JELLY - BEAN

Treacle Toffe last hour 6/2/06

Velvet 11/4/06

VELVET ..... March 17th 1988 - November 4th 2006

She was seized by law enforcement on Oct 22nd 2003, starved and in need of emergency medical care. She came in our rescue that day and stole our hearts. Anybody who has the fortune of meeting Velvet knew why she was given that name. Not only was she the softest silkiest horse, she was so loveable and sweet by nature too.
She gained weight, lost weight gained it back again lost it again and played this game for 3 years, other medical problems surfaced due to her starvation and neglect. She has a heart murmur, kidney problems, got choke if she ate any grain not made into a soup mixture. She has back leg injuries, her left eye was injured and cause her to loose sight in that eye. She had foundered some where along her lifes struggle. We traced Velvets history back thru a lip tatoo she had on her upper lip. She was once a race horse named Chantillies Running Rum, in Kentucky, she ran as a 3 year old, but like so many race horses she was thrown aside for not being either fast enough or not making enough winnings.

Velvets health went up and down all the time, she was eflicked by one thing or another for most of the remainder of her last 3 years. She lived here at the rescue for 2 and a half years till a very special couple fell in love with her and wanted to adopt her. It didn't matter to these people that she had very special diet and health needs, didn't matter that she would never carry a rider again. This very special family wanted to adopt her just to love and pamper her for her time with them. She became one of the family. Her time with them was short, but so very sweet. Velvet continued to have health problems, and started to founder, each time worse than the last, life got so hard for her, she spent many of her final days lying down in her soft and comfortable stall. Her new family knew the right and kindest thing to do was to let her make that journey across "The Rainbow Bridge" where she would once more be able to run on legs and feet that didn't hurt and see with full vision. The day arrived and I was blessed to be able to spend some very special private minutes before the vet arrived to have a final talk with Velvet.Of course tears flowed, this was a farewell of friends. She crossed over the Rainbow Bridge at 1-15pm to pastures of lush green grass just waiting for her to start eating. With other equine friends to share her time with and people who have been given the job of looking after all the equine who find themselves on that side of the bridge.

Velvet was a horse we will never forget, we were so very honored to have been her guardians for a while. She gave back as much as she received ten fold. We know your running free now Velvet, no more pain, no more suffering. Please don't forget us, we will never forget you.

LLANGEFNI

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"DOLLAR" September 2006 - June 18th 2007

Dollar was just a baby with an unknown history. Some human had starved him then thrown him away. He was picked up by Collin County Animal Shelter, no owner came to claim him. The shelter turned him over to us May 3rd 2007. He was starved, infested with lice, worms, and with a face swollen from being eaten by fire ants. He stole our hearts that very first day. We were in love with him BIG TIME.
He had a lot of things wrong with him, he had a huge infection, his antibodies weren't working correctly, he was anemic, had bone growth issues, and a host of other ailments. For the first 3 days, he could only move a very small distance, and could only stay on his feet for about 2 hours. Once lying down could not get to his feet without assistance. On day 3 at the rescue he was finally able to get up by himself.
Things did not go well for "Dollar", he continued to run fevers almost every 3 days, went through several courses of antibiotics to no avail. Blood tests did not reveal what the infection was. While here at he rescue he got his very first and only hoof trim, this helped him to balance better and made life easier for him to walk about the paddock.
He had his own stall with deep shaving, he loved his stall and would spend hours talking to "Tater Tot" his friend over the stall wall. He had the freedom to come out of his stall anytime he wanted, and graze in his paddock. He was also good friends with "Sausage" the pot belly piglet.
After a fight with what ever ailments were tormenting him, he passed away in his stall in the early mornings hours of June 18th 2007.
He has left a HUGE hole in our hearts. He spent 45 days in our care, where we hope he felt the love we gave him. We did everything possible to help him, we pray that the 45 days he was here made a world of difference to his short life. Dollar, we knew you are in a far better place, we know starvation and pain can't ever touch you there. Thank you for letting us love you and care for your needs. You made a difference in our world, I hope we made a difference to yours?

"Dollar"

Sir Spots - a - Lot

Sir Spots-A-Lot .....

Rescued September 25th 1999 passed a way Tuesday 19th June 2007.

