Patriot Update:  June 3rd, 2008

Patriot headed for surgery yesterday! He was absolutely incredible. A gentleman every step of the way. I had a professional on hand to insure that our boy would load safely and travel without incident. He was as she noted " a Gem". This little boy has a heart of gold. He is so sensitive. He trusted, and checked everything out and we let him take his time. 45 minutes later he was in and out and comfortable and ready to go. When we arrived at Steinbeck Equine Hospital he unloaded very nicely. I was so pleased with him. At the large stall that would be his boarding quarters he looked at me as if to say " Another trailer ride? Well OK!". He stepped over the threshold as though it were a step up. He was so cute. We all chuckled a little. He settled in and was looking forward to dinner in about an hours time.
Today he will undergo surgery to address his legs & his hernia. I am also gelding him at this time as he is certainly a yearling by now. It is from the love and support of many people, and their generosity that this little boy is being given a second chance at life. His prognosis is fabulous. We should all feel so good about what we are able to accomplish. I will take photos as soon as I get to see him and pick him up tomorrow. Wait until you see the softness in his eyes. He can only be saying "Thank you, to everybody for letting me live".

This is Patriot. He and his mama, Nevada, were rescued off the feedlot in Fallon back in December, 2007. Patriot and Nevada came to us for some TLC. Nevada was quickly adopted, but we are giving Patriot time to recover from his health issues before he will be available for adoption. He had contracted a terrible case of Strangles at his first stop on his way to us, and arrived very underweight, sickly and unhappy. But despite how horribly he had been treated by humans during his short life, he was a little sweetheart; very affectionate and loving. When Lynn would sit in the pasture with him, he would lay his head in her lap and sleep.

Patriot and his mother Nevada on the feedlot, awaiting a terrible slaughter death. It's hard to believe that people could send ANY horse to slaughter, but to send a baby is just incomprehensible...

Here is Patriot shortly after arriving at our facility. He was wormy, underweight, and had damage to both of his back legs. Despite all of this, he was sweet and friendly, and loved being around people.

Patriot rests after arriving at PMR. He was exhausted after his bout with Strangles.

Patriot and his mom Nevada share a meal after arriving at Pregnant Mare Rescue's facility.

Lynn Hummer, founder of Pregnant Mare Rescue, explains to Nevada and Patriot that they are safe now, and everything will be OK.

This is a close up of Patriot's back legs, showing the damage to his ankles. At first glance it appeared he had some sort of tendon disorder, possibly epiphysitis. After the vet took X-Rays it was determined that this was an injury, possibly from having a trailer/stall door or gate slammed on his back legs. He has a bone chip in one leg that will most likely need to be removed. Early vet bill estimates are in the $3,500 dollar range. We feel that it is worth the money and effort to give this boy a good, long, happy life. He is a sweetie, and deserves his chance to live happily, after his rough start.

Any donations towards his vet care and rehabilitation would be so greatly appreciated. You can earmark donations made though our PayPal site to "Patriot".  We are a 501(c)3, Non-Profit organization, and all donations are tax deductible.

Thank you, and please check back often for updates on Patriot!!!  You can read more about Patriot in our June 2008 Newsletter by clicking here .

Patriot is now a happy and healthy boy.  He's ready to find his forever, loving home.  If you are interested in adopting Patriot, please contact Lynn Hummer at pmrhorses@pregnantmarerescue.com