Fenton While he too had been betrayed and faced the very grim reality of shipping to slaughter. His adorable persona, colorful blanket complete with leopard spotted “stockings”, and an eye that communicated a…n unspoken kindness, caught the eye of a rescue colleague which sent him to the safety of a ranch that he now owns, instead of the horrifying brutality of a Mexican slaughter yard. Like so many of the less fortunate, he has been well trained and poorly cared for. In spite of needing groceries, some routine veterinary work (doubtful that he has ever had his teeth floated), and a consistent dose of compassion and reassurance he is pretty darn perfect. Stepping off of the trailer and onto soil on which animal abuse of any type will not be tolerated, Fenton caught the attention of his fellow Red Bucket Horses who whinnied and called to our first mule as if to welcome and reassure our new resident that his days will be safe, his nights will be peaceful, and his life will be meaningful, treasured, and protected. He politely, but a bit vacantly followed us to a clean and well bedded paddock (prepared just for him). In the last few days he has begun to slowly exhale, napping in his bed of fresh shavings and  resting in his turnouts….soaking up both the warmth of the sun….and his new environment. He is safe. While we doubt that he will be with us for very long, we welcome him.

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He is the best of both worlds. Fenton has the relationship orientation of a horse and the watchful dependability of a donkey….our first mule. Whether one is so inclined to call him an appaloosa or a spotted mule, it is an absolute that he would be quickly characterized as very dear, and most certainly precious. It is also most certain that his life has been arduous and difficult. Rescued from the impending threat of slaughter, his gaunt frame, wistful eyes and stoicism could not disguise a gentle kindness that percolated just beneath his polka dots. He has been settling in with the introspection of an elder, the introversion of a scholar, and the emerging (yet still suppressed) awakening of the falsely accused. He has been vaccinated, had his feet done, been dewormed, and had his teeth floated….or what was left of them. Clearly he has had very little, if any care or maintenance. His teeth had all but rotted, no surprising that we can slip our arm between his back legs with ample room to spare. While he is still offered hay (a guy needs dignity…and an equine needs to graze) he is enjoying “eating” for the first time in a very long while. The Red Riding Hoods are delivering buckets of soaked pellets four times a day, and Fenton is eating with the gusto of a favorite uncle at Thanksgiving. We are introducing him to other residents with the hope of matching him up with a buddy. Like all of the animals that we save and serve, he has landed on the tarmac of our magical ranch, and when his mind, body and soul are aligned and fully returned to him, he will take off for his final destination….home.