OTTB Spotlight: Zodiac

re: OTTB Spotlight: Zodiac

Tiz Herself — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 13:00:28 GMT

Absolutely heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time - call me names, do whatever you will to me, but the second a horse is injured or mistreated that hits me more like a punch in the gut. Thank you Days End and everyone involved in Zodiac's care and for giving him a second chance at life!

BTW if you want a Days End Alberta division would be honoured to be part of that!

re: OTTB Spotlight: Zodiac

Redonhead — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 22:48:54 GMT

I would go without food for myself just so I can feed my Furkids b 4 I would let them go without. There is no greater lov than that of a horse. I use to work with Harness Racing Horse at The Hanover Shoe Farms in PA. My favorite part was coming into the barn early in the morning to c a new born foal. I would give anything to have my own horse once again.

re: OTTB Spotlight: Zodiac

Jean in Chicago — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 19:38:32 GMT

What an amazing difference in his 'before' and 'after' pictures! To see him go from death's door to dancing in his pasture is beyond remarkable.

I sometimes wonder if the 'rescue' people who mistreat and starve the animals they're theoretically caring for are just plain evil or if some of them are 'hoarders' who keeping taking in so many animals that they reach a point where nobody gets proper care and enough food. I can't even guess how much land and money it would take to care for 100 horses!

Every rescue organization in the country (dogs, cats & horses) is strained to the limit. All we can do is work to curtail the breeding of 'unwanted' animals and thank God for the people fighting emotional burn out as they care for the animals.

re: OTTB Spotlight: Zodiac

Diana Baker — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 19:21:38 GMT

I am beyond thrilled to see Zodiac featured here. I was one of the people who helped identify the Thoroughbreds (alive and dead) for Animal Control once they were seized. I'd also tried to get the "rescue" closed down since the day it opened its doors. When a friend and I visited Zodiac and the other critically ill horses ar Day's End a week or so after they were sent there, he was so sick and depressed, in the sling... I don't think I've ever seen a horse closer to death. Day's End has done a miraculous job with Zodiac and the other Thoroughbreds the took in that September. Thank you Day's End.

re: OTTB Spotlight: Zodiac

Blind Luck — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 13:48:11 GMT

I don't understand why someone would keep an animal and not feed it. It is just unimaginamal how someone could watch them decline so and be able to sleep at night. I really admire folks like Days End. Keep up your great work,

re: OTTB Spotlight: Zodiac

Jane Gordineer — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 23:46:16 GMT

What a great story! The will to live!! I cannot believe anyone would treat this beautiful creature like this. So glad he is doing well, thanks to wonderful people like Days End Rescue! Keep up the good work!!

re: OTTB Spotlight: Zodiac

smarie — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 17:58:16 GMT

Mary O'Brien belongs in prison, period. She should never, ever be allowed to get near a horse again. I donate to several horse/animal rescue organizations around the country and they get plenty of Thoroughbreds who have been dumped once their usefulness has been declared over according to unfeeling, uncaring human beings. I have seen thinner horses than Zodiac unfortunately. It is hard to believe how cruel people can be. You can be sure that those who starve animals aren't missing any meals themselves. Laws regarding animal cruelty are far too lax and far too often unenforced. So many people look the other way. We need to get animal protection and anti-cruelty laws strengthened in this country and then see to it that they are enforced! I thank God for people like those at Days End and for all those who step up and do what is right for animals. This was a wonderful article and I look forward to reading more about Zodiac and Days End.

re: OTTB Spotlight: Zodiac

ChristieLaneCraven — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 18:19:13 GMT

I've been to Days End before. The place and people are amazing. They have taken some cases that looked hopeless and made miracles happen. I highly recommend a visit or to volunteer there is you are anywhere near the area! Also the website is http://www.defhr.org/ for those having trouble with the link.

re: OTTB Spotlight: Zodiac

Mike Relva — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 17:51:13 GMT

Esther thanks for all the great articles.Best wishes to Zodiac and continued good luck for him and others.

re: OTTB Spotlight: Zodiac

joanne carey-vert — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 02:41:59 GMT

What a beautiful transformation. I have volunteered at DEFHR and have seen firsthand the day in and day out of equine neglect. The first day of work just caused me to break down and cry to see so many abuse cases, especially of young horses that were in their prime on the track just months prior. I own (support) the most loving, compassionate, kind, gentle giant thoroughbred, and pray that OTTB find loving homes and support.

re: OTTB Spotlight: Zodiac

vickieT — Sat, 04 Aug 2012 22:43:57 GMT

I spent a week at Days End caring for Zodiac and his companions on behalf of the ASPCA. Days End is an amazing place with a dedicated staff. I encourage all thoroubred owners/breeders to think about and plan for the whole life of the animals they create and benefit from. They are not disposable units to be thrown out once they can no longer generate a profit. Zodi is one of the most amazing creatures I've ever met. Through long nights of compresses on the blown veins in his neck, eye medicines for corneal ulcers, leg wraps, the sling, wounds where the sling rubbed him or he hurt himself on the times he went down--he never ever gave up. We worked 12 hour shifts caring for him and his companions, especially the mare Yogi who was also very critical. I worked the night shift and spent many hours helping him eat (the Zodiac spin! to get him to move just a little to help the swelling in his legs). I cry every time I see pictures of him healthy and thriving after all he went through.

