Mother's Day Weekend Miracle!
At approximately 1:30 p.m. on Friday, May 11, 2007, we received an interesting call regarding Cavel International, the slaughterhouse located in DeKalb, IL..
It seems this mare was unloaded into one of their kill pens and at that point, lay down and gave birth to a beautiful little colt! What a surprise blessing and miracle! They hooked up the trailer and went not quite knowing what would be found.
To their delight, they picked up a lovely sorrel mare with quite a stunning new colt at her side. She would not allow anyone to touch her and was difficult to load because of the set-up there, but after baby was put in the trailer, she hopped right down and inside herself.
It is obvious to anyone who who sees her that she was been starved for a while, as she is a couple of hundred pounds underweight. The moment they were off-loaded at the Center, she started her recuperation with a nice pile of grass hay. She has been loving her diet since that time.
She is an attentive mother and her son seems to be in fine health and condition considering the ordeal they both have been through. We have had the vet out to examine her and pull Coggins. She has some minor health conditions which are now being treated, but overall, she is in good shape. Her age has been estimated to be between 15 and 17 years old and she is now wearing a halter.
We have named her "Lucky Penny" due to her coloring and the situation she survived from.
JUNE 15, 2007: Penny and her son are doing fine! They are becoming comfortable with their daily schedules, and loving the food that seems to be in front of them whenever they want it. AND, if she runs out of hay, she lets us know in a very loud way!!
Penny was never a mare who received human touch in her previous life, and that is our main problem at this time. She is very agreeable to us handling the foal but at this time we are not allowed to touch her in any way. She will approach us in order to take a treat from our hands and will eat grain from a bucket being held. She will come around!!! Time will heal all wounds---
The foal has officially received a name due to our naming contest----
He is no longer Penny's foal, his new official name is : JUSTIN TIME!!!
Appropriate for the way he came into this world.
Justin is growing at a normal rate for a month old baby. His legs are straight and strong with the agility of a reiner. Each and every day is a new adventure for him and for us who stand and laugh at his antics.
Hope you enjoy the pictures of this miracle!
