Trouble

We knew the day was coming soon when we went to check on him early this summer. He was sort of "wobbly", but he still had that gleam in his eye and was happy to see us. He followed us around the pasture and loved getting attention. When I left that day, I was almost positive that I would not see him alive again.

Trouble, a.k.a. Domino was rescued in May 2006 from neglect; his owner was not willing to take the necessary steps to maintain a senior horse, so she surrendered him to PER investigators. His age could never be determined; he just didn't have enough teeth to tell, but once in rehab, he blossomed into a very healthy horse, much to the surprise of more than one veterinarian! He was a kind old man and was very sweet natured. He loved people, especially kids and looked forward to getting treats from everyone. Trouble went over the Rainbow Bridge sometime during the night of July 5th, 2010; there was no sign of struggle; he was found at his morning feeding time; lying peacefully in his paddock. PER would like to thank his foster mom, Paula Johnson for giving him a quality life for the past four years. Also, thanks to all the others who took care of him when Paula would take her summer vacations.

When I spoke to Paula this morning, she again told me something that I have heard her say many times, "Trouble was no trouble at all." He will be missed by many and always remembered as a kind old gentleman.

LADY

LADY, PER horse #001, was humanely euthanized by Dr. Hank Lee on 2-7-07 due to complications from her broken pelvis, acquired sometime in her earlier years of neglect. She was no longer able to have a quality life, due to her injury. She was 16 years old. We’re not sure how many years she suffered from neglect, but during the last two years of her life, she was treated with great respect and had the loving care she deserved. We will all miss her. So will Jenny, the donkey, who was always by Lady’s side

TUFFY

Tuffy, an 18 month old filly, never made it into our rescue program, but we feel that she deserves recognition. She mattered as much as all of the horses we were able to save. She was special. She was a fighter, so when Panhandle Equine Rescue brought her into the veterinary clinic on January 30th, 2006, we dubbed her Tuffy. She never came home to us. She died that night, but not without dignity. She fought a hard fight, but just couldn't overcome the horrible infection that had taken over her body. She was too weak, too tired...

The owner was tried and prosecuted for animal neglect.

FARGO

Fargo was rescued along with another horse in September 2005. They were both a body score of 1 and had severe rain rot. They were around 25 years old and the owner was not willing to give them the special care that a senior horse needs to live a quality life, so they were surrendered to PER. Fargo weighed 808 lbs. and after six months of rehabilitation he gained 348 lbs.

In March 2006, he was adopted by Annette Hart of Mobile and spent his days living a peaceful life with five other pasture mates. During his last year, he developed severe arthritis and the pain became unmanageable, so in November 2008, Ms. Hart sadly had him humanely euthanized. Fargo, along with the other horse, Papa, who was rescued with him, will be remembered as one of the worst neglect cases that we have seen. Fargo will be greatly missed.

DOLLY

Dolly was rescued in March 2006. The story was that she was at a Bull Bash and they were using her for kids rides. She was so emaciated and weak, that she almost died the next day. She was surrendered by the owner. When we first received her, she weighed only 756 lbs., close to 300 lbs. underweight. After her rehabilitation, she was adopted by Judy Maines and was boarded with her daughter, Christin Tank. Dolly was a safe trail horse for Ms. Maines and was ridden in horse shows by Christin's daughter. In October 2008, Dolly developed severe colic and had to be humanely euthanized.

She was a very special horse and will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

GIDEON

Gideon was a very special donkey that touched all of our hearts. He was rescued in May 2007 from horrible conditions and he had clearly given up on life. Click here to read the story With lots of love and food, he was able to make a miraculous turn around. In July of 2009, he was found in the barn, apparently he had colicked and died sometime during the night. We will always remember Gideon as a tough little guy who will always be a galliant warrier who beat the odds, until it was time for God to take him home.