On September 22 we welcomed Lazarus into TLER. We had been contacted by the Riverside Department of Animal Services regarding a badly neglected horse in need of placement. His feet were shod and very overgrown. AC had owners remove shoes and have him trimmed. Thank you to G.H. for covering intake cost and Cristine S. for being his monthly sponsor. Thanks to them we were able to offer a home. We picked up Lazarus at a small residence. How and where was a horse being housed? We found him behind the house in a 12 x 12 corral, full of manure, no water, no shelter, no food. Lazarus dragged us out of the place and lterally jumped into the trailer. JUMPED! The vet felt his age was in mid 20s but according to his lip tattoo he is most likely Wazzu Willy at 19 years old...his teeth look so much older! He is underweight and very lame on his front hoof. We had his hoof Xrayed and he does have mild rotation of the coffin bone (mechanical founder), bad seedy toe, and a toe crack. Individually these things would not be a big deal. Together they are causing a lot of discomofrt. Maybe an abscess brewing as well? Andy, our farrier, came out and put pads and shoes on. This will help with stability. Hoping he is more comfortable soon. In the meantime, he is putting on weight well.
We say goodbye to our one of our sanctuary residents, Sundance. Sundance was discovered by a friend wasting away in a backyard with other horses, out of view of the public eye. We hiked in and discovered the horses emaciated, no food, dirty waters, standing in poop, rain rot coats,...a mess. We took pictures and forwarded them to Animal Control. Long story short, Sundance to came to us. She began putting weight on, battled cellulitis and skin problems, and eventually made a full recovery. She had a very crooked front leg that made her a companion only. So, she joined our sanctuary. In her late teens, the crooked leg became arthritic. She was kept comfortable and pasture sound on previcox. I called her 'My Special' and she loved getting her carrot with her pill in it every day. She loved that I would sneak her grain. She would 'flamingo' for treats and hold her leg up like a flamingo. She had doe eyes and was so kind. Children loved her and she loved them. Recently her arthritis got worse and we were unable to keep her comfortable. I held her head cradled in my arms. As she drew her last breath she heard I Love You, and was gone. She was so loved and given a great last chapter in life. I just wish it could have been longer. Loved and missed always. So easy to dwell on the grief and sadness. Rescue is difficult but thankful for the gifts we are able to give these horses, from a great life, to a dignified ending. It is worth it. They are worth it. Love you Sundance
Welcome Hodor. Hodor is a young Yorkshire X who found himself in need of a home after the sanctuary he was residing in was closing its doors. His options were auction or the family that came to raise him for meat. Thanks to his generous sponsors, we were able to offer sanctuary. Hodor is very social and loves his walks. He even has his own Facebook page! We are looking for a House of Hodor for him because, as you know, 'winter is coming'(Game of Thrones quote. Couldn't help myself). So, keep your eye out!