Jack was the last of the “Malibu 5”; five geriatric and crippled horses who had been abandoned without food when a children’s camp moved, taking the “good horses” with them. We have had the privilege of caring for them, loving them…and the necessary accompanying pain of  saying good-bye. At Red Bucket, we know that rescue is only the beginning…and we know that a great majority of rescued equines are trainable and place-able. We also know that some of the rescued cannot be responsibly placed in homes, and that it is our moral responsibility to care for the horses who come to us for help. We do so lovingly and in such a manner that our priceless friends live a meaningful life knowing that they are, indeed, home. With our beloved Jack, we have successfully ridden the wave of starvation, severe founder, rotten teeth, pneumonia, Cushing’s disease, and in the last year a rotated coffin bone. Every step and every day that we had with our Amazing Jack has been a privilege, an honor, and a gift. Jack’s life of gentle retirement at Red Bucket has been one of an active second career. Jack has served as Headmaster of our Red Bucket Charm Farm, teaching our youngsters how to be well-behaved and respectful horses. He was a trustworthy teacher to all Curry Comb Club members, the first horse that many of our novice volunteers ever handled, mentor and life coach to Joey the donkey, and dearly loved member of our Red Bucket Family. While we said our final, private good-bye on Monday, our pain and grief paralyzed our ability to say good-bye publicly. Jack is survived by his loving guardian Jill Clark, his two donkeys Joey and Buffy who openly grieve his loss, and his “forever” family of dedicated Red Riding Hoods who are brokenhearted. Out of respect for all those who loved Jack, we will hold his memorial in January in order to allow all to attend. We are grateful for the heroic efforts and partnership with Dr. David Treser, who definitely provided Jack with an extra year of life, and our friend Dr. Brigid Murphy for her loving, gentle care.Lest we be incomplete, the loss of Jack has left us heartbroken beyond words.