02/03/2023
• ALMOST GOODBYE, BUT SAFE AT LAST •
As we walked through the dark alleyways behind the auction ring trying to gather our horses, feelings of happiness and sadness filled our hearts. Despite the frigid temperatures attempting to numb our fingers and toes, our hearts were alert and beating as we knew what kind of mission lay ahead.
Something unusual happened, which left our hearts warm and frozen at the same time. As we parked our trailers and got ready to assess horses, we noticed a large semi-truck & trailer parked near the entrance. Those are often seen driving down the interstate, but at times we seem to miss them. This time though it was impossible to ignore its presence. This was an out of state big time kill buyer’s trailer! We wondered how many horses were going with them. The answer was soon to be discovered.
As we wrapped up our auction assessment they began loading their horses. What seemed like a whole herd of horses ran through the dark and humid alleyway and crammed into the truck. Drafts, and all sorts of horses, including a small miniature who ran back and forth among them; all loaded into the same trailer for a long drive. It was a painful sight to witness and our eyes stung as we held back tears; the bitter knowledge of where these horses were headed is almost too much to bear— beyond our reach, probably never to be seen again.
Suddenly, a Kill buyer approached us saying one of his drafts was blind and had issues. He asked if we wanted to buy it. After a brief moment of discussion to figure out if we had the funds to do it. Jason was doing a YouTube live, and Tawnee asked everyone watching to chip in and do what they could to help save the horse. Many supporters chose to donate! We paid the $500 to save her life, this was exciting! We had enough donations, but the kill Buyers had already loaded her onto their semi truck! Thankfully they were willing to go back in and unload her! She was coming to the shelter with us!!
The vet took out her instruments and did an assessment. We gave the honor and opportunity to the donors who made this rescue possible to pick this horse’s name. Yeti! What a lovely name. Though blind and unable to see the way, donors like you made a path for her straight out of the Slaughter Truck and into our arms.
Some may think auction night is the hardest, and in some ways, it is. Staying up late and seeing how sickly the state of most of the horses is can definitely take a toll on one’s energy, but the real test comes in the morning. As we further assess the state of each horse it becomes more and more evident how much neglect they’ve experienced. Often donations stop coming in because it seems that the work is done, but that morning is when the work really begins. Those donations are needed, and you never know if you’ll help take a horse from Slaughter to Freedom.
We hope Yeti stands as a constant reminder of how powerful your donations are! And we hope you never forget that even a the last minute, a horse’s life can be saved.
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