Thursday, August 28, 2014

In Memory of Miracle

Miracle had certainly lived up to her name for almost four years, but sadly the day came last week when we had to say goodbye. Although carrying out the decision to euthanize Miracle was very, very hard for me and Jason, making the decision to say goodbye to her was easy. 

Jason and I first learned about Miracle in February 2011.  She had made her way into the care of Sunkissed Acres rescue and Lori, the force behind Sunkissed Acres, posted this update to their website:

"Dear readers, I warn you that this will just make your heart break. Please be prepared…

This horse was advertised for sale in www.nwgatrader.com under livestock as a 1-1/2 year old Tennessee Walker. Described as well broke under saddle for $150.00

So, a man looking for a companion for his weanling heads on over for the good deal. The photos are graphic, but please meet Miracle.

She was unable to stand on her own and the owner had her slung with chains. Note the damage to her chest, you will see the damage to her legs in the other photos. The man who went to look at her, simply told the man it was best if he just gave her to him so he could give her a decent burial if nothing else. Miracle could not stand or walk so they slid her up on a board into the trailer.

He was referred to me and so I went there armed for life saving battle. This little filly is no more than 8 months old. And just when you thought it could not get more inhumane, she apparently carried not only a saddle but was packing the owners grandchildren around as well. She has no legs, she has no chest, she has no hope. She is literally run into the ground. I can almost pick the little thing up by myself. She is eating and drinking well, when we stand her up, she can walk around but when she gets tired, she lies down again and cant get herself up. The decision, if in two days from now, she cant keep get herself up on her own, she will be humanely euthanized. We are able to lift her to her feet using the engine hoist, which is in the heated garage. This is a perfect solution for her right now since it is so cold and blanketing is not an option.

Friends, the rescue is full. There is simply no more room and no more funds to support another. Yet I received a call today from AC about taking in and housing a mare about to foal. There has to be an end in sight. Please, if you can…consider adopting one of our adoptables or sponsoring their care for a day, a month…no amount is too small. Veterinary supplies, blankets and donations for hay are in need. And as always, your help sharing the stories of our horses in need through email, on your websites and social networking sites is a blessing to us.

We will keep you updated on Miracle over the next 24-48 hours. Please keep her in your prayers!"

Although I had read about so many sad stories at Sunkissed Acres this one really tugged at my heart. I contacted Lori and told her that Jason and I really wanted to give Miracle a home if she was able to survive.  As we all know Miracle did, indeed, pull off a miracle and she lived. For several weeks she continued to need the assistance of a sling to stand up as she was so starved and atrophied. In mid March we decided she was strong enough to make the trailer ride from Sunkissed Acres to Paradigm Farms. 

Although she had already gained a lot of weight Miracle was still very skinny and had a lot more recovering to do when we brought her home. My dad made it his mission in life to teach her what treats were since Miracle had no idea what a carrot was. He was so thrilled the day she finally ate a carrot out of his hand and she became a treat hound after that. 

Although she didn't understand the concept of treats Miracle definitely understood the concept of food. For months after we brought her home she wouldn't stop eating. Even when she laid down, which was still often as she was still weak, she would eat. It was so sad to watch this skinny filly lay on her side and eat.  She clearly understood and remembered what starvation was like and was determined to never have that happen again. It took several months for her to be comfortable with the idea of NOT eating. 

She was also terrified of other horses. She was friendly and very interactive if there was a fence between her and another horse. However if you took the physical barrier away she was terrified. Not scared, not nervous, terrified. My mare Sky was her babysitter for the first couple of months, and then we began changing up her roommate. With each new horse she would spend a few days as far away as she could get from the new horse literally shaking with fear. It felt like a true accomplishment when Miracle was finally able to happily and comfortably live with a group of horses. She ended up being somewhat dominant and very self assured with her friends. We certainly didn't predict that outcome!