A starved neglected some ones throw away dog. The love affair started the day I rescued "Sir Spots", I loved him and he loved me, simple but true. This sweet dog became my companion and love of my life, he slept on the bed each night with me, snuggled up on cold nights and was always there for me no matter what. My husband told me he would never put himself in the position of making me choose between him or "Sir Spots, he knew what the outcome would be!!
Sir Spots was known to us simply as Spark-a-doo. His posh name was because he looked like a "Grand Gentleman".We swear he must of had a million spots, we always said we would count them one day and see just how many there really was, we tried once and got his head counted, 57 just on his head alone. God ran out of paint before he got finished with him, because he only had 4 spots on his tail. He was the "Spottiest Spotty we had ever seen". Where ever I went you would see him right behind me. He protected me and adored me. Like I said we had a beautiful love affair. His death was totally unexpected and so sudden.
The day after "Dollar" died, I had been with the "undertakers" who were taking Dollars body away for cremation. I had hardly had a minute to spend with "spots" that day. I was still in a mist of losing Dollar the day before. Finally once Dollars body was taken care of, I came indoors, noticing some thing was wrong right away. Spots had a look on his face that alarmed me, his neck was extended and he was having trouble breathing. I called the vet right away to say I was on my way in with him. 15 minutes later he was in the exam room getting checked out. They sent me home and I figured they would keep him over night and he would be sent home with pills or such like the following day. Less than 2 hours passed before I got a call from the vets to say "he was gone". I screamed cried and just about lost it all together. My baby, my life, my love GONE. Congestive heart failure took him, no signs,nothing till just a few hours before he died, just like that and he was gone. I would never have left the vets office had I had known what the out come was going to be.
Spots is buried here at Creekside where I can go out and have "a chat" with him any time I feel the need.

You were always a good boy, and I will love you forever and ever.






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Trooper

TROOPER .... Passed away 11/02/07 Totally unexpected and heartbreaking, Trooper left this life at 3.34pm today. Some time in the night he colicked and rolled around so much he twisted his gut and caused mass injuries to himself. We called the vet out first thing this morning when we found him, we had to call the vet out again early afternoon when things went so terribly wrong. He was in so much pain, we couldn't control it we were told he was not a candidate for surgery. The only thing left to do was stop the pain for him, and that meant saying "Goodbye". We would never allow him to suffer so this was the kindest thing we could do for him. Some times love is all you can give. Your feeling have to be set aside and you have to do what is right.



Trooper came to the rescue in July 06, he gained 285lbs in a matter of months. Once rehabilitated we found a wonderful horse, he was broke to ride both English and Western. He adapted to the rider and what ever level they rode at. He made wonderful friends with "Mr Mudpie". They were always at each others side, even shared their feed buckets with each other. Mudpie is mourning along with the rest of us today. Trooper now has his eyesight back (he was blind in his right eye) and is no longer in pain. We hope Trooper is grazing all the green grass at the Rainbow Bridge and running with our other horses who left long before their time. Love you Troops, so very very sorry.
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MAJOR BLUE

MAJOR BLUE ...... March 1976 - November 18th 2007 .....



Major passed away in his sleep early this morning, lay down closed his eyes and found himself over the "Rainbow Bridge". No sign of a struggle, just slipped away. This is the way to go, peacefully and quick.

Major came to the rescue in Aug 06 a starved and very timid horse. He was then 30 years old. He was a Paso Fino/Arabian gelding. After he appeared on our website a former owner came forward to tell us of his history. She was stocked to see his condition and to learn that he had been neglected by the owner who she gave him to 5 years before. Major had been a wonderful trial horse with a smooth gaited rocking style ride for years. Major was timid and not wanting to be bothered by humans when he first arrived at the rescue, that soon changed and he became a "Love bug". I will always remember him for his lower lip that was always hanging but made him look so adorable. His funny winney, and the way he banged on the gate when he wanted your attention. He could send ESP waves out to me when I was in the house, and if I got up and looked out the window, there he would be staring at the house. I would open the door where he could see me, and he's yell at me. He was a hoot.

