Pilgrim, now Hercules (see our newsletter to learn why we changed his name) is a Belgian Draft horse that we saved from a kill pen in Asheboro, NC almost exactly a year ago.  He was an Amish workhorse and many of you know that we have been battling the years of neglect that he had.  We have been managing it well up to this point and he has had many positive changes.  He has been recently showing us that he is uncomfortable again.  The farrier was out to see him on Wednesday and didn't have good news for us.  

Hercules was originally most sore on his left front foot.  That was (and still is) the foot that began pushing out abcesses first.  His discomfort made him stand more on his right front but now that foot is "sinking".  This is not good news.  Once a horse starts to sink it can be very difficult, if even possible,  to get it to stop.  He is also still fighting residual infection in his left foot.  

We know that we may not be able to "fix" what is happening to Hercules.  We also know that it is also not time for us to give up because he hasn't given up.  Our farriers were able to change his shoes and give him a different type of support and that does seem to be helping his comfort level so far.  He is able to stand, and he lays down when he needs to rest.  He is eating and he is still loving being massaged and scratched on.  This gentle giant has the biggest heart and the sweetest soul.

We know many of you have already given towards his journey and we couldn't have taken him this far without you.  We feel that is we are going to give him a chance than we must give him our best chance.  His shoes cost $400 every 5 weeks and we have to have the vet out again to redo his X-rays and do an ultrasound on his hoof as well as bloodwork to check him for any metabolic issues that could be contributing to the "sinking".  He is also being supported by gifted healers, flower and gem essences, Chinese herbs, amino acid supplements and anti-inflammatories.  This incredible soul worked tirelessly for the humans that discarded him.  Now we will work tirelessly for him.  We realize and want to be transparent that the odds are not in his favor but we have seen some incredible miracles and as long as he has will to live we will be here alongside him, and we hope you will too.  We are so grateful for each and everyone of you loving him and supporting him with us.  He deserves all the love in the world.  

With Gratitude,

Karuna Nicole and the entire Happy Tales team, especially Hercules