He also loved treats a little too much. He became nippy so no treats by hand were allowed to be given to Cortez. We didn't want to to create a 'monster', we wanted to make Cortez a great best friend for the right person. He was still given treats but they were placed in his feed bucket instead of fed by hand. He slowly was worked to do some saddle work and he took to it without a problem. He is very willing to please and is very trusting.

A lady who lost her horse 10 years ago felt ready to finally get herself a new friend. After spending some time with Cortez, she knew he was the one! Cortez left for his new home yesterday. He is with a family of trail riders. He is going to be happy and his new 'Mom' will be happy, too. All the volunteers and supporter of SaveTheHorses make stories like this happen. Thank you all so much.

Don't you love happy endings?

Little Horses On Their Way!

In the Photo, Strawberry Shortcake really shows her small size next to her miniature parent behind her.


The little Dwarf Miniature Horse along with her Momma Mare, are on a transport heading to Ft Worth, TX. They should arrive by Sunday and be comfortable in the stall to rest up. Then during the week, they will be picked up and brought here to Cumming, GA.

We had to make sure the transporter had extra wood to put between stall in the trailer. Little Strawberry Shortcake can slide or roll under a small space. She only weights about 30 pounds. With a little one like that, special alterations must be thought of ahead of time. She really could get hurt under another horses feet. We tried to think of everything to ensure her safety.

Thank you to all who have donated so far. I will update you all soon. Our costs are Vet for health certificates and coggins for Momma. Coggins are not required in the NW. That is $190. Transport from Oregon to Texas is $750. 00 and the lay over is $10.00 per day. That should only be a few days. Then the cost of transport here from Texas to Georgia is $500.
We will get surgery quotes soon.

Little Horses Needs Big Money!

Dwarfism is a genetic deformity that can

happen to miniature horses.

SaveTheHorses.org has 4 dwarfs and 2 miniature horses with dwarf characteristics. We have never had the opportunity to get a dwarf young enough to correct the twisted limbs they were born with. Though we have tried finding a veterinarian to do surgery, it was too late for all of our dwarfs. Our farrier, Marian Figley, is doing a wonderful job working on their little crooked hooves though.

We have been contacted buy the owner of a dwarf filly born in May and young enough to do surgery. I already contacted 2 surgeons willing to do it. It will cost a minimum of $2000. but we feel it is very worth the cost. There is one more major problem, this little filly, Strawberry Shortcake, is located near Eugene, Oregon and we are near Atlanta, GA.

We really need to raise money for surgery and transport. It is about 2700 miles and Strawberry Shortcake's miniature mom will come along and become part of SaveTheHorses.org as well.

We estimate we need $5000. to commit to help Strawberry Shortcake survive and thrive to a good and long life.

Please help if you can and please cross post and pass on for Starwberry Shortcake! Thank you.

Full Moon

Indigo came from Habersham County with a group of 9 horses that were going to slaughter. We were able to save them though a generous donor who bought them all 24 hours before the truck we coming to take them to Mexico for a cruel end to their innocent lives. Little did we know that a few of the mares were pregnant. Indigo was the last to foal. It was August 2010. She had a beautiful, healthy filly we named Patience. A college bound young man, Nicholas, slept in the barn many nights waiting for the birth. He named her Patience because it sure taught him to be patient!

I wanted to wean Patience from Indigo but wanted to wait for Nicholas to come back from college to help. He has a special relationship with Indigo. yesterday morning, we led Indigo into the trailer without much fuss. We drove 5 minutes to the 60 acre pasture that Indigo was familiar with. She spent a few months there when we picked up the Habersham group. We brought the pregnant mares to the rescue farm to monitor them and keep them safe.

Now back to Indigo and the full moon. She came off the trailer shaking. She may not have had good trailer experiences but we were kind and gentle. We took off her halter and she ran around the pasture with the other horses running behind her. All settled down in a few minutes. Everyone was calm when we left. Back at the rescue farm, Patience was calling for Indigo all day. 'Mom, Where are you?'. No reply from Indigo 5 miles away.