Major came to us with cancer, it progressed to his liver a few months back, and I always felt he was not going to be with us come next spring. His last day at the rescue (yesterday) he spent wandering in and out of several of the paddocks talking to other horses and donkeys, and demanding attention from a group of volunteers who had come out to help. I think he had a ball and enjoyed the attention he was creating. He lived here at the rescue in retirement for 15 months, I know he was happy to be here, he always had enough to eat and packed on the weight. His retirement days were spent with two other "older gentlemen", and they spent their days, eating, taking naps in the shade and talking about their younger days. We will miss you a lot Major, you were one of a kind. Enjoy yourself in Heaven, and please be sure to look in on us from time to time. Eat all that grass your missing teeth would not allow you to fill up on in your last years here on earth.

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TATER TOT

TATER TOT ...... Born around 1967 (yes that is correct) passed away December 2nd 2007. Taters lived longer than any other horse we have ever had or known personally. She hit the grand ole age of 40. She was a shetland cross pony mare, beautifully marked black and white with a thick mane and tail. Taters life had not always been easy, she came to the rescue in Summer 06 after living a life with cows for 8 years. Where no one touched her, spent time with her or cared if she lived or died. She was "traded" for some one to cut a hay field. That some one had no idea how to feed or care for her. They accepted the "trade" because they thought she would make a great kids pony for their little girls.They told us she was mean and nasty and all she did was kick and bite them. Two weeks later they contacted us to take this "crazy mean pony". We were warned when entering her paddock she will "go for you", we walked right up to her, haltered her and lead her into the trailer. She gave me a look of "get me out of here". Her first vet exam revealed she was old, and we mean old. She had joint and teeth problems. She had a very heavy parasite load.She was underweight, and needed some very special TLC which we were very happy to provide for her. From the day we got her to this day of her passing, she never showed a mean side, or a nasty moment to any of us. She could not eat hay and was put on a diet of One and Only and senior food. She never was hungry here at the rescue. She wandered around the paddocks at her own speed (slow and even slower), doing what ever she wanted to do. She became the very best friends with another "elderly lady" Jinjer Frost. And they spent their days talking about life when they were younger,eating, dozing in the shade, eating and dozing again, what a life of retirement. In September 07 Taters started to have seizures, they were very scary to witness.We were told then, she would have one almightly seizure and that would take her from this life by causing her to have a stroke. Since we were not with Taters at the time of her passing (early hours of the morning)we are not sure what took her. She was found at 7am today lying peacefully and content with Jinjer watching over her lifeless body. She is now running instead of her slow walk. She is eating all the green grass she has not been able to eat for so many years. Her mane and tail are flying in the wind as she gallops around heaven, playing with her other equine friends who live on that side of the "Rainbow Bridge" also. We love you little "Taters", and we were so glad you came to us for your final retirement. You blessed our lives and taught us so much. Thank you for the blessing of getting to know and love you. Enjoy your final home.

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"ALMOST" ... Born March 2008 ... Died 10th June 2008

Close your eyes for a minute and imagine a black puppy with a white chest and a couple of white toes,(like a border collie mix) weighing about 20 lbs and about 13 inches high. A tail wagging ten to the dozen and wanting so bad to be loved. Did you see him? That was "Almost".

"Almost" came into my life several weeks ago, he was one of 12 puppies who's owner moved and left them behind to defend for themselves. Animal control were able to capture 11 of his littler mates, but "Almost" escaped the free ride to the shelter that day. His life was one of a struggle alone with his mom and maybe his dad. Those 3 were left to live off what ever they could find, until ...... I heard about them. Every day I would drive out to the location where these 3 dogs were trying to survive and leave food and water. Dadda dog (maybe dadda) was a black chow looking boy, momma was a yellow lab mix, they tried to take care of "Almost" but had not been taught to hunt for food. Then out of the blue here comes this lady with food every day, problem solved. Dadda dog got killed on the road one night, and the I removed his body so cars wouldn't continue to smash him.
"Almost" got his unusual name because he "Almost" let me touch him several times. He was feral and had not been around humans to know some are kind and caring. "Almost" and my friendship developed over the weeks and he knew what my car pulling up meant. He would eagerly wag his tail and look at me with "Thanks " in his eyes, but always at a few feet's distance.
3 days ago, I noticed "Almost" looked different, he looked hurt and was whimpering and would no longer come out for his food. He would always run into hiding. Yesterday I could hear him crying but could not locate his position. Last night my husband and I went out to "rescue" Almost knowing we had to capture him because some thing was so wrong. It took us around 45 minutes to located "Almost", he was hiding under a trailer crying. He was in pain. We had to get under the trailer on belly to reach in and pull him out by the tail. What a pitiful sight he was, covered in ant bites, fleas and tics, fur missing and in pain. He went limp in my arms. He had a "glazed" look about him and he was having little spasms. My heart sank, DISTEMPER. I had seem this far too often in stray dogs to know know what I was looking at. I put in a emergency call to our vet, and we drove right to the clinic. The vet confirmed the worst, it was Distemper. We choose to help "Almost" cross the Rainbow Bridge so he would not have to suffer anymore. I cried a bucket, for 15 minutes he was my baby boy. For 15 minutes he felt love, a soft touch and was kissed many times. He slipped away quickly to puppy friends waiting for him to join in puppy games.
I don't have a picture of "Almost" I can post on here, but I do have an imprint in my mind of him, but more importantly have his face embedded in my heart. I will never forget my 15 minute baby. "Almost" deserved to have his story told. I want you to know "Almost" that you were such a good boy, and I would do it all over again in a heart beat. I love you and I hope you knew some one did? R.I.P. my 15 minute wonder.

