ANNOUNCEMENT

We deeply regret to announce Del's passing to rainbow bridge.  He was a beautiful, kind, and gentle horse.  As you can see from the below pictures, that Del's life was not kind before we got him at the auction.  I remember standing in front of his pen at the sale and crying.  He was a magnificent stallion, but his head was hanging, and he was struggling for breath.  He was emaciated, his feet were so long, that even after they were trimmed, it took him a few days before he could walk normally.  He only trotted twice while with us and only for short distances.  Please read his story and look at the pictures below and then visit this link "In Memory of Delaware".  It shows how under Michelle's love, Del blossomed.  He went from a horse that was afraid of the outdoors, and never had companionship of another horse, to the beautiful, secure, happy stallion he was meant to be.  I wish he had more time to enjoy the good life before his passing but I smile when I see the pictures of him trotting and cantering.  Del was happy and he was loved.  What more could anyone ask out of life?  Del, wherever you are, I hope you are flying over lush green hills with your mane and tail flowing behind.  We loved you and always will.  You brought so much to everyone you touched.       

Below is his story:

 10/12/98 - This horse came with a handwritten note stating his name is Milkshake, he is 14 years old has been a pet for years and is a proven sire.  He is from Pennsylvania.  If anyone knows this horse please contact us.  We would like to have as much information about him as possible to help him.  He is a grey arabian stallion.  He has been vetted between the ages of 10-20.  He is approximately 14.2 hands.  He is malnourished, suffers from the heaves, has melanoma, and is in extreme need of farrier attention.  He has been checked by a vet and is currently on medication for the heaves.  He is also on SMZ.  Hopefully he will respond to the treatment.  He is very sweet to work around and very calm.  He is very easy to medicate.  He loves attention.  He is bright and alert dispite his condition.  He will be wormed this weekend once he settles in a little and his teeth will be floated next week.  One strange note, whoever took him to the sale put show sheen on his body, mane, and tail.  I guess it was an attempt to enhance his appearance.  He will be gelded once he is strong enough.  He is very lonely and would enjoy the company of some of the other horses.  He will not be available for adoption for atleast 1 1/2 to 2 months.  

10/19/98 - The stallion had his feet trimmed today and he was very well behaved.  The farrier said he has excellent, strong feet.  The stallion has been wormed and is eating well.  He appears to be breathing a little easier.  He is energetic and I'm sure he will be trying out his "new" feet tomorrow.  He shows no signs of tenderness although he was still walking like they were very long.  He was quickly realizing they weren't and I expect tomorrow I will see him canter for the first time in a long time.     

11/5/98 - The stallion had his teeth floated and is doing well.  He is slowly putting on weight but it will take time.  He was a perfect gentleman when the vet did his teeth and she was impressed with his sweet nature.  He liked me to hug his head in between filings.  He will act a little "studdy" from time to time but it is normally only around feeding time.  He wants to make sure he gets fed.  He will "talk" to my filly but leaves the mares alone when they come near him. He is able to touch noses with them over his stall door.  When he is hand walked he is never unruly or unpleasant.  He also enjoys being turned out although he likes to be in the confines of his paddock.  He is turned out the majority of each day.  He gets a little nervous if he isnt in his security zone.  This poor boy doesn't know what it is like to be turned out in a pasture.  He prefers the closeness of his paddock.  He is on several vitamin supplements as well as medication for his condition.  

11/16/98 -  The stallion is doing well.  He has maintained his sweet disposition but at times can be a little "studdy".  Mostly around dinner time.  Who can blame him?  He is much happier then when he first arrived.  I have used a weight tape on him and after 3 weeks of being at T.E.A.R., he weighs 680 pounds.  We did not weigh him upon arrival but he has gained weight during the past three and a half weeks.  Please view the new photos below.  He is still obviously very thin but appears much happier.      

                                                    Upon arrival to T.E.A.R. pictured above

      Three weeks later

11/98 - Congratulations to Michelle for adopting this beautiful boy!  She will keep us posted on his progress.  "Delaware" will have a wonderful home with Michelle and her family in West Virginia.  30 acres of wonderful green pasture, a little gelding pasture mate, and lots of love and attention are just what the doctor ordered for this guy!  He has made tremendous improvement at TEAR.  Under the care of Michelle, I am sure he will continue to improve.  Congratulations to all!  

1/24/99 - Michelle has done a wonderful job with "Delaware".  He is a very remarkable and beautiful horse.  He has gained 120 pounds and now weighs 800 pounds.  He is still very well behaved and has been turned out with Michelle's other horses.  Finally, this boy gets a taste of the good life.  

Christmas Day 1998