Recovery Stories
Physical and mental recovery from past injury and/or hardship is an important aspect of every equine's stay with us. We work in partnership with veterinarians and other equine professionals to document condition upon intake, a plan of care, and goals for improvement in health, mobility, and/or temperament. Important findings throughout the process lay the groundwork for a better understanding of the unique needs of animals in our care and in the community as a whole.
Please consider sponsoring one of the animals below that touches your heart. Your donation of any size will help provide proper nourishment, shelter, medical care, and training. Donations of $100 or more receive the donors choice of either a scheduled visit with the sponsored animal, or a Beast of Burden t-shirt.
Click the donate button next to the animal you'd like to sponsor.
Dot
Inappropriate Diet, Lameness, Loss of Herd
Dot is a senior appaloosa john mule that came to us after losing his pasture mate and with a serious foot issue causing lameness. With a proper diet and weight management, joint support, and extensive farrier work, Dot is near complete soundness. The regimen implemented has contributed to healthier foot growth and a more comfortable gait. Not only does Dot now enjoy being ridden, but he responds well to being part of the herd and to being given an occasional job on the farm. His transformation, while ongoing, has been a wonderful journey to witness.
Sponsor Dot
Dude
A Feral "Wild Child"
Dude is a 14-year-old feral mule that arrived with no training or socialization, but with unlimited potential. This animal offers a unique opportunity to document the process of gentling, halter breaking, leading, development of an appreciation for touch, and other social skills with humans and with the herd. Dude will play a leading role in the development of our video library as we help him experience many "firsts" in a calm and non-threatening environment.
Sponsor Dude
Eeyore
Degenerative Disease, Senior Care, Behavior Modification
Eeyore is a BLM burro with floppy ears, no tail, few teeth, and a tendency to steal your heart. He came to us with aggression and special needs. It's hard to believe this snuggly old donk used to run away from approaching humans, attempting a good kick on his departure. He has a neuromuscular condition, stringhalt, that demands extra thought and care from our farrier, and being toothless requires a mash diet. He enjoys receiving massages and a consistent exercises routine to keep him active and healthy in his golden years.
Sponsor Eeyore
Tiny
Cellulitis, Painful Foot Issues, Persistent Colic
Tiny is a big mammoth jenny, with an even bigger heart, standing approximately 15 hands high. She came to us with severe cellulitis, foot issues, and persistent colic requiring surgery. A hyperactive periople required diagnostic x-rays, extensive farrier work, and pain management. Reliable data on how to best treat Tiny's issues did not exist. Therefore, in conjunction with local veterinarians, we performed daily monitoring of heart and respiratory rates, fecal output, and blood draws, Data gathered throughout Tiny's rehabilitation will be used by veterinarians and farriers on an ongoing basis to improve care for other mules suffering from similar issues. Tiny's contribution will continue to impact the lives of mules for many years to come.
Sponsor Tiny
Chaning
Owner Surrender, Educational Ambassador
Chaning is a senior mare who was owner surrendered and at high risk of ending up in the wrong hands. An affectionate horse of small stature, she is now used in our program to illustrate the difference in behaviors and vitals between horses, mules, and donkeys, an important nuance often misunderstood even amongst those in the field of equine medicine. If you're looking for Chaning, she's often found grazing with her friend Wren under the shade of an oak tree.
Sponsor Chaning