Bilek was the first horse that we were able to rescue when we first moved to the horses’ ranch in Chino Hills. We were initially filled with a sense of empowerment, as our own ranch allowed us to say “yes”, to do the right thing, and of course…save another life. We were then filled with a disturbing mixture of sadness, grief, and a fair amount of anger when we first saw him. Bilek (named after our dear and compassionate friend, Pamela Bilek) had been horribly abused by someone who does not believe that animals can feel…or think. He had been repeatedly roped until the pain and helplessness prevented him from struggling to escape the ragged and raw rope burns around both of his back pasterns. He had also been starved…once he was no longer useful to them…and resigned; they had abandoned him without food, water…or any chance of survival. Today Bilek is a permanent resident at Red Bucket. Due to his age and injuries, he is not a candidate for adoption, and he has earned a gentle and safe retirement. At Red Bucket, we respect our elders and Bilek lives in a roomy stall with a large paddock and his very own donkey, Blossom. He is fiercely protective of Blossom and clearly adores her…at the risk of a cliche’, she “completes” him. Bilek also has his own guardian, Andrea, who dotes on him and showers him with a missed lifetime of love and kindness. Bilek definitely knows how to feel and think, and yes, he feels love…and yes, he loves in return. Pictures are of Bilek before and after, and of his donkey, Dame Blossom!