It was hard to look at Bandit’s face.
Even though he was a big beautiful Belgian, and as sweet as can be, seeing his right eye was heartbreaking. His right eye had ruptured from squamous cell carcinoma and was causing him constant pain.
We couldn’t let him live that way and acted quickly to relieve his suffering. Bandit loaded into the trailer without hesitation and was transported to Dr. Myhre’s in Rochester, NH.
The team at Dr. Myhre’s performed the delicate surgery to remove Bandit’s damaged eye, giving him the first real comfort he’s likely felt in a very long time. Bandit was treated with kindness, compassion, and received anything he needed including the extra time he required to get back up after anesthesia.
He is now back at our barn on antibiotics and pain medicine where Hess McWilliams Veterinary Service will take over his aftercare.
Even with one eye, Bandit’s gentle spirit shines brighter than ever. He is kind, sweet, and trusting—traits that have remained intact despite everything he has endured. He’s one of those horses who touches your heart the moment you meet him.
But his journey isn’t over yet. To get Bandit to his healthiest, happiest self, we still have a lot of work to do. He’ll need a full wellness assessment, vaccines, a hoof trim, a dental float, a fecal egg count for deworming, and the right feeding program to help him gain much-needed weight.
Bandit’s eye surgery alone cost $4,225—a significant expense, but one we couldn’t turn away from. This sweet boy deserved relief. But now, we need your help to continue his care so he can thrive.
Will you please donate toward Bandit’s care? Your gift will help cover the cost of his surgery and ongoing care, ensuring he has everything he needs to heal.
Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference. By giving, you’re not just helping a horse—you’re changing Bandit’s entire world. Together, we can take him from a life of pain and hard work t
Belle
Belle, that wasn't very polite!
#draftgratitudesaveslives #antics #Winston #makemineadraft
Welcome Lady and Belle
Welcome Lady and Belle!
Working together with other rescues to achieve things that we could not do alone is so important. In this case, there were three rescues involved, and together we managed to save two horses.
I received a call to help a 2 year old draft filly(Belle) with impacted teeth a couple of weeks ago. Knowing that Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue(CDHR) has experience with young horses and access to training, I reached out to Dr. Golub to see if they could help.
At the same time, Dr. Golub received a call from Diana at Gemini Farm Sanctuary who had connections to the farming community in her area. Diana had previously offered to help intercept auction bound horses from them. There was an older draft mare(Lady) she was trying to help, but due to Diana's advancing age and lack of help, she was seeking CDHR’s help in saving the horse.
Dr. Golub and I put a plan together. CDHR would take the filly offered to us, and we would take the senior mare offered to them. Luckily the 2 horses were in the same region of NY.
❤️ CDHR would take care of transportation.
💚 Draft Gratitude would take them for quarantine together.
💙 Gemini Farm Sanctuary would cover the costs for the pre-shipping vet visit and the purchase of the older mare.
Both horses arrived at Draft Gratitude today.
Both will need wellness exams, fecal egg counts, vaccines, and hoof care. In addition, the filly requires x-rays of her head to plan for how to address her impacted molars.
A happy ending like this one isn’t possible without you.
Will you pitch in for some hay and grain for Lady and Belle, and for the next ones who need us?
We love it when a plan comes together!
Happy Thanksgiving!
A happy update on Patty! Have a wonderful day and thank you so much for your kindness. ❤️
#horselove #belgian #drafthorse #laboroflove #muttnationfoundation #draftgratitudesaveslives #horsesofinstagram #Thanksgiving #thanksgiving2024 #nhlife #dorisday
Charlie, this is why we can't have nice things.
#draftgratitudesaveslives #charlie #makemineadraft
Mick cracks me up! Zero care about the loader going by.
I think he is just happy to not be doing the work.
#draftgratitudesaveslives #muttnationfoundation #animalovers #belgian #horsesofinstagram #dorisdayanimalfoundation #laboroflove #drafthorse #horselove #smilemore
Today at the barn - the parade!
Saturday morning at the barn!
Draft Gratitude’s Mick! #savealife #animalovers #draftgratitudesaveslives #horsesofinstagram #belgian #thatsthespot
