It’s an unspoken fact among animal lovers that our pets are our companions, friends, and family. The communication that occurs between the animals and us is how these relationships develop, grow, and fasten. When Marigold was rescued, she was found among cattle and her eight month nursing foal. She had been abandoned by owners who could no longer afford to take care of her, so they left several animals starving with scars that could and could not be seen. When Marigold was found by the Ventura Humane Society, they called Red Bucket Equine Rescue because they were able to see a companion in Marigold. It’s this selective vulnerability that Marigold is able to show which ultimately led to her forever home.
 
When horses arrive at Red Bucket, some are able to acclimate to the new environment better than others. With the help of hard working and dedicated volunteers, their personalities emerge and are evaluated so they can have a better chance at finding a permanent home. When it came to Marigold, the team realized that she had been terribly mistreated, carried a lot of baggage, and was a bit of a sour puss. However, as Red Bucket continued to do their work, it was soon apparent that Marigold, this paint horse with her ears pinned, was a trained reiner. In the following months, Marigold began a specified training program that came with a consistent feeding schedule, grooming, shoeing, dental and medical care, and most importantly, affection.
 
As time went on, Marigold began to develop a noticeable relationship with Ranch Coordinator Karen McGarrah. For some reason, every time Karen would enter the building where Marigold was housed, Karen would greet her with the nickname of “booboo.” Marigold eventually learned when Karen was approaching and would stick her neck out of the stall with flickered ears and a nicker awaiting the greeting. The first time she nickered, Karen realized that there was something different about this horse. Her negative behavior changed, and she was more cooperative when Karen was around. Marigold had developed a bond with Karen. After working around Marigold for nine months, Karen realized that Marigold had complete trust in her, and on December 8th, 2012, Marigold found herself with a forever home and family.
 
Today, Marigold still gets excited to see Karen and knows when she’s approaching. She looks for carrots in Karen’s pockets, enjoys the training program at Red Bucket, and takes care of Karen when they are riding. Even if Karen errs by giving the wrong signal, Marigold is able to understand her intentions and heart.
 
Who knows why the animals that come into our lives do? We want to believe that there is a purpose and something more powerful at work. It seems, in this case, there was. Notorious for being a sour puss, Marigold was vulnerable around the members of the Humane Society who found her and around Karen who loves her. Marigold takes care of Karen, a purpose she takes very seriously. While Karen does not know why Marigold chose her, there is a clue in her words: “The thing about adoption is this is what we do at Red Bucket. Every horse is treated the same way. All are ready to find that someone they trust. All horses are waiting for one special person.”