Be My Valentine - Bo

Meet Bo
Bo has been a special case since they day I laid eyes on him. We rescued him from an auction when he, along with his emaciated herd mates, were ordered to go to auction. There are many rumors that have swirled around Bo. I've even been accused of being the one to send him to auction. Only those who actually know me would know what a laughable statement that is. But we outbid the killbuyer and brought him home for $110. I wasn't sure he was going to even make the trip home.


We nursed him back to health but he's always been a difficult one to care for. From the get go, he's been classified as a hard keeper. Every year one thing or another would happen and we'd be faced with more challenges: severe lameness, ulcers, weight loss, breathing issues, and now heart failure.


The minute the vet uttered "heart failure" my heart broke because there was  nothing more I could do for Bo. I can keep him comfortable and as happy as possible but I cannot bring his body back from the wreckage. So now, as the days pass, we constantly watch to ensure Bo's quality of life is where it needs to be.


Even with the abuse and neglect he endured  before coming to the Sanctuary, he is still a happy horse, always greeting me with a huge whinny (it's because of the grain but I'll take it). I think Bo knew he was close to death and there seems to be a different bond between him and me than any of the other horses. He still has no ground manners and will run me over if someone challenges his space. He's the lowest on the pecking order but has figured out evasive maneuvers to get away (which include running me over if need be).


But Bo is sweet. He has a kind heart and wants to love and be loved. He watches me just as closely as I watch him. If only his condition wasn't to this point. If only we could have met years ago. I believe we would have been an amazing riding team. We did go for a short ride but his previous life stressed him out for riding so I only took him once on a short excursion before realizing that from no on, he needs to stay home and stay quiet.


He's best friends with Zeke but now that he's in the barn over the winter eating, he's getting to know Jim a little more. They tolerate each other in the barn but I was hoping they'd at last hang out a little bit in the big herd, but so far that's not happening.


Bo has taken to sticking to himself, patiently waiting for his evening grain and hanging out with me.


I wish that I could speak more eloquently about Bo to show you how much of an amazing horse he is. I hesitate to post pictures because his heart failure is taking its toll on this body and we've always fought to gain any ground on his weight problem. But pictures dont' do justice to Bo's spirit and energy. He doesn't have the demanding presence but he has a different presence that for me is somewhat calming. There's just something about Bo that I can't put into words that I wish I could share with you all. Bo is a very special horse and although he won't be on this earth for very much longer, I would love to share him with you so you too can see what an amazing horse he is.


If you'd like to sponsor him, monthly sponsorships are $50 and it would go to buying Ramona feed (which is what keeps the ulcers at bay) and senior feed (which hopefully keeps some weight on him), along with a weight booster supplement and buteless supplement (to ease the aches and pains he's experiencing during this cold snap). In return, you'll receive monthly updates and pictures of Bo (mostly eating his grain!)


#MyValentine