Pam went to the 60 acres to feed the horses. She didn't see Indigo at all. I thought she may be happily eating grass but I sent Bobby on the 4 wheeler to ride the land, check the fences and check for her. After an hour, still no Indigo. Then I got a call from the local restaurant owner, who is a horse person, that a black horse was seen on the corner. We organized a search party and everyone went in different directions. Wendall , Bobby, Judy, Brian, Brooke and me. We crossed paths and kept calling one another, no Indigo. I called the Sheriff and pulled over a police car to give them my number in case they get a call. About 10 pm, a call came that she was put into a pasture about 4 farms down the road. We ran back to the rescue farm and hooked up the trailer, grabbed some grain and a halter and drove back over to where Indigo was. We thanked the property owners. It was such a relief knowing where she was and that she was safe. It was dark and she was in a pasture with 3 bother black horses, As Bobby and Nick tried to figure out who was Indigo in the moving herd, they horses ran from the flashlight. We could see them in the full moon but they were spooked by us, the flashlight and that time of night. After an hour or so we decided to wait until morning and make it easier on all of us.

On the way home, I detoured on a back road. It was gravel with a tree canopy that was full and beautiful. As I went around a curve, there was a cow trying to get back to her calf. The mooing of both let me know she was missing her baby, like Indigo missed Patience. It was a full moon. I will think twice about weaning a foal again. It won't be on a full moon!

Looks Like Love!

Meadow, our newest rescue horse and her new beau, Cheetah! Happy Munching you two.

Looks like love to me.

Though Cheetah is blind, he leads a full and happy life.

It is sad how many people disregard a horse because it is blind. I had colic surgery done on a blind horse at UGA Large Animal Veterinary Hospital about 6 years ago. They were surprised to see how well my horse, Stevie Wonder, walked in, stood in the stocks, stepped on the scale and easily lead around the clinic without any hesitation. They told me they usually recommend euthanizing blind horses to their clients. I guess we have more education to get out there about blind horses don't we? Even to some veterinarians. Some may have not encountered blind horses. They can lead full lives and even compete in shows or ride on trails. Yes, they can be riden! They sure can be loved.

Where Do They Come From?

It is always an on-going questions, "Where do we get the horses that come into the rescue ?'.

Here is one example. Animal Control found horses on the road. The owner keeps them on a wooded acre. There is no grass so he crosses the street and ties them to trees to graze on the grass. A few broke loose and wandered away when animal control officers rounded all of them up and confiscated them. They explained that this is not satisfactory horse care and the owner was fined. He gave up this malnourished mare but kept the rest. Hopefully he will take better care of the 5 horses he did keep. Animal control will keep a watch on them to be sure. If a home wasn't found for this horse, she would have be humanely euthanized.




Now if we agree to take a horse, expecially a very malnourished horse, we need a place to keep it and have to be able to pay for it's needs. Hay, grain, veterinary care and farriers all are ongoing expenses for any horse and we already have so many to be responsible for. We need to consider all of our horses before we take in another. It takes a village of animal lovers that volunteer and give generously to allow us to keep up this never ending job of caring for needy horses.




Who came to the rescue? Our longtime volunteers, Julia and Chad. They agreed to foster the mare even though we didn't know much about her. However, there was a concern for their blind gelding, Cheetah. We didn't want him hurt or kicked. 'Meadow' turned out to be one of the sweetest mares ever. Cheetah was so happy to meet her, he couldn't keep his nose away from her. He can't see her so he had to become familiar with her smells and she tolerated his annoying nose without even a squeal. They became fast buddies in the pasture sharing grass.





Meadow is about 10-12 years old. She will be assessed for any riding ability after she gains weight and becomes healthier. She is now enjoying freedom of not being tied to a tree to find food. It is being served in a clean feed bucket, along with fresh water, hay and all the grass she can find thanks to our wonderful care givers. She is one of the lucky horses that did get another chance at life.

