Written by: Cindy O’Brien, Farm Manager, Pets Alive, Inc.

This time of year, I put a lot of reflection into the work we do and the lives within our care. Sometimes the animals that are with us did not know the feeling of love or kindness before coming to Pets Alive. Most of the time, the road that has brought them here is paved with good Samaritans and the kindness of many wanting to help those in need. It might start with one person making a phone call, one person offering transport, one offering financial assistance for a medical problem, and perhaps one offering valuable time to volunteer. It might be a vet staying after hours to help, or even another rescue offering advice or supplies. Every animal within our care was helped not by just our staff- but the many that help us do what we do best. Even what might be perceived as a small gesture, had a huge impact on an animal’s life.

Foxy’s recent bout with an eye ulcer that nearly resulted in her losing her eye is just one example of ensuring we get the best possible care for the animals, even if it means exploring various options and getting help from a variety of sources.

The foundation of giving started many years ago at Pets Alive, Inc. in Middletown, NY. Our original founder, Sara Whalen, made it her life’s mission to give all animals a chance at life when there was no other option for them. She had a strong love for horses and knew the fate that often befell many of them. Foxy is the last of the “Legacy” horses here at Pets Alive. She is a 30-year- old, dark bay Arabian mare. Foxy was a National Champion in her prime. She was purchased to please a young girl to use in competitions as a show horse. When her young owner found interest in things other than her prized mare, her parents sent Foxy to auction. This once sought-after champion mare was cast aside without a second thought and had to endure a terrifying chain of events. The auction houses in our area are most renowned for being the last stop before going to slaughter. “Kill buyers” are known for buying horses at the lowest possible price,then shipping them to slaughter houses for a per pound price. Luckily, Sara Whalen knew a driver of a “kill buyer”. He stopped at Pets Alive with Foxy on his truck, knowing that this horse was too special and had too much life to endure what she was about to face. Thankfully, Foxy came to Pets Alive and very narrowly averted a horrible death. She has been with us since 2007. She is the sweetest, kindest soul you could ever meet.

Since we are a sanctuary, some of the animals in our care will stay with us for the duration of their lives. We vow to them that they will have food, that they will have medical care, and of course, that they are loved.

Foxy developed an eye ulcer a couple of months ago. The veterinarian saw her immediately and treatment began. Unfortunately, the ulcer was not healing, as can sometimes happen even with veterinary checks and altering treatments. It became apparent that additional help was needed to save her eye. Being at a road block, I called several friends in the rescue world to see if anyone has had prior success treating a non-healing eye ulcer. Squirrelwood Equine Sanctuary in Montgomery, NY and veterinarians, Dr Karen and Dr Joe offered their assistance in treatment. Still, it was recommended that Foxy should see a specialist at Cornell University Hospital for Animals in Ithaca, NY.

Foxy got lucky again. Local supporters, Victoria and Brian Shade of Goshen, NY volunteered for the task of transporting Foxy on the lengthy trip to Ithaca, NY, several hours from our sanctuary. We are tremendously thankful for their generosity of time and transport. Upon arrival at Cornell, the ophthalmic specialist and vet technicians met Foxy and treated her with such care and compassion, that I knew our shy girl was in good hands. Cornell called every morning to update me on her care and progress, and finally delivered the good news that her eye was 100% healed. I always say that not one person can do this alone; it really takes everyone to pitch in what they can to save lives. The road of such compassion started for Foxy 8 years ago when her life was saved, and since then, there have been many that perhaps never even met our beautiful Foxy that helped paved the way for the life she deserves to live.

While Foxy’s eye has healed, we are now in the midst of paying for her medical fees. If you’d like to help us defray the cost of her treatment, you can make a donation in honor of Foxy. THANK YOU!