Wednesday, December 18, 2013

The Best Blog Readers Ever (Plus, A Francie Update)

I already knew I had the best blog readers around, but shucks, folks, I was floored by the response to my recent post about our rescue horse and the horses left behind that needed help.  All your kind words and support warmed my soul so much that I felt like the Grinch - my heart grew three sizes that day!  And those of you who could, jumped in and donated to help treat the other two horses.  I went to the local farm store and was able to buy the complete gamut of dewormer for BOTH horses, all thanks to your generous donations. 
I helped the neighbors get started with the dewormer, and taught them some about how dangerous these strongyles can be.  They were thankful for the help.  Like I said before, I don't think they mean these horses any harm.  They just don't have the knowledge or resources to care for them.  But with this help, I am hopeful that the horses will start to look better, especially if they will keep hay out for them.  And maybe the skeletal older mare will be able to put on some weight if she can get worm-free.  Yes, I'm a bit of a dreamer, but look how many of you jumped on my dream to help make my wishes for these horses come true! 

In addition, I am working with them to try to arrange for the stud colt to be gelded.  I have someone that is covering the gelding fee, if the owners will agree to it.  And guess what?  I had extra donations left over after purchasing the dewormer, and I plan to put that towards doing some of the basic vaccines when the vet comes out to do the gelding.  That's right, thanks to you all, we can at least get them their rabies and flu/rhino shots! 

I can't even find the words to express how much happiness you all have brought me; that you are helping me care for these horses.  Maybe, with a little luck, once the colt is gelded and healthy we can find him a home with a pasture to roam, just the way horses are meant to be.  Wouldn't it be amazing to see him gallop a green field?

As for Francie, she is doing really well.  She has completed her deworming program, and is feeling like a new mare.  Since the worms are gone, she got to move into her own small pasture, which is full of yummy grasses.  I've seen her run now, and it's a beautiful thing - she holds her head so high.  I didn't want to share any pictures of her at her lowest, when I first brought her home, which is why I only shared carefully angled head shots that didn't show how bad  she was.  She still has a way to go, but now she's looking healthy enough for a full body shot.  Her spine is still protruding, but thanks to a furry winter coat you can't tell from this picture, and you can see how well she's filled out in the hips and ribs in just a few weeks.  Also - can you tell she loves mud?
Soon, Francie will be strong enough to start learning a few more things.  She has already learned how to have her feet cleaned, stand for brushing, and walk backwards on command.  But once she puts on a few more pounds, I'll start working with her on the lunge line. 

Thank you readers, for your support, for your kind words and donations.  You all don't need me to write about the true meaning of Christmas.  You're living it.  Thank you.

27 comments:

Sunnybrook Farm said...

There will probably be a big difference by spring, there will be some running and kicking then!

Barbara said...

This post brought tears to my eyes. It is amazing what people can do. This is truly the meaning of Christmas.

Barbara said...

This post brought tears to my eyes. It is amazing what people can do. This is truly the meaning of Christmas.

Jeanne said...

Wonderful that you have acccepted this responsibility and that you have gotten so much support in your efforts. Have a wonderful Christmas ! know your boys are excited!

Melanie said...

Francie know that she is lucky to have you! I have heard of similar situations and it breaks my heart! These beautiful and amazing creatures deserve to be cared for and loved. So glad that Francie has you!

Monkeywrangler said...

Francie certainly is looking better, Lisa! Does the old mare get any sweet grain? I'd think that would be the fastest way to put some weight on her old bones after the deworming. It's a wonderful thing you are doing for those horses. You are living out the lines of Matthew 25:39-40.

thank you!

Out on the prairie said...

Very nice to hear

Sonya @ Under the Desert Sky said...

Oh, Lisa! How amazing! You and your generous readers are life-savers for these horses!

And I sure do hope that older mare can start gaining weight, too! I sure hope de-worming will help with that, and maybe the vet can check her teeth (if they haven't already been checked) and float them if necessary?

THANK YOU for helping them by coordinating the donation effort and then going in there and doing the "dirty" work!! You're awesome!

Busy Bee Suz said...

Such wonderful news!!! Of course, none of this could be possible if you hadn't started the ball rolling. I'm so happy you have such great readers and again, thank YOU for taking these sweet horses into your heart.

LONDONLULU said...

How beautiful! What a perfect fairy tale 1st chapter for these magnificent creatures, thank you for raising awareness!

Tina Fariss Barbour said...

I'm so glad to hear that Francie is doing better and that the other horses are getting help, too. It must be so wonderful to look out and see Francie running. :-) I don't know anything about caring for a horse, but I know it's hard work. Thank you for taking on the task of helping these animals.

Our Neck of the Woods said...

Yay! I am so happy to hear this. Francie is looking good and I like how furry she is. What a sweetie :) Thanks for the update!

Ginny Hartzler said...

How wonderful, the best Christmas present of all!!! I wait to see how she looks when you are done tending her and she is beautiful and sleek. Already she seems to be gaining weight. Walk backwards, how did you learn to be such a good horse trainer?

TexWisGirl said...

she is a wonderfully muddy, happy and on-the-way-to-healthy girl!

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh Lisa you brought tears to my eyes you are a wonderful caring person and your blogger family loves you and always comes to the rescue of those in need be that two legged or four legged. Way to go everyone. Oh what a wonderfully happy post. Hug B

Eat To Live said...

I think it is so wonderful of you to take this poor horse in and care for her. So happy you are getting some help.

Grandma Bonnie said...

It is so wonderful to hear you were able to do so much for those horses. I can't wait to see the progress they all make. I will keep them all in my prayers.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

What a wonderful post... Made me smile from head to foot! Francie is gonna be very healthy again--thanks to you (and others)... Isn't that what life is all about? HELPING EACH OTHER ---and it doesn't matter whether it's a human or animal....

Merry Christmas, Special Lady.
Hugs,
Betsy

Tweedles -- that's me said...

so many thank yous to all who helped
love
tweedles

Gail Dixon said...

What generous souls! So happy to hear the happy outcome. :)

Harry Flashman said...

The credit goes to you. You didn't just pass on by.

Becca said...

I hadn't read your original horse posts but I also have a huge soft spot for animals. I own two geckos that were given away on Craigslist. When I first got them, I didn't even think they were going to make it. Almost four years later they are so healthy that they are unrecognizable. Stay positive :)

Endah Murniyati said...

cute horse!

Lynn said...

I don't mean to get all teary eyed when I come here but sometimes I just do, this is so heart warming-you are a Two Bears Farm Angel and we are here to help your dream and grow the hope :-), don't hesitate to ask for more help if they need it. xxoo

Michaele said...

My heart sings : )

Starry Dawn said...

Hi Lisa,
Let me tell you a Proverb,"ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS." You are indeed, a wonderful lovely person, a child of God.
Your post brought tears into my eyes, for all the help you are getting from your thousands blog readers. How just one person can make a whole difference in someone else's life, whether that living being is a person or an animal!
I'll certainly send you some donations when I settle down back home in the United States. At the present time, I am still Overseas, and unable to do anything from here. You are a great young lady, for you love animals so much, and have a compassionate heart for horses and animals in need.
I send all my loving on your way, Lisa. I am sure everyone loves you so much. You bring happiness into your family, and in people's lives. You are an awesome friend.
Merry Christmas, & Happy New Year, Lisa, family & loved ones!
God bless you.
All the Best,
Starry.

jp@A Green Ridge said...

As are you, Lisa....every day!...:)JP