Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from our barn to you!

The following is from All About Equine Animal Rescue:

DID NOT KNOW… by Alissa Kelly

 

I did not know a horse could bring people into your life that end up meaning the most to you.

I did not know a horse could make the hardest days of your life bearable.

I did not know a horse could teach you to put others first.

I did not know a horse could remind you time and time again that your gut is always right.

I did not know a horse could break your heart.

I did not know a horse could pick you up when you have fallen apart.

I did not know a horse could teach you to dream again, after you thought it was not possible.

I did not know a horse could make you believe in yourself.

I did not know a horse could teach responsibility, work ethic, and dedication.

I did not know a horse could make you believe in something when no one else does.

I did not know a horse could make you learn to forgive and forget.

I did not know a horse could humble you faster than you can say humble.

I did not know a horse could make you a winner.

I did not know a horse could also teach you how to lose gracefully.

I did not know a horse could instill patience in you.

I did not know a horse could make you listen better.

I did not know a horse could give you their heart.

I did not know a horse could change your life.

I did not know a horse could do all these things…

…..but now I know.

A Christmas Story

In years past, today would be story 25 of our 31 stories for 2021. Well, suffice it to say, we’ve been really busy with The Big Move to Pilot Hill. We’ll have more on that coming soon; until then, we have the most heartwarming story to share. Many of you know how much we love our oldies, and AAE just had the good fortune to make a Christmas miracle come true for one ol’ guy.

AAE was asked to help with an old donkey. We were really hoping to find a new buddy for our lil’ Sammy, but because we’re smack dab in the midst of our transition to our new property, there was no way we could provide the type of care and housing this ol’ guy needed. That said, we knew there must be a way we could help.

Because who can resist these old ears, “the way” came to us. It was kismet. It didn’t take long for the answer to come to light. We got a call from one of our AAE families with an ol’ mare in urgent need of a companion, and it was an ideal situation. There was no question, it was meant to be.

Meet the newest member of AAE’s class of ’21, his name is Figgy Puddin’. When we were told it was old donkey that was all alone, we had no idea they meant really old…and really special. Would you believe, he’s 45. He’s quite arthritic, but he’s an incredibly sweet old man (really, really!).

He perked up when we told him we’d figure it out. We learned what we could, but there wasn’t much history available, but our best guess was that this guy hadn’t spent much time in a trailer, so we thought we were in for a long afternoon, especially considering his arthritis. Much to our surprise, when he hobbled to the trailer with us, Mr. Figgy tried to load. His ol’ joints were pretty stiff, and the step up was quite a reach for him. We helped him….one leg up, then another leg up. He looked like he was on top o’ the world. With a little ass-istance with his behind, he was up and in, and headed for the corner feeder. There was no resistance, no fight, no struggle….just an obliging ol’ guy ready to hit the road. (He got a little medical support to help him with the trip, too). Before we knew it, we were on the road.

We had a slow, easy ride, and when we arrived, this ol’, arthritic guy leapt out of the trailer like a spry guy that had done it a million times. He let out a big bray, and we can only hope he was saying, “It’s about time you got me outta there (the trailer)”.

He glanced around, and their eyes met. First the goats.

Then the girl!

We don’t think it was love at first sight, right?

His new mom took one look at his as he was exiting the trailer, and she said she loved him already. She assured him it was going to be ok.

We think he understood and enjoyed the loving hug and wanted another!

Before long, the two mosied off for a little grub. We were all relieved with how quickly Figgy settled in. He’s eating well, and so far, seems very content. It’s a lot of change for an old donk, but we’re hopeful he’ll transition ok. He’ll be spoiled with lots of love and kindness ’til the end. Once he’s settled in in a few days, he’ll get an eval so he can get some much needed hoof and dental care. He’s getting a new blanket, and whatever else he needs.

Til then, he wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas!

HAPPIEST OF HOLIDAYS TO ALL and

MAY ALL YOUR HOPES AND DREAMS COME TRUE IN 2022!

From all of us to all of you!