August, 2011… Sienna
This poor sway-backed girl is our newest arrival. We aren’t sure if she’s going to make it, but we are going to give her a chance. She came to us extremely malnourished and dehydrated. She was living in an area without water or electricity and was about 300 lbs. under weight.
Sienna was rated 2 on a scale of 10, 1 being at death’s door. She was used for tripping, a game they do to horses that are used up and right before euthanizing them. They chase them and yank their legs out from underneath them. Her knees are shot, she has whip marks throughout her body, and more scars than you can count. She received fluids at the vet to re-hydrate her and some Banamine for pain. The next week or two will determine if she has the strength to pull through. We estimate that she’s about 15 years old, but with the wear and tear on her, she looks more like 20.
After months of tender loving care Sienna was getting a twinkle back in her eyes, starting to talk to me when I came out and best of all, started to trot around without falling! As she is gaining weight I noticed she’s getting small masses in her muscles. Only one tested positive for cancer. It was my choice to leave it alone and let her enjoy the time she had left, as opposed to anymore suffering. That was the best choice I ever made and that was three years ago. By opening her gate and letting her run free everyday with her BFF’s, Ebony & Ivory, Sienna was a proud horse again. Seeing her run and strut her stuff would give me a chill down my spine and bring tears to my eyes. It was all worth it!
Update:
March 5, 2014. Sienna collapsed in her stall and lost her battle. I know for every animal I’ve saved and lost, I lose another piece of my heart; the question is how many pieces do I have left….
Sienna was only with us for 3 1/2 years.