I know I promised a Blog entry yesterday... but this one is just tough to write.
We picked up four new surrenders a couple of days ago.
The previous owners knew that they were not taking proper care of them. It kind of snuck up on them and then hit the fan. They were totally up front about everything and were quite upset that the horses had deteriorated so badly under their care. We were going to pick them up this coming weekend, but one of them had a surprise foal mid-week. I found out too late to catch a ferry that night and things took a turn for the worse. There is no vet there and the owner did not know what to look out for or what to do. They did not know what to communicate about the situation, did not realize it was a bad scene until it was too late. We arrived just in time to watch the foal die, literally just moments later.
They were trying to do the right thing in turning them over and disaster still struck.
I find that some people who follow our stories are quick to anger and want harsh justice served, no matter what. I seriously doubt that these folks will ever want to own a horse again. I don't feel the need to compound the misery as they now have to live with the guilt of that lost life. Indeed, I tried to comfort them as best I could. Ignorance may not be an excuse for actions taken or not taken, but neither does it justify judgement. The only cure for ignorance is education.
Though the four left are in rough physical shape, they are the sweetest Minis you'd ever like to meet. They were loved, and the proof is in the bravery of turning them over once it was realized that love is just not enough. I can respect that, and will save my anger for those who purposefully abuse.
We picked up four new surrenders a couple of days ago.
The previous owners knew that they were not taking proper care of them. It kind of snuck up on them and then hit the fan. They were totally up front about everything and were quite upset that the horses had deteriorated so badly under their care. We were going to pick them up this coming weekend, but one of them had a surprise foal mid-week. I found out too late to catch a ferry that night and things took a turn for the worse. There is no vet there and the owner did not know what to look out for or what to do. They did not know what to communicate about the situation, did not realize it was a bad scene until it was too late. We arrived just in time to watch the foal die, literally just moments later.
They were trying to do the right thing in turning them over and disaster still struck.
I find that some people who follow our stories are quick to anger and want harsh justice served, no matter what. I seriously doubt that these folks will ever want to own a horse again. I don't feel the need to compound the misery as they now have to live with the guilt of that lost life. Indeed, I tried to comfort them as best I could. Ignorance may not be an excuse for actions taken or not taken, but neither does it justify judgement. The only cure for ignorance is education.
Though the four left are in rough physical shape, they are the sweetest Minis you'd ever like to meet. They were loved, and the proof is in the bravery of turning them over once it was realized that love is just not enough. I can respect that, and will save my anger for those who purposefully abuse.
Rest in peace, Little Flower.