Haunted by this Ghost! He has 24 hours.

Update! I am sending $100. to animal control so we have some time. I hope a FL rescue steps in.

I looked at these pictures and I am haunted by them. This is Ghost. The horse was adopted out by animal control a year ago, not look what condition he is in. He is in central Florida. We are north of Atlanta, GA. (http://www.savethehorses.org/)

Gas is sky high and is would cost at least $300-400. to bring him here plus all the special feed and supplements he'd need until he got healthy. This poor horse deserves a second chance. He has been the victim of a human...again. It makes me sick that animal control only has given him 24 hours but they cannot afford to keep him. It isn't animal controls fault that they have a budget. It is the person who was supposed to be caring for him who is to blame. Animal Control adopted him out in good faith. It is their obligation to make sure this doesn't happen again. If they euthanize him, he will not suffer again. It's a sad ending. I am trying to do something but I have only today to do it. Any ideas? Thought? Please

Can anyone transport? Is there anyone who can take him in Florida? Any one willing to help support Ghost or keep him permanently?

I don't know his age or breeding or ability. I really don't care. All I care about it he gets a chance to live out his life with love and proper care. What can you offer Ghost so we are not haunted by this image of his starved body that only has 24 hours unless we become his voice and his angels.

He is in Tavares, Florida animal control. denise is the officer who is trying so hard to help him find a home.

Lost Horse? I think NOT!

Finding a horse could mean an very worried owner is looking for her or it could mean the horse was dumped for a reason. What is this case?

Lost Horse?

A 'Save The Horses' volunteer, Deb, was heading out to the rescue farm with her kids. As she drove down Franklin Goldmine Rd, she spotted a horse just standing about 200 feet off the road in an abandoned subdivision. They pulled over, grabbed their halter and she left her daughter there with the horse while she came to tell us. We quickly hooked up the trailer. Not knowing what to expect, I was shocked to see the swelling to the mares head and neck. I thought it may be a snake or spider bite but I had suspicions in the back of my mind that is was something else. As soon as we got back to the barn, I gave her a steroid injection. The veterinarian was on her way out but I was anxious that the swelling might get so bad she would suffocate. Hurry Dr. Amanda! While we waited, we cold hosed her neck. It felt like tiny bubble wrap under her skin on her face and neck.

The Vet examined the mare and determined she was about 20 something years old. We looked closely for any type of bite or puncture marks but didn't find any at that time. Maybe when the swelling goes down, we will have a better answer. It usually takes 24 hours for swelling like that to recede. The vet also gave me more steroids to help reduce the swelling quickly. Three days passed and there was little change. Maybe it wasn't a bite at all. The images in my head when I first saw her were not pretty. I wondered if she had been roped with a lasso and then yanked over on her back. She did have a cut just about her tail. It was about 7 inches long and fresh when we found her. It was skinned of it's hide. How'd that happen?

Just across the street from where we found her, is a farm run by people who do things to horses I cannot watch. I have driven by and saw men on horses chasing other very frightened horses. They were chasing horses with lasso's trying to rope them. They had smiles on their faces and enjoyed the chase. The horses were running for their lives. Could this have been what happen to the mare we picked up? This is all speculative on my part. Dr Amanda and I discussed what seems to be a torn trachea. That's why the swelling didn't go down quickly like it would have from poision of a snake or spider. I think the lassoed her, flipped her over. Then saw all the swelling. She may have lost consienciousness as well. Maybe they took her to the back of the abandoned subdivision and left her for dead.

Someone told me the saw these men in the subdivision that day. When we drove over with the trailer, the men were out there and saw us taking the horse, loading her in the trailer. They didn't stop us, ask us any questions or seem to care that we were taking this mare.

