So tragic. Gus, our July Bucket Fund foal has passed over the rainbow bridge.

I’m not sure the full details, but evidently Gus was fairly sound internally… the issue was his front legs. There had been an injury to both of his front legs (I haven’t received the details) and the vets at Rood and Riddle felt that he would be in pain his entire life.

So, Heart of Phoenix Rescue made the difficult decision to let him go.

Your donations (Thank you!) will go towards Gus’s emergency medical bills.

Thank you for all of your prayers, good will and donations. Knowing we were here, allowed Heart of Phoenix to do everything they could for Gus. Thank you.

Godspeed, little one. We all tried but the horsegods needed you with them.

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JULY BUCKET FUND FOAL: GUS. Abandoned colt in a West Virginia mine, covered in ticks, sunburned and injured. PLEASE FORWARD and HELP.

UPDATE: Gus didn’t make it… Today, the vets discovered something unusual about his front legs. They were Xrayed and it was determined that they had a major injury which would cause him pain his entire life. Sadly, the team of vets and Heart of Phoenix Rescue made the difficult decision to let him pass over the rainbow bridge.

Thank you for your love and concern. All donations collected will go directly to Rood and Riddle Equine hospital to help with Gus’ medical expenses.

Gus was found in an old mineral mine where people have been known to dump unwanted horses. A herd has now assembled and Gus was born there a few days ago.

He days old baby was found trying to keep up with the herd in 100 degree heat. Rescuers (who voluntarily watch and tend to this herd) brought Gus back to the local vet. Gus was covered in ticks, sunburned, had injuries and was very, very weak. He was given an IV immediately and transported to the nearest equine hospital.

He is alive and at the equine hospital. He is not lethal white. They have him stabilized while they run every test possible. The poor guy was covered in ticks, sunburned and injured – trying to keep up with the herd.

Many tests were done. A feeding tube was administered. The Doctors are waiting for blood test results. His lungs, heart and intestines seem to be good. Ticks were removed, sunburn and wounds tended… Gus was given selenium and Vitamin E. And, after some fluids and food, he even had one ‘sassy’ spell. However, this is a very, very sick colt.

Please let’s help them help baby Gus! All donations are 100% tax deductible. Please let’s make a difference for this foal who has a very long way to go. Thank you in advance!

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GUS’S STORY

Heart of Phoenix Rescue watches the horses dumped in the mine… they saw that Gus was in trouble and raced him to Rood and Riddle Equine hospital (we have worked with both previously).

At Rood and Riddle equine hospital.

They do not believe that he is lethal white. But they don’t know what is wrong. He has perked up some and can stand for short lengths. His glucose is good. He has a feeding tube. The vet office says:

“So far so good. Lungs, stomach, intestine is good.
Dr. Woody will check him in a couple of hours.
They have IV/fluids in him. Going to work on getting him nutrition too.
He was a bit sassy, until he finally got tired. So that is a good sign. They have done blood work. Glucose was good. They are waiting on the full panel.
Going to check to see if anything viral is going on too.
Temp was good. They are putting a feeding tube. They said they will work on getting him to eat from a bucket as well.
They feel he has selenium deficiency, and gave him a shot of selenium and vitamin E.”

These are some of the ticks pulled off of him.

He can stand for short periods. (He is being a good boy)

LET’S PLEASE HELP GUS WITH A BETTER START IN HIS SHORT LIFE!

Gus has a fighting chance. Already his vet bills are through the roof. Everyone adores him and wants this boy to pull through. Can you help? Horse and Man will make a direct Bucket Fund payment to Rood and Riddle for his care!

All donations are 100% tax deductible. Thank you in advance!