22 starving stallions stood nose-to-tail, tail-to-nose. Many of them were injured, all of them were slowly dying. There was not so much as a speck of hay, the small amount of water was squalid, the atmosphere was heavy with desperation and suffering. They allowed us to load them without much argument, just wobbly knees and a weak indifference as they had all but given up…all except for one who mustered the energy and a few reserved calories to fight. He was angry, distrusti…ng, and seemingly rebellious. In addition to his brothers, his sisters too were emaciated and clinging to life by their last two breaths. It was as if he had to protest…fight…make a point. Make a point he did. He also made us earn his trust and cooperation, and he was not quick to believe us when we told him that he was safe. Early in his journey to health and happiness, he met Rexanne who became his friend…and later his family. That family is larger now, as Rex married Thomas and had children. Rex texted us on Sunday…to thank us for saving Striker, and so many more. It was their 5-year anniversary and she loves him…and Striker loves his family.