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KARAT and JINJER FROST

Karat (L) and Jinjer Frost (R) last hour

KARAT .... Born around 1978 died Aug 20th 2008 age 30.....
Karat was a beautiful Welsh Mountain pony of around 12 hands tall. She came to this rescue for retirement and to be a friend to Jinjer Frost in Feb 08. She was foundered and in need of some TLC. She could not eat hay due to lack of molar teeth (chewers) and lived on a special "old girl diet". Life for her got harder each day as her feet began to cause her big problems, the sole of her hoofs would grow much quicker than the outer wall, results in her having to walk on a bubble of hard sole. This was painful and we had to have the sole trimmed several times before the actual hoof needed trimming. Her feet got to be too painful and she had to go on pain killer. When we found her stood out in the 107 degree heat because it hurt too much to get to water or to shade we knew the "time had come" to say "Goodbye". This was no life for her. WE could not feed her the kind of diet a foundered horse requires because she could not chew it.So we had to look at the quality of her life. Were we actually hurting her by keeping her alive. We agreed to a "probably" and knew the kindest thing we could do was to let her wander over the "Rainbow Bridge" where there is no pain or founder.
She lived for Jinjer Frost, they were always together, where you saw one, you would see the other. They were never more than 10 feet apart. Since they spent life together we are writing this as a double "obituary" so they are still together. Karat crossed the rainbow bridge at around 11.45am.

JINJER FROST ...... Born around 1973 died Aug 20th 2008 age 33.

Jinjer Frost was a transfer pony from another rescue, she came in to be companion to a Shetland pony (Tater Tot) and the two were best buddies till Taters died last Dec 07. Jinjer mourned her badly and we have never seen a animal so upset and depressed. She found another good friend in KARAT just 2 months later. Jinjer was also foundered in her front hoofs and it was very difficult for the farrier to even trim her fronts because her hoofs were solid rock. She would rear up each time he would nip off hoofs. We would all shout "Hi Ho Jinjer". She was not a very social pony and would rather be left alone to do her thing. She also had lack of back teeth and was on the old girl diet. She developed "Cushings Diease" of late and we had to body clip her long hair each month as it grew very thick and curly. The heat here was no friend to her. Her feet grew sore and started to cause her some difficulty, and we could not feed her a correct diet of soaked hay with all the sugars washed out because she could not chew hay. There was no use of putting her on the medicine Pergolide without being able to make the corrections in her diet needs. WE knew in the long run we would only cause her more pain and who knows what else with the diet she had to eat to survive. We talked it over and made the choice to let her go, to free her from the pain. We also did not want her to suffer the same way she had after Taters passed away.So we chose to let Karat and Jinjer depart this life together.
Jinjer left first and we gave her a minute to go seek out Tater Tot and bring her back to the "Bridge" to wait for KARAT. Then just one minute later Karat left to join them. Jinjer and Karat are buried side by side in the same grave FOREVER together in life and in death.
I told both the girls before they left, that after they had reached the "Rainbow Bridge" I wanted to know they were ok and they could do that by "racing past me and letting me feel the wind". Not 10 minutes after they past my husband and I stood watching over there bodies when a "gush" of wind swept behind us then a HUGE clatter of Thunder roared over our heads. Not only were our two girls running at top speed they were making one heck of a noise of it too, what fun they must of been having to be able to run at top speed again with no pain. Together they were and together they'll always be. Our pasture looks empty with out you girls, take care of each other and don't forget us. We miss you already.