Miracle never completely got past some of the mental issues from her abuse. Jason and I could handle her easily and she was comfortable with us. We could groom her, blanket her and pick her feet without a fuss. The one obstacle we never got past was giving her a bath. Miracle was beyond terrified of hoses. She would splash in the water trough and play in the water so water was not her problem, hoses were definitely the problem. We assumed she had probably been beaten more than once with a hose. We could sponge water on her but a bath with a hose was NEVER an option no matter how much desensitizing we tried.

Miracle was also very friendly to people she didn't know, especially if they had treats. However we advised anyone who wished to pet her to move slowly and to ALWAYS stay near her head and neck and only try to pet her from the shoulder forward. If a stranger forgot the rules and went to pet her anywhere other than her shoulder, neck or head she would sometimes strike out lighning fast with a hoof. She was always on full alert with a new person even when her body language and expression suggested she was totally relaxed.

Our suspicions that she would have early onset arthritis were confirmed over a year ago. At first the issues were relatively minor and easy to handle, mostly being uncomfortable after holding her feet up for the farrier. Bute for farrier days addressed this handily.  Her issues became more pronounced this past May and she was on daily bute at times and needed two grams of bute to have her hooves trimmed. 

Eventually there were days when daily bute was not enough to fully manage her comfort. However the bad days were still the exception rather than the rule. Then the situation really began to fall apart when she foundered for no reason that two farriers or vets could find in one of her hind feet. We were able to manage it and get her through it and she returned to full comfort. However she was only granted a couple of weeks of peace when she foundered again, this time in a front foot. 

Given that we were already doing all of the normal things to handle the situation and she foundered in another foot anyway we knew we were in trouble. Both of our farriers said she was showing signs that she was going to founder in the other two feet as well, again for no reason that anyone could find. Her vet said that he had seen one other case where severe metabolic issues developed for seemingly no reason when the horse had been severely starved at a young age.  He said it was very similar to Miracle, that all was well for a couple of years after the horse was rescued and then suddenly it wasn't anymore.

Once Miracle foundered in the second hoof and her team all agreed that she was going to founder in every hoof the decision to end her suffering was easy. When you combined this with cervical arthritis that was already advancing there was really only one choice. When we initially brought Miracle home from Sunkissed Acres she was very clingy to me and to Jason, and she seemed to take a lot of comfort in our presence. After she had gained weight, muscle and confidence she completely changed. She had an ego the size of Texas and she didn't need us or anyone else.  She loved to run at a full gallop in the pasture with her friends, to play, to groom, to graze - Miracle was a busy girl and always felt she had a lot to do. She was a total diva and Jason and I were there to attend to her at her convenience. It kind of felt like we had a teenager,  Miracle knew everything about everything and certainly didn't need us anymore.

In the end Miracle never completely escaped the abuse and starvation that she suffered early on. It defined her life at the beginning and eventually brought about the end. No person, horse or any living being should have to suffer the way she suffered. She had an amazing will to live and a very forgiving heart despite having every reason not to be. I am sad that her life was far too short. I am sad - and angry - that the people who did this to her never spent a day in jail or even paid a fine. 

However I am grateful to Lori at Sunkissed Acres and the Gurleys for giving Miracle a chance. It would have been easy to euthanize her right away and no one would have argued with that decision. However Miracle clearly wanted to live.  I am glad that she was given the chance to live. I am glad Jason and I had the resources and the knowledge to give her a home and help her learn how to be a normal horse. She had three and a half years of what she appeared to think was a pretty perfect life.

The last couple of weeks she had reverted back to the Miracle we brought home in March 2011. Her self confidence was gone, she was clingy to me and Jason, she didn't want to interact with her friends. Although the decision to let her go was easy, actually carrying it out was very hard. As we stood with Miracle waiting for the vet to arrive she had her face buried in Jason's chest, looking at him with big, pleading eyes to make it all better. It was a look we had not seen out of her for three and a half years and it was heartbreaking to us. 

Miracle stood very quietly for the vet which was not typical for her, and she had a quick and peaceful passing. She was only four years old. 