April 18th, when Forsyth County arrested a man for animal cruelty including 4 dead horses, it made me think the pieces fit to the puzzle of what happened to this mare.
http://www.northfulton.com/Articles-c-2011-04-18-186823.114126-sub-Four-horses-dead-in-pasture.html

We named her Clover. I didn't call the Sheriff. I didn't want to make accusations without proof. I also wanted her taken care of and treated kindly. I can see the distant look in her eye. I was scared for her safety. Maybe I didn't do the right thing. Maybe I should have reported a found horse but I did what was in my heart. Was she a lost horse? I think Not! Remember, this is just my opinion.

Storm Passing!

Stormie had an infected sinus when she arrived at the Rescue. Her owners had paid for strong antibiotics for her for 2 years and she still had a foul discharge out of one nostril or the other. Nothing was working. She was 28 at the time. An x-ray showed that some of the infection actually damaged the sinus cavity. We treated her with Oregano Oil and few times and it never returned. No smelly discharge, no discharge at all. She did well. She was a star at the rescue for a few years then a very loving couple came and Stormie put a big hug on Steve, the husband, and it was love for both of them. Linda, the wife, wasn't jealous though, she loved Stormie, too.

Linda and Steve bought a beautiful farm and adopted Stormie and a few other horses. Stormie was always the leader and was treated royally. Over the past few weeks, Stormie was having problems with her liver and her energy level was getting lower and lower. The veterinarians did everything they could. Steve and Linda did everything they could but Stormie passed over to the Rainbow Bridge. Stormie's spirit will live on in our hearts. RIP Sweet Stormie.

A Wooly Ole Gal!

Another one comes in from the auction. This old mare was brought to the auction, just thrown away buy her owners. We offered a whopping $10. for her. She has many stories to tell about her long life and how she ended up at a kill buyer auction but she's not saying a word. She's too busy eating all the grass she can find in our North Georgia pasture. She has the symptoms of having Cushings disease. It is a hormonal imbalance that can be brought under control. We have others with Cushings so it is not a problem for us. We really get great results from a product called Evitex. It is made from Chasteberry. No side effects, just a healthier horse! It is not cheap though. We haven't named this sweet old gal yet but she sure could use a sponsor to help defray costs of her Evitex. It's about $50. a month for her supplement. http://www.EmeraldValleyEquine.com/evitex.cfm She also has to eat, get her regular manicures from the farrier, and regular needs. If a few people send a small monthly commitment to sponsor her, we can continue to help her until she finds a special home where she is loved forever.

How old are you, Gypsy?

Happy Birthday Gypsy!

Gypsy is a very pretty Appaloosa mare. You can always find her in a pasture, she's easy to SPOT! She would love to find a new loving home with someone who only does light riding or just be a humans best friend. She came from a loving owner who because of finances, had to give her up. Gypsy has always been treated kindly, is loving and gentle. She looks great for her age. Today Gypsy is celebrating her 25th Birthday!

One Last Change for Strawberry!

One last chance for Strawberry!

After speaking with Dr. Lee, who removed the Strawberry's eye, he wants to examine her and is hoping it is not the cancer returned.

Patti is taking her to Alabama for the appointment. What we need is all your prayers, good wishes and positive thoughts that Dr. Lee will find something curable the local vet didn't.

We do not want her to suffer but we also do not want to euthanize her if there is a cure. Squamous Cell Carcinoma is an aggressive cancer and if it is the cancer causing her problem we will ask Dr. Lee to humanely let her cross over to the Rainbow Bridge.

I know I just complained about gas prices. (It costs me $150. to pick up a 28 year old gelding in NC). Patti will drive almost 3 hours one way so the vet visit and gas alone will be costly. The outcome will tell what other costs will occur so if you can spare a dollar, we will greatly appreciate it. Don't forget to spare a prayer and good wish for Strawberry!

Life's Journey of One Sweet Horse.

When Strawberry was born, her owner was happy to have such a pretty little filly. She has the look of a prized Medicine Hat on her head. It is mythical as well as very attractive to most horse lovers!

