It is hard for me to say goodbye to my animals. Even when it is for their best interest. At least this time I didn’t have to euthanize this one. Not like our beloved Bear.

I am finding it hard to keep up with the expense and stress of worrying about keeping my horses and donkey healthy.  Tom has been after me to reduce my herd by one or two or three. I refuse to send them to a sale because I know there is a good possibility they would go to slaughter. Slaughter houses for horse meat are closed here in the United States, but they are still shipped in cattle trucks to Mexico or Canada. Or possibly onto ships where they are butchered and come off in new ports as meat.

I ran into a lady that used to work for my veterinarian, and she along with her family raise mules and horses to drive, ride and I think farm a little. Her sister had connections to a rescue placement in Nebraska and they were interested in my gelding Wrangler. The sister had someone in mind that used to have horses, but had to sell them after a divorce. She is now back on her feet and wants a horse to pet, brush and take care of. She supposedly doesn’t want to ride. At least for right now. She may be getting another pony or something later on. Wrangler would be a good match for her. At least I hope so. I prayed about it and I feel like this is the right decision. I truly hope and pray he is going to a good caring home. I know that once he is out of my hands, anything could happen, but I have high hopes and trust God will take care of him. I hope it is a great match for him and the new owner. I will miss him terribly, but it is time and a good opportunity.

On July 1, I caught him up in the morning and brushed off the mud and trimmed up the knots in his mane. I spent time with him and walked him and let him graze before his ride came to collect him. I did better than I thought I would, but the tears were very close.

I tried to cut out the knots in his mane and get a picture of my “handy work”. But the shade of the car port wouldn’t allow that. Wasn’t the best job done anyway. 🙂 But it looked better than it did.

All brushed off and a little cleaner. You can tell I am starving them.

Our final goodbyes 😦

Diamond and Two Socks have been calling off and one since then. Yesterday a friend went by with her trailer and horses and both went running along the fence and calling. They looked a little confused when it didn’t pull in and bring Wrangler back. They care like we do. I do plan on keeping Diamond and Two Socks and my mini, Tuffy. I am not sure what I want to do with the donkey, Jenny. I like and love her, but it still puts me at four equines. We’ll see what God has in store for us all.

Stay Safe and God Bless!

❤