Rest in peace Miracle. You had a life that was far too short but you certainly made an impact on many people.

______________________________


Miracle



Miracle barely alive in Mr. Gurley's trailer, starved and covered in wounds



Miracle in the Gurley's garage standing with the help of Mr. Gurley's engine hoist


Miracle with her hero Mr. Gurley the day she was strong enough to move to Sunkissed Acres


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Some pictures of Miracle's first year with us


Jason meeting Miracle at Sunkissed Acres



Lori giving Miracle a goodbye pat


Jason feeding Miracle french fries at our lunch break on the ride home from Sunkissed Acres


my mom and Dad meeting Miracle and welcoming her home; note my mom was already armed with a bag of carrots


 March 16,2011; with her babysitter Sky two days after she came home


March 31, 2011; Sky showing Miracle it's ok to have fun. Sadly Sky passed away in April 2013.


March 24, 2011


June 2011


July 2011


October 2011


December 31, 2011


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Some random pictures of Miracle's time with us


hanging out with Griselle


having her teeth floated


 waiting for a farrier appointment with Jason


on the run with Sparky


hanging out with Sparky, Sky and Griselle


galloping with Sky and Griselle


hanging out with Griselle


snow day with Timbit and Griselle


Timbit, Miracle, Sparky and Griselle


relaxing with Griselle

21 comments:

KarenTX said...

Bless everyone for giving her chance. RIP Miracle, forever healthy now.

Anonymous said...

I'm just glad she had the chance to be a horse for a while, even if only a little while. Every good day you gave her was a blessing. My condolences.

fullnovembermoon said...

I had just asked about her on your Facebook page a few days ago as she sort of popped into my thoughts. Thank you for giving her a wonderful home and a peaceful end. I followed her on Coth forums from when Lori posted about her. Godspeed Miracle.

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry she is gone but so thankful she had a few years of love and wonderfule care. I remember when I first saw here at Sunkissed Acres. She was a rack of bones with so many wounds. Thank you for giving her the best life filled with people who treated her with kindness and love. RIP Miracle.

Anonymous said...

THIS STORY JUST BROKE MY HEART. ANYONE THAT TREAT ANIMALS THIS WAY SHOULD BE HUNG. YOUR GOOD FOLK AND MAY GOF BLESS YOU OVER AND OVER FOR TAKING CARE OF THESE WONDERFUL HORESE. MY HEART BREAKS FOR YOU. GRANNY[ FLORIDA]

An American in Tokyo said...

So sorry for your loss. I agree with Kate, every day you gave her was a blessing!

Calm, Forward, Straight said...

This was the best, and worst, tribute I've had the privilege to read yet Melissa. Heartbreaking.

Thank you for giving that dear girl some years of solace and comfort. Rest in peace Miracle...

Lori Skoog said...

I am so grateful to you for giving Miracle a chance. This was a real heartbreaker.

RuckusButt said...

It is such a sad story but it's hard to be sad considering you guys gave Miracle exactly what she deserved after such a horrible start to life. Absolutely the best life and death possible. Sweet baby, I'm so glad she knew your care.

Anonymous said...

God Bless you and give you comfort. Thank you for all you did to give her a wonderful life and passing. You are both angels among us, and she will see you on the other side RIP precious Miracle...

Anonymous said...

Thank you, Melissa and Jason, as well as the Gurley's and Lori for doing everything in your power to make sure Miracle got to be a happy and healthy horse despite her horrific start in life.

RIP Miracle.

lara said...

This is such sad, sad news. I remember when Miracle was at Sunkissed Acres. I donated then, for her cause. I was so grateful and happy to see that you and Jason adopted her. I remember the photos of Jason feeding her French fries. You're so wonderful; you're both angels on Earth, and you gave her such a good home. She became so beautiful.
It makes me sad her life was so short, and she had such will to live.
I'm sorry for your loss, and so grateful you gave her such wonderful days. RIP Miracle.

