Well, 2014 has been a roller-coaster ride so far. We lost a Mini, found a Mini, had one adopted and took in two more.
So, the sad news first. Our dear little Clover was put down. It was the best decision for her, but it was a very hard thing to do. I don't think that I'll ever get used to it... actually, I hope that I never get used to it. Heart-wrenching and gut-wrenching... the decision to end a life should never come easy. I made sure that Clover had a great last day, with grass and cookies and everything a horse loves.
So, being so upset, it was a very emotional discovery when the next thing happened. I'll give you the back story first. The last Mini we adopted out, before we went official in 2009, was Ivy. Something happened with her family, as they very suddenly dropped out of contact and we never heard from them again. We were left to wonder what had become of Ivy - the only Mini we've lost touch with as of yet. Well, I was contacted by a lovely family with two little girls. One of them wanted to have donations for Pipsqueak Paddocks rather than birthday presents and they wanted to come and meet the Minis. Well, they were looking on our website, doing more research, when they made a discovery! Their own little Mini, Lilliput, was on our website! It was Ivy! So, it is wonderful to know that Ivy ended up in such a wonderful, caring home!
Then, the lovely Mystery met her family and they took her home to Texada. She has a driving match there named Frank, and you're going to love the photos of the pair of them together in the future! LOL
And finally, an hour ago, we had two new arrivals! Nico and CJ just need to be brought up to date on a few things. They are nice looking boys and I'm looking forward to working with them.
So, that is our first few days of 2014, pretty much covering the entire range. But, you ask, what all happened at the end of 2013? Well...
Brave is still making great progress. Playing, running and allowing us closer and closer. He's gained enough weight to have a tetanus shot, so that will be scheduled this week. Gallant and True are ready for their first shots as well. I saw True trot for the first time, though he still spends most of his time eating. Gallant is starting to approach people on his own now, which is wonderful to see. Justice is healing well from his surgery. All three boys, plus Banjo, are now "adoption pending" all together to a wonderful family. They won't be able to go home until all the surgeries are done though, so likely sometime in March.
Valiant and Glory are now up for adoption. Valiant gets to play with Justice each day, but has to have his meals separately as the skinny guys get way more food! Glory is now with Puzzle since Mystery left. That was hard on Puzzle, as she was boss mare and now her whole herd is gone, but now she's happy to have Glory as her replacement herd. Glory had not shown any interest in making friends until now, but the two are getting along great, so I'm very happy that we tried it.
Cypher was adopted by his foster family on Christmas eve! He is much loved there.
The dry, cold air these days is working wonders for Echo. He is doing really well with no nasal issues lately. Whiskey, Thor, Cinnamon, Leo and LeRoy, and Basil are all trucking along too. Leo and LeRoy should be up for adoption pretty quick.
So, Happy New Year everyone! Thank you for your support in 2013 and we're looking forward to some milestones (like our 200th Mini) in 2014! We could not do it without you!
So, the sad news first. Our dear little Clover was put down. It was the best decision for her, but it was a very hard thing to do. I don't think that I'll ever get used to it... actually, I hope that I never get used to it. Heart-wrenching and gut-wrenching... the decision to end a life should never come easy. I made sure that Clover had a great last day, with grass and cookies and everything a horse loves.
So, being so upset, it was a very emotional discovery when the next thing happened. I'll give you the back story first. The last Mini we adopted out, before we went official in 2009, was Ivy. Something happened with her family, as they very suddenly dropped out of contact and we never heard from them again. We were left to wonder what had become of Ivy - the only Mini we've lost touch with as of yet. Well, I was contacted by a lovely family with two little girls. One of them wanted to have donations for Pipsqueak Paddocks rather than birthday presents and they wanted to come and meet the Minis. Well, they were looking on our website, doing more research, when they made a discovery! Their own little Mini, Lilliput, was on our website! It was Ivy! So, it is wonderful to know that Ivy ended up in such a wonderful, caring home!
Then, the lovely Mystery met her family and they took her home to Texada. She has a driving match there named Frank, and you're going to love the photos of the pair of them together in the future! LOL
And finally, an hour ago, we had two new arrivals! Nico and CJ just need to be brought up to date on a few things. They are nice looking boys and I'm looking forward to working with them.
So, that is our first few days of 2014, pretty much covering the entire range. But, you ask, what all happened at the end of 2013? Well...
Brave is still making great progress. Playing, running and allowing us closer and closer. He's gained enough weight to have a tetanus shot, so that will be scheduled this week. Gallant and True are ready for their first shots as well. I saw True trot for the first time, though he still spends most of his time eating. Gallant is starting to approach people on his own now, which is wonderful to see. Justice is healing well from his surgery. All three boys, plus Banjo, are now "adoption pending" all together to a wonderful family. They won't be able to go home until all the surgeries are done though, so likely sometime in March.
Valiant and Glory are now up for adoption. Valiant gets to play with Justice each day, but has to have his meals separately as the skinny guys get way more food! Glory is now with Puzzle since Mystery left. That was hard on Puzzle, as she was boss mare and now her whole herd is gone, but now she's happy to have Glory as her replacement herd. Glory had not shown any interest in making friends until now, but the two are getting along great, so I'm very happy that we tried it.
Cypher was adopted by his foster family on Christmas eve! He is much loved there.
The dry, cold air these days is working wonders for Echo. He is doing really well with no nasal issues lately. Whiskey, Thor, Cinnamon, Leo and LeRoy, and Basil are all trucking along too. Leo and LeRoy should be up for adoption pretty quick.
So, Happy New Year everyone! Thank you for your support in 2013 and we're looking forward to some milestones (like our 200th Mini) in 2014! We could not do it without you!