Medicine Hat horses are believed to have a special magical power to protect their rider through battle and their mainly white coats were decorated with symbols to help further protect the rider.

I don't know her full journey in her 15 years of life but I wish to think it started out with love. How did she get here? Our volunteer foster home with Patti in Milton, Florida found her on a local Craigslist Posting: Mare with bad eye needs home, FREE! Not any takers for a horse with a bad eye. We couldn't turn our back on a really needy horse. That's what rescue is to us...helping the ones who need help the most.

The story were were told was the horse was given to a child who's parents dropped off the horse at a friends pasture. No one every came back to care for her, feed her or show her their love.

She was treated with love at Patti's farm. Her journey continued to a wonderful veterinarian who diagnosed Strawberry with Squamous Cell Carcinoma in her eye. Our magical horse, Strawberry, may have protected her riders but no one protected her from the harmful rays of the sun. We had surgery to remove her eye. Dr Lee thought he had removed all the margins of cancer and she was on her way to better days ahead.

She seemed happier and was gaining weight. We were seriously looking for a new permanent home for her but suddenly, she started showing signs of paralysis on one side of her face. It was the side where the cancer was found. It quickly moved down to her left jaw. She is having trouble eating as you can see in the video. She has to move her head around to try and grind and swallow. I went to Florida and took the videos last week when only the left side was affected. Patti told me that her right jaw is now getting paralyzed. We sadly made a decision to let Strawberry continue her journey to the Rainbow Bridge. It is a heartbreaking decision for Patti and I. We both gave it much thought and knew it was the kindest thing to do, despite our sadness.

Thanks to the generosity of Patti for opening her farm and her heart to Strawberry. We feel it was worth the time and money spent to fight for Strawberry's life. Sadly is ended too quickly but she left us knowing we did all we could for her and showed her kindness and love in a sometimes not so kind world to animals. Below are a couple of Videos of Strawberry.

Good Bye Blondie

More than one Good Bye to Blondie.

Blondie came from an auction. She was afraid of the noise and confusion of the action going on at the auction.She didn't seem to have much handling. At two years old, she had come to know some bad people who had no kindness to show her. Once she was brought to the rescue farm, Jason worked with her, taught her about good humans and even saddled her. She was farm from ready to ride at her age but it was all positive experience. A really nice family, Chico, Cheryl and daughter, who just brought a lovely farm wanted to volunteer to learn about horses. They spent time with all of our horses but had a special love for Blondie. They were in no hurry to do any more than offer Blondie a loving home and gentle care.

We did a farm check and moved Blondie and another mare to their farm. We said Good-Bye to Blondie and her friend. They all were very happy until a thunderstorm moved in to the North Georgia mountains. One boom was so close, Chico ran out to check on the horses. He was heartbroken to see Blondie on the ground, dead. She had been hit by lightening.

Poor Chico. How can he tell his wife? How could he tell his daughter? How could he tell us at the rescue that our sweet Halflinger cross filly was dead. It was sad for all of us. He questioned why all the cows in the next pasture were not hit. The other horse must have been far enough away to not be hit either. There is no answer to Why. Only more questions. Every storm will remind us of Blondie. Every storm will worry us because of Blondie. Go out and hug your loving animals today..while they are here to hug. We just don't know what tomorrow will bring. We hate this kind of Good-Bye.

Good Bye Blondie, Rest In Peace.

Two Days Old ...In Need Already!

He was shivering after the plasma treatment. He was tired as well. I covered him with the electric blanket and he was comfy and cozy for his nap.

When the message said newborn foal, rejected by mare...I was ready to run out the door. A baby in need. I could only think YES. I headed up the highway to pick up the little guy in North Georgia. He was already away from his Mom. She never even looked back as he was driven away. The owner didn't realize her newly purchased mare was in foal. What a surprise to wake up Saturday to a little light colored foal. Sadly, the mare wanted nothing to do with her baby. The vet came out and sedated the mare in order to get some much needed colostrum to insure the foals survival. The mare fought it all the way, even under heavy sedation. Maybe to the point of danger for all involved. The foal was given the colostrum milk the blood work was done. The results were not enough antibodies to keep the foal healthy.

