09/11/2025
It’s taken me over a week to write this post. I’ll admit I’ve struggled with how to find the words, how to find peace within myself about this loss, before I could share it.
You know, rescue work, of any kind is addictive and can be a source of total happiness and joy! But it can also be extremely difficult and sometimes downright painful. You’d think, after being involved in animal rescue nearly my entire adult life I’d be somewhat desensitized to the “hard” parts. But from my own standpoint, I can honestly tell you, it gets harder.
The losses, after trying SO hard for an animal can be very hard to recover from.
The neglect and downright cruelty humans inflict on innocent animals is never ending when you’re the one who cleans it up.
Last week, we sadly lost Lizza Jane. After almost 10 hours of trying everything we could possibly do, we made the decision to let her go peacefully with the help of our amazing vet.
Lizza Jane arrived a week prior to her passing extremely emaciated and in very poor condition. Honestly she is one of the thinnest horses I’ve ever had come here.
We had the vet out the day after she arrived for a once over and some advice and help on how to best refeed her.
We went slow, and she responded beautifully! The first few days she was hard to catch and very unsure of us, but after she realized I was going to bring her unlimited hay, soft soaked forage and all the fresh water she could drink, she would whinny every time she caught sight of me!
We became fast friends!
I really wanted Lizza to make it.
I really really wanted to help her.
She made it all the way to Maine, using all her energy and will power to stand on that trailer from PA.
I am still struggling with this.
Lizza laid down for probably the first time in months. She felt comfortable and safe for probably the first time in a very long time.
She trusted me and knew I’d keep her safe and bring her food and she could finally relax and rest. Her poor body desperately needed rest. Horses need sleep, they need to rest. When they’re in stressful and unsafe situations their will to live kicks in, and they don’t rest.
Lizza’s body was covered in wounds, kick marks and bites. Wherever she was prior to coming to me, she was beat up.
Unfortunately once she laid down here, she could not get back up.
We tried, we tried everything. Even lifting her with our tractor and a sling.
The vet came out twice in the 10 hour span to assist and administer pain meds.
Eventually it became clear to me, Lizza was ready to rest for good. She was so tired and no matter how much I tried to convince her to get up, she wasn’t going too.
If you’ve been following her journey you know where she came from, you know who let her work her entire life and then threw her away for a few hundred dollars.
She still had 4 road shoes on and harness scars on her body.
We still have the 3 Standardbreds that came with her, fortunately they are all doing so well. Kacy’s photo is confirmed in foal, Hardball is truly the sweetest gelding and Jeannie, the mare with old blown tendons is just blossoming here!
We also have several other sanctuary horses that live here.
And a few that are looking for adoptive homes!
We house unwanted goats, poultry and rabbits.
Our rescue could use help, like all rescues, we survive solely on donations and honestly our own money. I work 50 hours a week and most of my paycheck goes to the animals.
If you’re looking to support a good cause, please consider us.
We accumulated a large vet bill with Lizzas passing. We could really use some help with it.
I have included a picture of Lizza Jane 💔
And the 3 others that came with her.
Please go hug your pet today, for her, for me, and for everyone who tries to help these unwanted souls. I believe in good energy and the channels it takes to our hearts.
💛
Our pay pal link:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=BMCJV9E8SULDJ
