By Heather Napolitano
Former Days End Employee
In the predawn hours of June 2005 two horses made their way out
of a fenced pasture and began a journey that would change them
forever. The young roan Appaloosa gelding and his dun Quarterhorse
friend made their way down a foggy road. This is when every horse
lovers worst nightmare came true; a truck came around a shadowy
curve and struck both of the horses.
Days End Farm Horse Rescue was notified of the accident. A vet was called to the scene and the owner was located. To the horror of all, the owner said “he didn't have time for this”! The horses were finally signed over to Days End in the late afternoon and the healing process could begin.
Being a firm believer in the phrase: “there is no such thing as
coincidence”, I was not surprised at the result of an investigation
into where the runaways came from. When animal control went to the
site of the geldings escape they found a horrific scene. There were
9 purebred dogs, emaciated and ill in a small kennel. There were
also 2 mini ponies, starving and with a complete lack of veterinary
and farrier care. They both had “elf hooves” and were in such severe
pain it was heartbreaking. They were all seized by animal control
but sadly the little stallion did not even make it to the farm.
Luckily for the geldings their owner was only renting pasture
space and the horses had not been at this location long enough to be
abused. He was allowed to take his Appaloosa back, but left the
Quarterhorse with Days End because his wounds were so severe he
would need extensive veterinary care.
Days End named him Lacer and did everything in their power to save him. During the hot summer months that year Lacer almost lost his battle to survive on at least 2 occasions. I had decided the first time I saw him that this sweet guy was coming home with me. I forced myself to only visit him once or twice a week so that I would not be crushed if he didn't make it. He proved to be not only sweet but strong. He came home with me.
I named him Rustler when I brought him home; after one of my
favorite Arabian geldings I had as a young girl. He has turned out
to be one of the most sensitive horses I have ever had the pleasure
to own.
Rustler needed a buddy so I turned to the internet to find someone right away. Much to my delight I found another Appaloosa for him. Cheveyo is another rescue horse that was saved from a kill lot. He is actually a PintAloosa Pony. He arrived almost completely blind with a detached retina on one side and moon blindness on the other.
Rustler could see there was something different about his friend
and soon realized that what he needed was a seeing eye horse. He led
him out of his quarantine in the round pen to the pasture across the
yard. Cheveyo truly depends on him every day. We placed wind chimes
in the corners of the field and with Rustlers help Cheveyo always
knows where he is.
When the boys come in for the night Rustler will not go in his stall until the door on Cheveyo's stall is closed. On occasion the pony gets confused and will walk into Rustlers stall. He goes in and gently nudges him out and heads him in the right direction. As a bigger horse, he could have wound up picking on the pony or rejecting him because of his disability. I must say I have never met a more caring and sensitive horse than Rustler. It is a joy to watch these geldings interact on a daily basis.
From Heather Napolitano
Thank you Days End for all that you do for the loving souls you save every day.