Cloughd 9 Ranch and Rescue

The vet was wonderful! He offered to keep Nate tonight and perform surgery tomorrow. However, it’s a very intricate procedure and he can’t flinch even a little so it requires complete anesthesia which is risky for a horse. I told him we wanted to do what’s best for Nate. I showed him a picture from July 2nd and compared it to today and everyone agreed it has gotten smaller! So the vet decided to give steroids/anti-inflammatory meds and re-evaluate in two weeks. Of course we had to stop at Paul Taylor to get the best mini patient some treats 😊

Getting this sweet boy checked out!

Please keep our precious little mini “Nate” in your prayers as he has developed a tumor in his ear extending down into the canal. We had the initial consultation and biopsy but have now been referred to (the best of the best) Weems and Stephen’s. He will be heading there Monday 🙏

Our sweet, sweet Tex has met another milestone! It’s taken 13 months but he’s up 150 lbs 😊 So proud of him! Another 50 lbs to go to reach the goal I have for him. Now there is just more of him to love!❤️

I just don’t understand people! A sweet couple found a dog crate full of 12 kittens on the side of the road….most needing to be bottle fed (maybe 3 weeks old). They asked for help and I offered to take a couple. I don’t NEED them so if anyone is looking for a kitty I will share! Shelters are overflowing. PLEASE SPAY AND NEUTER!!! These sweet babies don’t deserve to be left for dead on the side of the road!

The sweet donkey is gone. I knew she was in bad shape the moment I saw her but I was hopeful we could turn her around. She took a significant turn for the worse yesterday and we decided we would bring her in to the vet this morning…..most likely to euthanize but to also discuss a last ditch effort of a NG tube. Unfortunately we didn’t have that chance as she passed away early this morning.
It sucks. There’s no other way to say it. All of the “could have, should have, would have”s flood my mind. The best we can do is learn from it and do more and do it faster next time. I’m thankful she is set free from the pain and sadness the end of her life brought her. Rest in peace sweet baby. I’m so sorry we couldn’t save you.

This sweet girl is not doing well. The antibiotics are working on her respiratory infection but her loss of appetite is taking a toll on her.
Donkeys are prone to hyperlipaemia. Which unfortunately is what she has. When they don’t eat, their body breaks down stored fat and the fat levels in their blood are extremely elevated. This causes irreversible damage to the kidneys and liver. There is an 80% mortality rate. The cure is to get them eating so the body stops breaking down the fat. We have tried EVERYTHING. Even resorted to syringe feedings but she just refuses….even spitting out what we put in her mouth.
It’s been a very difficult, emotional, sleepless week to say the least. We will see how she does overnight but we may need to love on her one last time and give her a final act of kindness.
This is the part of rescue that stinks.
We’ve only ever lost one other animal that couldn’t be saved. Ironically from the same auction house.

I’m no farrier and these poor feet still need a lot of work but I was able to trim a little and get some conditioner on them.
Trying to focus on the positive. Poor baby isn’t having a great day. Starting on antibiotics tonight

This is rescue…..trying to convince the sickest one to eat and drink. Trying to tell her that how things were are not how they will be going forward. Giving her the gift of hope. Telling her she’s not trash to be thrown away but that her life has value.
All while being meticulous about everything we touch as to not expose anyone else.
Definitely stressful but if she turns the corner that rewarding feeling of accomplishment is the best ❤️