When he arrived, I already had the vet scheduled to give the foal plasma to help him overcome problems that can occur with an 'orphaned' foal. He has edema in both back legs but we are hoping the plasma will help remedy that. Volunteers were waiting anxiously to meet him and take pictures. They were like the Paparazzi! How can they help it. He is so cute. He's a Creamello with two blue eyes.

Now it the time I am wondering why I say YES without thinking ahead. Who is coming to feed him every 2 hours? Me! I am OK with it though. I have some volunteers ready to help several nights starting Wednesday. I will be ready for them by Wednesday. I will look like a Zombie for the next few days but I will have done my best to save this little guy. If you are a night owl or an early riser, let me know and we will schedule you in to feed. It's easy. Hold the bottle and he does the rest.

We are calling him Moonbeam R Walker. He will not be able to be out in a pasture during the sunny days, not with those baby blue eyes. Squamous Cell Carcinoma is quick to hurt light eyed horses. Why take the chance? I can tell you a couple of heart breaking Squamous Cell stories. We did do surgery at Auburn and saved a handsome Shire gelding. The adopter was so quick to see the problem, it turned out successful. That was a happy story. More to come soon.

Jacob, formerly #851 is Safe!

Jacob is safe! Here he is in his QT facility and looking much happier! Thank you to all the people who helped us pull him from the killpen!

# 851 wants to go home

This long eared fellow is wanting to come home. He's very sad, in a strange place awaiting the truck that will take him to slaughter. He is only 4 years old, he rides and drives. I believe he is missing his family, his head is hanging down in most pictures and he is ignoring the activity around him.

I have called him "Jacob", in honor of a woman who has donated towards his coming home and being safe.

We are working towards getting you safe Jacob. We have a family waiting to lavish love and carrots and nose kisses on you!

Muffin Man Moves with some help.

First touch with halter and lead on. Taylor is using M&M and her senior project for school.

First time lead with halter.

This handsome guy is a captive born Mustang. His mother is in our care as well. Both came from animal control. They talked about euthanizing them because they were dangerous. We took a look and our first thoughts were these are not dangerous horses, just terrified horses, even traumatized. So they could be saved, we agreed to take them both. They trembled as they stood in the stall were animal control had them held. It was easy to get them in the trailer because they moved as far away from us as they could. Just put your arms toward them and they jumped in. Once at the farm, it was the same getting them out. I had to get a stick to use an an extension of my arm. I put it in the open area at the front of the trailer and they moved away as fast as they could to the barn and jumped out.





Having the stallion, 'Stud Muffin' gelded was more of an ordeal than we anticipated. It took 5 different drugs and two hours to sedate him so he could be safely gelded. Mustangs have a great survival instinct. I guess you can say they can 'hold their liquor'. Any domestic horse lets the drug take over. Mustangs need to survive and fight an effects of sedation. After 3 hours of work, he was gelded. We changed the name to Muffin Man (M&M) and started to work with him in the round pen. We can get him to go around and around and around. It seemed to only get to that point and no further progress was being made. He would turn left, right and stop and look at you but no touching was allowed by M&M.



We had to be a little more assertive, though I don't like doing it, but I felt we were at a stand still. Bobby and I cornered M&M and carefully and slowly managed to get a halter on him. We left the lead rope on the halter so he can stop on it with his own foot and realize he had to stop at the pressure. He is in a small area and we watch carefully so he didn't panic and hurt himself. He did quite good.

Fifteen minutes a day spent training, learning to lead, learning to whoa, turning...just small steps to accomplish bigger things.

Muffin Man is available for adoption. He is about 7 years old. Surely not too old to learn to trust and love humans. If you are a kind, patient person, he may be your dream horse.Come and meet this handsome horse.