The number was 565, it was hot glued onto her right hip. Her feet were so horribly over grown and poorly shod with too many nails…and too little care. She was so painful that she kept shifting her weight every second or so…we always likened it to a lady wearing stilettos that were far too tight, at a party that was far too long. The only other sign of life was the milk that dripped in a steady stream from her swollen bag…her foal was no where to be seen. Her eyes were vacant and her head hung, she was far beyond desperate. Desperation requires something…some emotion, whether it be anxiety…fear…or some other outward sign that ones life matters. She had already endured a life of abuse and lost the only thing that mattered, her baby had been stripped away, and she was headed for the auction block…and she no longer seemed to care. The date was Mothers Day 2009, the only people bidding on her were the local kill buyers…..and Red Bucket. It took the better part of a year for Pearl to win the fight over the depression and despondent dark cloak of her miserable past. When she emerged, it was very slowly, like a very tight bud that did not want to open. The first time that we heard her little moo-whinny we celebrated and gently continued to coax Pearl out of her lonely darkness. The true day of winning the battle to truly save her was the day that Betty adopted her, complete with a new halter sporting her name, a tote of brushes…and a promise to love her forever, and…Betty did just that. Pearl transformed into a pet, a family member…and into Betty’s best friend. Pearl passed over the rainbow bridge last Sunday, after 5 years as a wanted horse. She was fortunate to have been dearly loved by her devoted and selfless “mom”, Betty. The exhaust from loving so deeply is the raw and ragged pain that accompanies losing a beloved family member, we are heartbroken by Betty’s loss. We send our heartfelt condolences to wonderful Betty who loved Pearl beyond measure. We are mourning her and will formally say good-bye to Pearl, and to our own Lacey who never had the gift of a forever home, as Pearl did on Saturday January 10th at 5:00 pm. All of Pearl and Lacey’s friends are welcome to link arms with us and grieve their loss and celebrate that they were born. We understand that Betty had wanted to nominate Pearl to be horse of the month at her local stable, which due to her death is no longer an option. We would like to declare Pearl Horse of the month at Red Bucket..and every other stable who will honor this dear little mare…..please like this if you agree…please forward this on and give Betty her dream for Pearl…We vote YES!