SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED RESCUE

In February of 2008, as the result of an auction rescue fundraiser joint with Tranquility Farm, we were able to purchase at auction a two year old thoroughbred colt, whom we named "Buddy". Buddy's entire body was covered in mud at the auction, and his feet were long and illkempt, but he was friendly and gentle, and we hoped that he would have a long and full life following our rescue of him. We were one of only two bidders that showed interest in Buddy, and we purchased him for $200.

Although Buddy was led through the auction ring, and did not appear physically uncomfortable on auction day, within twenty four hours he was exhibiting signs of lameness and general physical discomfort. We had his feet trimmed, as we had scheduled, and hoped that he was simply "footsore". However, over the following days Buddy's source of physical discomfort became much clearer. He was weak and ataxic ("wobbly") in his hind end, and so we transported him to our regular vet's clinic for an examination and evaluation.Sadly, the vet found that Buddy had, at some point in his past, suffered a neck injury that had caused permanent neurological damage. Not only did Buddy have an easily identifiable portion of his neck/spine in which he had no sensation, but the nerve damage resulting from the injury meant that Buddy had a limited sense of his hind quarter and hind legs. Even with regular chiropractic and other therapy, Buddy would never be able to run, play, or safely carry a rider, and would be in continual danger of not being able to rise after lying down to rest or sleep. The vet recommended that we humanely euthanize him, which we did, on February 14th, 2008.   

Sometimes, we rescue horses in order to provide them with the humane ending that their former owners were unwilling to provide. Buddy's former owner had chosen, knowing that he was injured, to administer painkillers in order that Buddy could appear perfectly comfortable at auction, and in order to derive a few last dollars of income from his life - rather than providing him with a peaceful death. We would like to thank our friends John, Donna, Charmaine, Christine, and Todd for donating through Tranquility Farm to the auction rescue of Buddy. We are also deeply indebted to our friends Donna, Grace, and Leslie for helping us cover the cost of Buddy's veterinary care and euthanasia.

The photographs of Buddy on this page were taken by our friend, donor and volunteer Kathy during the last fifteen minutes of Buddy's life. Rest in peace, Buddy. You were loved at the end.