A HEART WARMING STORY OF ONE PERSON'S COMPASSION FOR MAN'S OTHER BEST FRIEND
Animal Abuse and Neglect unfortunately is all too common in Polk County, Texas. As I listen to my police scanner, I often hear calls from the dispatchers to officers and deputies to investigate animal abuse situations. Here's a story of a negelected horse with a happy ending. (Story by Michelle Jenkins) -- Editor
Gypsy (pretty girl)
It is funny looking at the fat, happy palomino mare standing in our front pasture eating to think that things might have been different for her and her unborn foal. The first time I ever saw Gypsy, it was June 7th and Ros form the SPCA called me to come look at her. She wanted her to go to a good home and since I have 6 other horses that our slightly overweight and extremely calm, she wanted me to take her. I didn’t really want another horse, but I tried to help the SPCA when I could. I thought that I could at least sponsor the horse or find it a home. She tried to prepare me for the condition she was in, but I was shocked by the way she looked. I could count every rib in her body. Her hair had fallen out in some spots. He hips were rubbed to sores since she had no body mass to protect her bones from scraping on her surroundings. She would not let anyone touch her and the only thing that did entice her to come to us was feed. When she was closer, I told my husband we have to take her. He looked at me as though I was insane. I sure he was thinking that this horse is the last thing we need. But before he could speak, I told him she was pregnant and she needed us. He didn’t argue with me, but simple told Ros, we would take her. I could tell Ros knew we would, and I think she was counting on it.
When got Gypsy home, it took a while for her to adjust. She was so scared of people, but that was soon gone with food and treats. We let her roam with our other mares and she soon began to absorb their calmness. By July, she had nearly gained 200 pounds and none of her bones were showing anymore. She followed us around like a puppy dog sniffing our pockets for treats, looking for attention, and to have her ears scratched.
In much leaner times. Gypsy in June, 2008.
By August, we started some groundwork with her and when she picked it up so quickly, my husband saddled her up and jumped on her back. She didn’t like it, but we could all tell she had done this before. By the end of the week, he was riding her down the road with the rest of us. In fact today, she likes to go for rides. She enjoys seeing new things and watching the neighbor’s cows run down the fence and she lives our gate. We ride her bareback, mostly with just a headstall. She gets mad at us when we don’t take her and though my husband will never admit it, she has become his favorite.
Today she is about 500 lbs heavier than that day in June. She is so pretty, healthy, and happy just enjoying her life. Things could have ended badly for her, if it was not Penny, Ros, and the other members of the SPCA. I also think about the other horses that were seized that June and know that they also must have stories like Gypsy.
We are counting the days till her foal is born, which should be before the end of the year. Unlike his mother, he will never know hunger, neglect, or pain. Gypsy is a different horse also. With time and love, she has become a priceless member of our family.
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