BRANDY SNAP

BRANDY SNAP .... Age 31 past away 1/19/09
Brandy was an "Elderly lady" when she came to this rescue on 6/27/08, her elderly owner could no longer care for her needs due to her own health problems. Brandy came in and put on weight nicely and enjoyed the company of other horses. She couldn't eat grass or hay so lived on the "One and Only" diet.She has a mass growth on her throat that in her last days caused her some problems with eating. Her legs for the past few weeks also gave her problems. She started to lose her balance and stumbled everywhere she went. She also seemed to have trouble with her right eye. We decided it was only fair to let Brandy cross the Rainbow Bridge as we did not want her to suffer. We had not decided "just when to let her go", but today she let us know this was her choice and today was the day. She was lay flat out when we found her this morning, and we couldn't get her up. I talked to her for an hour while we waited for the vet to arrive. She seemed to be calm and listen to my words.
She left this world very calmly and quickly. She was so looking forward to running again like she used to many years ago, and to eating lush green grass. She's gone from this life, but never from our hearts. Bye Brandy, we hope we made your 6 months here with us happy and that you knew we loved you so much?

FRECKLES

FRECKLES .... Passed on 3/26/09 She was about 24 years old, a totally beautiful horse inside and out. Love to whisper sweet nothing in your ear and blow kisses on your face.

Freckles was also a "TV Star", she was featured on TV in a segment of the news on 3/8/09, and can be seen by viewing the video (link on front page). She kissed the reporter on camera and he gave her a big smooch back.

Freckles had an old knee injury (a fracture) that had never been repaired and was about 6 years along before she came here to Creekside. By that time nothing could be done,except to make her comfortable and give pain killer as needed.As time went by her injury caused her problems, her other front leg had to try and compensate and it was beginning to strain itself.She began to have great difficulty just walking from Food to water and back. Lying down meant at least 7 attempts to get back on her feet again.Enjoyment in life was not on the top of her list anymore. The time came when we as humans must decide if this is enough, and what quality of life she was living. We chose not to let her suffer, and let her go to where there is no pain or broken legs. Today was the day to say our "goodbye, till we meet again". My husband and I cried unashamed in front of both the vet and the grave digger as Freckles left this life. She is now at peace, and has the freedom to run as fast as she likes, no pain no stumbling, and no more struggles to get to her feet. Freckles you are one of those things that happens to a person once in a life time, you will never ever be forgotten, many tears have been shed for you but we are happy you now have 4 great legs. Love you baby girl.

PEPSI COLA

Pepsi Cola ..... Was a beautiful black and white mare. She was around 5 years old and seemed to have had a troubled life. She was ridden far too early and it deformed her back. She seems to have issues with many things, some we were able to help her over come some we were not.
I have to admit, Pepsi was one horse I never really saw "Happy". She would challenge you and put you in dangerous situations. She was adopted out in summer 08 and returned just 3 weeks later for her issues.
In May 08 Pepsi torn a ligament in her left front leg, this was repaired by our vet but later the same night she torn another out of frustration of having to be stalled.This required an emergency visit for the second time that day. The next day she repeated it all over again. She hated to be stalled.She loved freedom.The vet was not sure what the outcome of her injury would present down the road, but we gave it our best shot to save her life. As the months went by her leg showed signs of clasping. She started to have to rely on her other front leg, and the strain showed. When she started to tumble and fall about we knew the time had come to "say Goodbye" and let her go where she could run on four legs and at speeds even she could only dream about. Today she left this life fast and with no fuss. After she passed away, I have to admit its the first time I have ever seen Pepsi look at peace. What ever had tormented her life was now gone, she had found the peace she so desired. Tonight Pepsi has legs that don't hurt, she can graze on green pastures and will never have to be stalled again. She has her freedom. RIP little girl. We're sorry we couldn't help you more.