Heather said...

Several years ago, we rescued a little (at the time) paint mare who had been starved. Not quite as bad as miracle, but not far behind either. The first year, we had several bouts of tying up - especially when she finally got healthy enough and we started to ride her a bit.

Eventually, we got her through all of that, finished her training and used her as an all around trail and arena horse.

We got about 6 years of reasonable use out of her - she is the sweetest, takes care of her rider, easiest riding mare ever. She took several timid kids through their first year of OHSET and was our go-to girl for anyone that wanted to ride but didn't know how.

Then, we noticed she wasn't moving properly. She had been starved as a 2 year old - just when her joints were finishing up and closing. So, we knew we might be in for trouble. Yup. We called the vet out because we thought her hocks might be getting weak. As it turned out, her hocks were the best thing she had. Ever other joint in her body is basically shot. She is completely full of arthritis.

We retired Remedy from riding and she is living her days out in the herd with her friends. She's had Legend shots and other meds to keep her comfortable. So far, letting her range in the pasture has kept her moving well. But we know she won't be an old horse.

It sounds like we are experiencing a much easier version of what you went through with Miracle.

Thanks for taking her on and giving her such a great life. No horse deserves the start she had, but they all deserve the quality of care that she got after her rescue.

I don't think there are words harsh enough to properly chastise those that can starve a horse to a skeleton without any guilt. Once we put an animal behind a fence or in a cage, they become our responsibility. To ignore that is a crime beyond compare.

Anyhow, Thank You for stepping forward and taking on such a heart-wrenching challenge.

Val said...

What a beautiful horse she was. Her love of life is eminent in her kind face. Thank you for being there for her and for all the horses in your care.

EvenSong said...

I, too, was just wondering the other day, how Miracle was doing. So sorry for your loss. But, as others have already said, and you obviously know, you guys gave her her life. And a peaceful, loving passing.
Rest in Peace, little one.

Unknown said...

Just found out about Miracle. So sad. Tears running down my cheeks I'm gonna miss knowing that she i not there. I am so sorry to hear about this and am very sorry for y'all's lost. I know you two will miss her so much. I wished David and I had got to come see her while she was doing good, but we never took the time. I regret it very much. Thank y'all for everything that you two did for Miracle. Thanks for all the Love, the Care, the Patience and for all the time y'all put into her trying to help her. Thinking of you two, David and Sandra Gurley

Stephanie said...

Boy, she sure turned into a beauty, didn't she? I remember her story on the CoTH forums.

Thank you so much for taking care of her and giving her a (I want to say pleasant life, but that isn't a strong enough word, I'm sure you know what I mean).

You have my deepest sympathies.

Jenny said...

I've been following your blog for about 5 years and was so glad you and Jason got to bring Miracle home. i'd alway check for pics of her. Thank you for giving her a life so wonderful and free. I'm so sorry it ended so soon for her.

Anonymous said...

you guys are special. I'm crying for you, for having loved her enough to go though all this. Sweet story

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry I don't have a Google Account so I must post anonymously. It's been a year now since sweet Miracle passed. I first learned about her when she had just come to Lori's place. A friend of mine told me about her and I was on the end of my seat each day waiting to see what was happening to her, life or death. I never met Miracle in person but in so many ways I always felt so connected to her, that sweet baby left to die, treated in such horrible ways it just broke my heart.
We are all so grateful to all that pulled out all the stops to save her life, she wanted to live, that is clear. You and Jason gave her such an amazing life at your farm, full of love and joy, thank you from all of us who followed her story and fell in love with her from afar.
I can't believe a year has already passed. Miracle belonged in so many ways to all of us who followed her story and fell in love with her strength and character.
RIP sweet girl, RIP.

Carolyn J Folsom
Omaha, NE

Unknown said...

Remembering Miracle, she is still missed in our hearts and thoughts. She is in the heavens roaming without pain. Enjoying life as she should.