08/27/2026
This is a post we never thought we would have to make. 🤍
Hank came into the world here at Von Doeler’s Ranch on August 8. Brandy’s little boy, who we first knew simply as “Baby Brandy,” quickly became part of our ranch family.
When Hank became seriously ill, we sent him to the veterinary clinic for emergency surgery believing we were giving him his best chance of coming home to his mom.
Sadly, he never did.
During surgery, the veterinary team discovered a mass on his kidney, and while Hank was still under anesthesia, the kindest decision was made to let him go peacefully.
Before his surgery, we had already talked about starting a fundraiser to help with his growing veterinary expenses. We truly believed we would be raising money to help bring him home.
The outcome changed, but more than $5,000 in veterinary care, hospitalization and emergency surgical costs remain.
So we have decided to open the fundraiser anyway — now in Hank’s memory.
Funds raised will help cover Hank’s veterinary expenses and support our emergency veterinary fund, helping us continue to say yes to the care a horse needs when an emergency happens.
Elana has also given the veterinary team permission to use Hank’s case for research and learning. We hope that, somehow, this little colt’s story may help another foal or horse in the future.
Hank was only here for a short time, but he was loved and he was fought for. 🤍
If you would like to help, the fundraiser is linked in our bio and Stories.
And if donating isn’t possible, sharing Hank’s story helps more than you know.
Thank you from all of us at Von Doeler’s Ranch. 🤍
We’ll be sharing more of Hank and his story over the coming days. And if there’s anything you’d like to know about what happened, his care, or the fundraiser, please don’t hesitate to ask. We’re happy to answer any questions openly.
