Fighting systemic animal cruelty means that much of my daily work is about advocating for large-scale change, change that has the potential to transform our nation and our world into a kinder, more compassionate and increasingly humane place. Over the next few weeks, our year-end blog posts will feature just some of the inspiring highlights of our work in 2023, from stopping puppy mills and trophy hunting to preventing suffering for farmed animals and animals in laboratories, and more. I’m looking forward to sharing those with you. And first, I want to tell the story of one animal whose life transformed over the course of this year: a blind horse named Magnolia.
It was November 2022 when, at the request of the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, our Animal Rescue Team arrived at a property in Ohio that seemed abandoned. Inside two ramshackle barns, filled with cobwebs and feet of filth and manure, there were animals struggling to survive. The horse who would later be named Magnolia had a ruptured eye that had scarred over and was pacing anxiously in her pen as rescuers surveyed the conditions of all the horses. Some had hooves so overgrown and damaged they could hardly stand up. Some were so neglected they suffered from medical conditions that made it impossible for them to be saved.
Thankfully, Magnolia, along with several goats, cats and dogs, got a new lease on life. Our team worked with the Humane Society of Ashland County, Days End Farm Horse Rescue and Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary to help these animals. Since her rescue, Magnolia had eye surgery and made her home at This Old Horse, an equine sanctuary in Minnesota. Here’s an update on how she’s doing:
As the video shows, Magnolia’s rescue wasn’t just about getting her veterinary treatment and extending her life. Her rescue uncovered her potential to be a friend to other horses and an active member of a community of individuals, human and animal, who love her. I am immensely thankful for our Animal Rescue Team’s work in getting Magnolia out of a terrible situation, and to the people at This Old Horse for giving her the life she deserves. Such happy endings are only possible because of the care, love and determination we all share in advocating for the better treatment of animals.
What keeps me resolute and grounded in this vocation is to remember individuals like Magnolia, whose lives have been tangibly transformed by the care and compassion of thousands of supporters. As Giving Tuesday approaches, I hope you consider giving us your support in working for a better world for animals like Magnolia and countless others.
Follow Kitty Block @HSUSKittyBlock.
