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 an 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.