Ellie

Rescue is really hard, and when the animal you have rescued is so traumatized by their experience with humans that they fear everyone, there is a whole other aspect to the emotional journey of rescue work. There is the rabbit hole of imagining what they had been through, which is never a good place to put one's mind to. But then with time, a safe, calm environment, they decompress, you begin to see them relax and the light come back into their eyes. The emotional high of being a witness to their healing can fill one's heart so full it feels it will burst.

Saved from slaughter, Ellie came to Hopeful Hooves Equine Rescue Society after spending her life making babies, her worth measured only by the foals she could produce. She was so terrified of humans she had become a big biter, protecting herself and probably her babies the only way she knew how. Once she was up to date on her care needs she moved to her foster home where she finally found true sanctuary. Though she never liked being touched she did start to allow head rubs and she discovered a love of carrots. When it became clear her health was declining, Ellie was lovingly given the Last Act of Kindness. We were so pleased to support Hopeful Hooves with our Humane Euthanasia Grant.

We want to share a special thank you to Ellie's foster family. It takes very special people to help a horse as traumatized as she was. We are so grateful for all you did for her. We hope she left this world knowing she was loved.

Our grants mean so much to horse rescue organizations. It eases the financial strain of veterinary expenses, saving their precious funds for other needs like hay.