Smokey’s Story
I named our rescue in honor of Smokey, one of the first horses I ever helped. Smokey worked as a mounted police horse who after many years of service found himself in a kill pen and headed for slaughter. After getting him home, I had him assessed by a local veterinarian who advised me that Smokey had many pressing medical concerns and that next time I saved a horse I should have the horse evaluated prior to saving the horse. His sarcastic comment meant nothing to me. It only made me stronger in my conviction that animals are so worthy of advocacy and understanding by others. Little did he know that I was more than prepared to release Smokey with love and kindness and that I would pay any price to do just that because it was the kind and just thing to do if necessary. Smokey lived with us for about nine years, and his chronic arthritis and laminitis often played a part in how his day went, but I have no regrets. Despite having days that he did not feel so well, I know he enjoyed his life here with us. He loved being cared for and fussed over. He loved being loved. And I loved being loved.