Click here for the flier — please feel free to pass it along and share it with others!
Chevaz, a beautiful black 19 year old Standardbred gelding that came into Happy Trails Amish Horse Retirement Program last summer has been awaiting his forever home our foster care program. This otherwise strong, healthy, and
extremely friendly horse, suddenly showed signs of colic several weeks ago. After a visit from the field service vet, with the horse not displaying any obvious signs of relief, a trip to an equine hospital was needed. His condition steadily worsened, but we were told that Chevaz was a very good candidate for surgery — he was amazingly healthy and happy for being a retired Amish buggy horse, and he had no other medical issues. Exploratory surgery was recommended, and a cost was discussed.
The exploratory surgery unveiled a tumor attached to a stem that was in his stomach. His intestines wrapped around this tumor and four feet of intestines would need to be removed — again, since it was suggested that this horse would have an excellent chance for a good recovery and he would be expected to heal, the surgery was performed to give Chevaz a chance to enjoy his retirement and his new life outside the Amish community.
However, due to the complicated nature of the surgery, the cost nearly tripled what we had anticipated it would cost the sanctuary.
$8,550 later (and that does not include the cost of the two visits from the field service vet), we are now asking folks to help us spread the word by either hanging up the attached flier or passing it along for us — any and all donations that will help out with the surgery cost will be very much appreciated, and all are tax deductible.
Checks can be mailed to: Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary, 5623 New Milford Road, Ravenna, Ohio 44266.
We will try to keep an updated story here on the website noting his recovery progress — Chevaz is an incredible horse and had worked very hard for many, many years. We are hoping to give him a chance to truly enjoy this second phase of his life.
Many thanks to everyone for helping to network for Happy Trails! And many thanks also to Eileen and Bob, the foster parents of Chevaz, for their care and concern and dedication that they have devoted to their furry foster boy and to helping him recover!
