In Memory Of...
Mara
She came to us on February 5, 2010, one of a herd of twelve severely neglected and abused animals living in 10’ x 10’ stalls filled with manure and mud. Like the others, she was filled with fear, emaciated, and barely able to walk. When she was out of the trailer at Dreamchaser, she could not believe she was free to move, out of a stall, and in a large turnout with nine others of her herd. Proper nutrition, regular mealtimes on a schedule, adequate clean water, and being with other horses as well as gentle people helped Mara become approachable. With patience and tranquilizer (at first), her hooves were trimmed and eventually became healthy. Chiropractic care straightened out her lameness issue, most likely caused by cramped quarters for over two years.
Mara in February of 2010
Mara regained good health, enjoyed playing with Gypsy, Solara, Sinatra and the burros in the upper turnout, and loved attention and going for walks. All was well with her at feeding time on January 25, 2012, but at 1:30 that afternoon she was hanging her head and looking ill. I brought her to the upper barn, discovered her temp was 106.9 and her heart rate extremely rapid, and was calling Dr. Jimmy Merrill as I was hosing her down. Bless Jimmy, he was here by 2:30, and by that time Mara was already toxic, with purple gums, and there was absolutely nothing we could do but let her go with love. She was the 4th of the original 12 El Mirage horses to be euthanized.
Mara in December of 2011
Dance with the angels, dearest Mara, and we will meet again someday. You were well loved in the two years you were with us at Dreamchaser, and we miss you.
Onyx
On June 20, 2011, we said goodbye to Onyx – a beautiful seven year old girl who came to Dreamchaser as one of the twelve El Mirage seizure horses. Onyx came to us in February of 2010, with snowshoe feet and ribs and hip bones sticking out. She had been penned in a 10’ x 10’ stall for at least two years, and had no shade.
Doc Tryon diagnosed Onyx with cancer several months ago. There was no treatment. We let Onyx remain with her little herd until the squamous cell cancer started growing and bleeding. She had the best we could give her and in this last 15 months she knew gentleness and love, good food, and excellent care. She looked healthy and was so gentle and sweet.
We did our best for her, and she died in my loving arms. - Susan
Michelle Annegret Edelstein
Michelle loved animals — and they loved her. Like most children, she brought home stray dogs and once a dove that we took to an experienced bird rescuer. Neighbors left newborn kittens by the side of our house twice while she was growing up. From one litter she raised, we kept two — a white named Panda and a black named Bear.
Most children, however, do not attract butterflies that sat on her shoulders and the palms of her hands. Nor can most Siamese cat owners convince this especially independent breed to fetch a ball — but only for her.
Even though she was never able to own one, horses were the animals Michelle most loved. She rode whenever she could and hoped to one day be married on horseback. Thus we honor her, the gentle spirit we love, with this memorial.
Michaele Moxham Henderson
Beauty and Jeremiah, pictured below, were Michaele’s beloved pony and burro. Beauty came to us in 2006 after her companion, Jasmine, died. She was bereft and lonely and Michaele had heard of Dreamchaser through her farrier. We agreed to give a forever home to Beauty and Michaele was a frequent visitor. Her love for all animals and concern about their well-being made her a truly important part of the Dreamchaser family.
Her last visit with us was to celebrate Beauty’s 22nd birthday and Jeremiah’s 4th birthday in April, 2010. In July, Michaele lost her battle with cancer. Godspeed, dear Michaele. Michaele will live forever in our hearts and Beauty and Jeremiah will live out their lives at Dreamchaser. Together.
Crickett
Crickett was a beautiful little white arab who came to us late summer of 2007. She came from a ‘rescue’ and was nothing but skin and bones. Inside that emaciated body was a heart of gold, and sweetness personified. I could only imagine what kind of life she had led.
Crickett had her teeth floated, was de-wormed, and was put on a healthy diet. Her first event was the Blessing of the Animals at the Franciscan Monastery, and Crickett was blessed by a Monk. She wore the medal proudly on her halter.
Crickett’s health was up and down; she was treated for ulcers, probably caused by malnutrition, and had periods of great wellness and energy, with other periods of losing her hair and being lethargic.
About 10 weeks ago, we took Crickett out on a trail ride with 6 other horses. She was full of life and spirit, and acted like she was on top of the world. Within two weeks she was lame and her hair coat was thick and long. We had suspected she was pre-Cushings, and now it was full-blown. We have treated her with pergolide, with light treatments, Reikki, and natural, fresh herbs.
Today, December 10, 2009, we let Crickett go to the great pasture in the sky, joining those others we have lost in past years. Her eyes, so big and beautiful, her spirit so gentle and loving, and her great last ride will always be a part of us. We grieve for her loss, but try to take comfort in the fact that she no longer suffers the pain we could not erase.
Please say a prayer, not only for Crickett, but for all of the animals on this earth who suffer at the hands of mankind.
Artyna
Artyna was diagnosed with Cauda Equina which is a neurological disease which paralyses the horse along the spinal cord. It started with her not being able to push out her urine, went to her bowels and was travelling up her spine. We had no alternative; there is no treatment, no cure. [03/2009]
Miakoda (Power of the Moon)
Miakoda survived his major surgery only to suffer a hard fall while running around the mare area and fracture his pelvis. He spent seven months on stall rest with his mother keeping him company. He could not even go out for walks. Now he is two, and able to be out with the herd, running and playing. He will not be adopted out as he must be handled very carefully so that he does not re-injure himself. We hope to be able to lightly use him under saddle.
Addendum: Koda was euthanized in December of 2007. There was nothing we could do to save him.
