On Friday, the 19th of October we received an email from R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Animal Control needed our assistance with removing a Mini Mule who was being neglected. We were informed that Cocoa had not had his feet done in quite sometime and his hooves were curling upwards. We contacted the owner and explained who we were and what we were asked to do by Clark County Animal Control. He said okay, but we also had to take the Burro he had. We arranged everything and on Sunday, the 21st of October we went to pick them up. What we saw when we pulled up was horrendous. The living conditions for these poor little guys was horrible. They were in a large area covered with old logs, and various other debris. Their water barrel was empty and tipped over. There were no remenants of feed to be seen anywhere. However, we did notice that all the wood in the turnout was stripped of it's bark and was smooth as silk. So guess what these guys were eating? That was the first things we noticed.
Cocoa then wandered up to the fence very slowly, and understandably so. We have never seen hooves in this condition except in pictures. It was unbelievable. Two of his hooves had obviously broken off, but the other two were at least seven inches long and curling up and out. It was amazing that he could walk at all. Though Cocoa is old, there was no excuse for his condition. He is very poor and it appears that whatever feed was given was eaten by Charlie and Cocoa received very little.
After all the paperwork had been completed it was time to get Cocoa loaded. Amazingly enough, he jumped straight into the trailer without hesitation, it's as if he knew he was going someplace that he would be cared for. The former owner informed us after we had both loaded that he knew nothing of the equine breed but that he had both of them for a little over three years. It is really ashame that these two little guys had to endure this type of treatment, when all the individual had to do was ask people for information on how to care for them. We ask people on a daily basis for information and advice, we learn something new every day.
Once we arrived back at the Miracle facility and let Cocoa adjust for a couple of hours, we knew that it was time to work on his feet. We were not sure how he was going to react, but he was a real champ giving his feet without a problem. Two inches was taken off so far, and it is going to be a slow and tedious process but eventually Cocoa will be walking on normal feet once again. We are feeding in small amounts as to give his stomach time to adjust and as of this morning Cocoa seems to be enjoying it all.
Update, June 5, 2008
After living with Stephanie's mother and father since 2002 and reaching the impressive age of 43, sweet Cocoa had a stroke and was euthanized today. He was a good boy. He was dearly loved and will be missed very much. With the angels now...
One of our ABR/FOB friends, jamieslq, posted this message on Cocoa's passing:
Heaven became richer today, for a beautiful ageless angel named Cocoa arrived and was greeted by Barbaro, Nellie and Lil Angel...........and all our babies who have gone before us. He'll be waiting patiently for Stephanie's parents.............My thanks to them for giving this Precious Boy 6 years of love and happiness. God Bless all who are hurting tonight. Love, Jamie
