Faith (1997) is a grade shire mare who was used on a PMU ranch in North Dakota. We were told that she has a bad back (a condition known as roach back) and is best suited for a retirement home. We were also told that were she not adopted in 2008, she and her unborn foal would be shipped to auction and probably slaughter. Because of her age and her condition, wer thought it very unlikely she would be adopted. But she spoke to us and we recognized something very special about this mare.
Although we did adopt Faith in 2008, she was not shipped to us until March of 2009. She spent a long winter in the snow and blizzards of North Dakota until reaching us in March. You can see a video of her arrival here. The man talking is the person who brought her from North Dakota. He told us he would not have loaded Faith if he had seen her in the light of day because she was so underweight.
We had Dr. Hadland come to check Faith right away and you can see his examination here:
Faith did very well for Dr. Hadland.
The videos pretty much say it all, but I will do a brief synopsis.
She is a 3 on a scale of 1-9. She is not "Roach Backed," she has been malnourished.
She is bagging up and he expects her to foal within the next 2-4 weeks.
Would like to see us put on 150-200lbs on her. He does not want her real heavy during the birthing process. We will increase her feed and supplements once she has foaled per his advisement.
She received a B-12 and Vitamin C injection today to boost her system.
She will remain on the feeding program he has prescribed. This will be increased with other supplements once she has foaled as he states it is during lactating that she will need more weight and nourishment
He wants to be called when we have the first signs of waxing.
And so, based on Dr. Hadland's assessment, we thought that Faith would be delivering very soon, that she needed to put on a LOT of weight, and there was a possibllity (small) of twins. Aha! And so, Faith watch began in earnest on the webcam. Many spent countless hours watching over Faith, expecting to see the delivery at any moment. And we waited, and we waited. Until finally, in the wee hours of May 25, 2009, it began and we were presented with a magnificent colt, Justice:
Born at 1am, by 8:30am he let us know just what we had in store:
He was a little dickens, but Faith was already showing how much trust she had.
Justice continued to treat us to experiences like this:
The months went by, the bonding continued with both Faith and Justice. Finally, on August 7, this special moment:
Faith exhibits so much patience with her rambunctious son. We were told by the rancher that the previous year she had not only raised her own foal, but adopted an orphan. Not many mares would do that.
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Update
October 15, 2009
Faith, our beloved Faith, has crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. She was found dead this morning with no signs of any struggle. She died in her sleep. Last night she was fine, eating, drinking, pooping.
Tears are flowing for our sweet Faith. God, the tears are flowing.
This has been a very very rough day. Our hearts ache beyond belief.
Faith, my heart was so torn when I saw you standing in the snow in ND. My heart ached as you stepped off the trailer, thin and looking so worn out. I saw a light in your eyes, and by God I knew we had a chance to bring you back. We did, but it was not only the feed, it was the trust you gave to me...I will cherish every memory and every milestone we achieved together.
You were and will always be magnificent in my eyes. You presented all of us with a beautiful colt "Justice". You taught him well to trust and to accept...thank you!
As Rob stated today "We strive to adopt these beautiful creatures to the best home, well.....Heaven Adopted Faith" What better home could she have?
We will miss you my dear dear friend and confidant, you listened well. I will love and care for your son to the best of my ability; if I need guidance I know I will hear your wuffles in my ear.
I love you Faith!!!
Stephanie and Rob
Letter From Your Horse In Heaven
Author Unknown
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say.
But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from the Bridge.
Here I dwell with God above.
Here there's no more tears of sadness.
Here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.
Today I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you.
It's good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family and friends, They'll be here later on."
God gave me a list of things that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight,
God and I are closest to you...in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth and all those loving months,
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry, it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now than I ever was before.
There are rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too;
That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help another horse who's in sorrow and in need;
Then you can say to God at night, "My day was not in vain.".
And now I am contented that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along I made a difference for another in need.
If you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street with me on your mind,
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go from that body to be free,
Remember you're not going...you're coming here to me.
