Neigh Savers Rescue News

Rescue of TB - Storm - August 17, 2009

This four year old thoroughbred gelding named "Storm" was retired off the track 6 months ago and then was put out in the hills to "recover." Horses that are put out to pasture without supplemental feed, particularly off track TB's who tend to lose weight when off track and actually initially need more feed, do not fare well and can starve as is the case of Storm. Sadly Storm lost his battle as he was too far gone. The cruelty of man against our animal friends is truly appalling. Jason was with Storm in his final moments.

"Storm was let go today at 10:45am. He gave up.

The vets were there when I arrived. He was standing in his stall, breathing heavy and labored, head held low. The stall door was open as it always was when we're there, he never walks out. I walked in and started rubbing his forehead and ears.. I knelt down and whispered in his ear that I was there and it was ok... he lifted his head a little and looked at me... I cleaned the "eye-booger" off his eye. I told him outloud that if he has to go that he can and it will be ok, and gave him a kiss on the cheek. He then started to walk out the front of the stall by himself. He walked right up to the vets (about 30 feet) and stood there. I couldn't help but cry outloud. I walked up to him one last time and kissed him on the top of his nose. The syringes went in, and he slowly sat down then laid over. He stopped breathing a few seconds later.

He's in a better place now. He is no longer hungry. He is no longer in pain.

He left knowing the love and affection of humans. He did not die alone, only to be found days or weeks later. We did what needed to be done." Modesto Rescue Project

Update - August 11, 2009

We had to put down the gray mare "Miracle" last Tuesday. She went down in her stall with what seemed to be a colic. I gave her some banamine and called the vet. We were aware of several Melanomas on her tail but when he did the rectal exam all he could feel were tumors. She was full of cancer. At least she was loved, well fed and was able to pass on in a safe place. "Diva" the Arab mare is doing well. She is well mannered and is picking up her weight great. "Lance" the 2y/o colt is doing ok. He is still very lethargic. We think that he may be deaf. He does not respond to noise. We have the vet coming out to look at him tomorrow. We originally thought he was a Cryptorchid. I think the other testalcle is dropping. I will know more tomorrow but he will have to be gelded either way. "CoCo" the 20y/o bay mare is doing much better than expected. She is not sound but is packing the weight on and has quite a sassy little attitude. She is one that I thought we could lose at anytime. She is doing great.

Update - July 19, 2009

Seven horses have been transferred to another rescue, two have been taken in by a compassionate vet, and two have been euthanized. Rehorse Rescue now has 4 horses remaining and according to Raquelle they are hanging in there. Because of the severe heat wave the vet has had to come out several times for dehydration issues. He is charging next to nothing for services out of compassion. The horses are still in danger but taking it one day at a time and holding their own. Raquelle and her team are administering electrolytes and probiotics daily in addition to round the clock feedings.

July 16, 2009

These photos illustrate the shocking condition of 15 horses that were left abandoned and starving at a ranch near Modesto, CA. Neigh Savers is assisting two rescues that do not have 501c3 tax exempt certification at this time with fund raising. We are grateful to our supporters that assist us whenever they can and also share our love for these creatures that rely upon the human in order to survive. In order to assist with these horses Neigh Savers has just made a substantial donation to the Jamestown, CA local feed store where Rehorse Rescue can buy the supplies and feed necessary to get these horses back to a healthy weight. Neigh Savers also contributed funds for veterinary care. Sadly, we do not yet know how many will have to be put down. At 1:00 pm today, the mare pictured top right was euthanized after going down this am. Although she lost her battle, her final hours were spent surrounded by love and dignity. She went out of this life being cradled by Raquelle so her last moments were filled with the human kindness she had long been denied. If you can help this rescue effort, we would sincerely appreciate any donations to our PayPal site found on this page and 100% tax deductible to you.

We gratefully acknowledge our donors to the Modesto Rescue Project: Ritchie & Pauline Robershaw and Anne Sackman as well as Laurie K. (in memory of Barnsey and in honor of Tommy, a NS adoptee), Doug O., Geri M., Kate S., Francesca F., Karen P. and Karen W.