re: OTTB Spotlight: Zodiac

yani — Sat, 04 Aug 2012 22:10:03 GMT

As a volunteer at Days End, of all the rescues we have had, I do believe Zodiac logged the most hours in a sling. His heart and will to survive is what helped his rescuers pull him through.

re: OTTB Spotlight: Zodiac

cindybetty — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 05:53:41 GMT

Thanks for telling us this story. What s stunning horse Zodiac is. Thank you owner whoever you are for saving this horse. Because of this article I will be making a donation to Days End

re: OTTB Spotlight: Zodiac

ksweatman9 — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 23:18:41 GMT

These stories are always bittersweet for me. It warms my heart that there are survivors who overcome the abuse and hell they go through. I love the happy endings, too bad they number so few. Most animal abuse cases end in sadness. As an advocate for the humane treatment of all animals, I hope those responsible for starving these noble creatures met with some type of justice. It's never enough in my book. They are quite lucky I'm not the one meting out the penalty. Kudos to all who help horses like Zodiac, and Zodiac, you are a true champion of heart and spirit. May you live a long happy life.

re: OTTB Spotlight: Zodiac

Old Old Cat — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 18:07:35 GMT

My daughter and one of her friends had volunteered at days end years ago. Recently she got to compete at a local eventing show and I had a good time with the parents of one of the staff members who was showing the prospects for prospective adoption. It is wonderful to know that there are such wonderful people in this world who truly care about horses.

re: OTTB Spotlight: Zodiac

Wrensflight — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 20:15:01 GMT

I am fortunate enough to have a wonderful OTTB mare in my family. She had ended up in a feed lot after her racing career and appeared to also be neglected by her previous owners. She came to me with a serious eye infection caused by a corneal scratch that was never treated, as well as the most severe case of mud fever that I have ever seen. I have also fostered other OTTB's and wish I had the space and finances to take in more. I always appreciate hearing about the rescues who work so hard to rehabilitate these wonderful animals. Thanks to all of you, especially Second Chance Ranch in Washington state, for making the effort to provide care and love to these unfortunate horses.

re: OTTB Spotlight: Zodiac

ceil rock — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 17:05:51 GMT

The link to Days End doesn't work on my computer - had to Google. I thank God for people who do this work, not just for Thoroughbreds but for all horses. All horses deserve a decent life. I hope all of those who are so worried about our stallions in foreign countries will pitch in and help the horses in our country. There are so many deserving rescues out there who need our help.

re: OTTB Spotlight: Zodiac

anita b — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 16:48:57 GMT

What a great article--didn't need to see the video for the tears to fall.

I have always known that if i were wealthy enough to own a thoroughbred--no more than 4.

Esther, when are you coming up to New York and the Finger Lakes horse rescue--the first one that a racetrack has been invilved with from day 1. I haven't been there either but would like to go one day. Anita Carter

re: OTTB Spotlight: Zodiac

Jackie WV — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 14:48:26 GMT

May God Bless all the wonderful people that helped to save Zodiac's life!! I still can't imagine a horse living in a sling for 9 months. His "will to live" had to be way beyond normal. He looks so happy and healthy now!! Great story Esther......thank you so much for sharing it. I'm not far from Maryland, so I hope to someday pay a visit to Days End.

re: OTTB Spotlight: Zodiac

Krazymeerkats — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 02:17:58 GMT

You guys are fabulous and so amazing, what a special horse. If no one has says Thank You in a while well Thank You for giving us Zodiac...

re: OTTB Spotlight: Zodiac

Karen in Indiana — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 02:13:42 GMT

mz, amen!

Esther, thank you for telling us about another organization doing wonderful work in the background. What they've done for this horse is amazing and I will be checking them out.

re: OTTB Spotlight: Zodiac

Criminal Type — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 01:00:18 GMT

I volunteered at Days End a few years ago, at the time they brought in the PG county horses. If I remember correctly, they were called the PG Eight. One was a stallion I believe was a Halo line horse. I also remember "Classy" and "Country" This was before they moved to the new farm. These people deserve a lot of credit for the hard work, time and care they give to these poor horses. I read about the seizure of the West Virginia horses and saw the news coverage. There was also a recent (within the past couple of years) seizure of a huge number of Arabians from a farm on Marylands eatern shore that was horrific. Over 100 horses. Some dead in the fields, some so bad they had to be euthenized immediatly. Sad that these magestic animals were treated so badly. There are other farms in the area that need to have their horses taken away, I wont mention names but there have been a few who came to my horses barn after leaving this one particular farm that were starving and had major health and temperment issues. Thankfully they are all doing quiet well now and have loving new owners. Kudos to the staff at DEHR for the great service they do for these animals.

re: OTTB Spotlight: Zodiac

smartysgal — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 00:51:36 GMT

Wonderful story and touching video. I'm amazed at this horse's courage and will to live despite being mistreated and nearly starved to death. They say we can all learn something new every day. Sometimes it takes a horse to teach us.

re: OTTB Spotlight: Zodiac

mz — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 20:26:25 GMT

9th Circle of Hell: those who let animals suffer.