Big John, an elderly mule, had been living on a property with green grass for years But despite the lush pasture, he was getting skinnier and skinnier. A concerned neighbor across the street noticed and took it upon herself to care for him.
A Watchful Neighbor's Love
With the owner's permission, she started feeding him special senior grain, dewormed him, and even arranged for a farrier to care for his feet after noticing him stumbling. The bond grew so strong that she asked if she could purchase Big John and bring him to our Sanctuary. The owners agreed, and the very next day, we were on our way to bring him home!
A Trip to the Hospital
Big John's first stop after rescue was the hospital for a full evaluation. Our veterinarians estimate that he is somewhere between 30 and 35 years old. As expected with his age, he has arthritis in his front knees and one hoof, and he's now receiving a daily anti-inflammatory to help manage the pain.
But the most concerning issue is Big John’s teeth. They are a mix of overgrown and worn out, so much so that he shouldn't have regular hay for fear of choking. We’ve started chopping up hay with scissors to give him something to graze on safely. Despite these challenges, Big John is already showing signs of improvement!
Eyesight & Quarantine Care
Big John also has cataracts and can only see about 50%, but that hasn’t dimmed his spirit. After getting his teeth filed down and receiving all of his vaccinations, he's now settling into our Sanctuary. For the next two weeks, Big John will be in quarantine as we ensure he is healthy and ready to meet the rest of our animals.
We’re excited to see Big John thrive in his new forever home, surrounded by love and the best care. Stay tuned for more updates on his journey with us!