Mr Mudpie

Mr Mudpie ..... Was a beautiful old man, he was around 31 years old when he came to this rescue starved and in need of much TLC.He was 35 when he left this life, fat and happy. He was an interesting horse with a strange personality. He would become "obsessed" with a mare and latch on to her allowing no other horse anywhere near her. He would also not eat if he could not see her. He has 8 different wives while residing here at Creekside.He was a toothless old man, who could not eat hay or grass so was on the "One n Only diet". He gained so much weight on this that he bloomed into a very handsome man indeed. He has the softest fur and was so cuddly.He caused quite a few problems in his love interests including taking out fences and running other horses through fences. He has to be fed in the yard but where he could see his "love of the week. If any horse went near her in his absence, he would refuse to eat and ran the fence lines. Despite all this, he was my fave horse and he and i shared a lovely relationship. He was my baby and he knew it.
Very sadly without warning, he had a vessel burst in his head on Wednesday when i brought him in the yard for one of his 4 daily feeds. He fell down and died within 90 seconds. I was there to witness it, and was right at his side as he took his last breath. I was blessed to kiss him and tell him how much he was loved before he took that last breath. I will never forget my wonderful horse. Mud you were my baby boy and the bond you and i share goes on, it does not stop at death. I know you are in forever green pastures eating yummy grass you've not been able to eat in oh so many years. Run and be happy sweetie, i hope your happy with the reunion you will be having with several of your "wive mares". Be happy, and behave yourself you silly horse.

Spottie Dottie (L) ........ Levi (R)

Spottie Dottie and her son Levi ..... This mother and son came to this rescue in Aug 2003, Levi the son was just 3 weeks old. He was born eyeless and his owner decided he was a problem and was going to get rid of him. GETTING RID was not by finding him a new home. We stepped in and saved both of them. They lived in our Sanctuary section the whole time they were here.
Levi was trained to voice commands and would be int he shadow of his mother at every moment, if separated he would "Yell at the top of his voice" till he could smell his mother again and again become her shadow.Where you saw one you would see the other.
Spottie had damaged hoofs when she came here, and over the years with good farrier care and pain killer she was able to get about. Some days were real good, some just good and some down right nasty for her. This past year her hoofs have really caused a problem for her, but never so much as when the cold of winter hit, she just wanted to lie down and forget it all. The pain was too much.We found the the coffin bone above her ankle had rotated and was now pushing its way through the bottom of her feet. No wonder she lay down and refused to move.This is not a condition that can be cured. We knew the time was near for her to leave us. Now our biggest worry was, what was going to happen to Levi? We tried several trail separations to see if he could cope without his mother. Several donkey friends babysat him, but none realized his need of needing to be lead to feed and water. He also got himself trapped in a paddock and could not find the gate opening to move through with the rest of the herd. He also had several panic attacks and injured himself because he could not find his mother (she was stalled in the barn). This went on for a week, and the only way we could calm him was to put him in with his mother. After several more attempts to introduce him to left AFTER Momma, we knew it was fruitless. He was so attached to her he was not going to make it without her. We had the heartbreaking decision to let him cross over with his mother. We thought this to be the kind and right thing to do so he would not suffer.
Both Spottie and Levi crossed over the Rainbow Bridge on Friday March 5th 2010. They share a grave and will always be together. We celebrated the day knowing that Levi now had eyes and could see for the first time in his life. What a wonderful place Heaven is.... Run, graze and have fun you two, this place is not the same without you, but we knew where you are is far more than we could of ever hoped to give you. Always in our hearts.

PADDINGTON ..... Was an older Shetland pony gentleman in his 30ths. He had been a party pony who was left behind when a home was foreclosed on and they packed up and left, leaving him in the back yard to fend for himself.
He arrived here skinney and in need. He packed on the pounds and became a cubby little guy.
Not long after arriving here, he began to have seizures. We also found out he had a brain tumor behind his right eye. He wa put on pain killer and other medication. He had good days and some bad, and we prayed for more good ones. We knew he would not be with her for a long time, but we feel we had too far a short time with this special little man. Paddington left this life on Friday March 5th 2010 and his final resting place is here. We miss you little man, and know your head does not hurt anymore, and you can eat that yummy grass you had not been able to chew on for so many years. Play with your friends Paddington, run and buck and love Heaven, Until we meet again....