Rescued by: Farmhouse Fresh^® Farm Animal Sanctuary in Mckinney, TX

Update: These are the 4 Animals We're Healing

We're dealing with a series of challenging health issues currently. All four minis began showing symptoms of Strangles, an aggressive equine streptococcal infection. It comes with fevers and painful skin abscesses, resembling large pimples, and it's highly contagious.

Our team had to adhere to rigorous medical procedures, including changing into fresh clothes, and even showering, to prevent any potential spread to other animals. The good news is that Theo is now fever-free, and Teddy is steadily gaining weight. What's heartwarming is seeing their unbreakable bond; these two are now inseparable best friends.

Our Sanctuary team recently embarked on a rescue mission to save three adorable mini ponies from the Stroud barn in Oklahoma! Meet our little trio: Theodore, Alvin and Simon (lovingly named after Alvin and The Chipmunks).

When we first arrived at the sale barn, our hearts went out to the tiniest one, Theodore, who appeared thin and frail. We knew we couldn't leave him behind, so we made sure to ask if he came with any friends because we hate separating animals who are going through the trauma of being at a sale barn in the first place!

Paul, one of our devoted ranch hands, set out at the crack of dawn, driving four hours to bring Theodore and his two pals to safety at the Equine Hospital in Weatherford.

Left to Right:  Theodore, Alvin and Simon at the Equine Hospital in Weatherford

​​Theodore was underweight, and we quickly placed him on a UC Davis refeeding program to help him gain the necessary 30-40 pounds. He suffered from a bad cough and early pneumonia, so we immediately put him on antibiotics. He may also have a collapsed trachea – something we’re waiting to confirm.

Alvin, our extraordinary little fighter, is missing an eye. While we initially suspected it might be due to an injury, our vet believes he was born without the eye. Amazingly, it doesn't seem to bother him at all. However, his blood work revealed some elevated liver readings, so we started him on medication to address a possible infection. We also noticed spots of severe sunburn on his nose, which we'll closely monitor to prevent any potential complications.

Simon, the healthiest of the trio, received a clean bill of health. He is so loveable and affectionate, we deemed him the “protector” of little Theodore!

These inseparable friends will quarantine together for 30 days, bonding and healing in their newfound safety and care. Stay tuned for updates on their progress, and get ready for our exciting project announcement in September. Your unwavering support makes all this possible. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey with us!

Meet this resilient little one, an orphaned donkey who has already faced so much in his young life. He and his mother arrived at the sale barn in critical shape, both malnourished and in need of medical attention. Tragically, his mother didn't survive, leaving him all alone to face the world.

At approximately 16 months old, he is still very thin, and every bone is visible beneath his matted hair. But we are determined to turn his life around. With a starvation feeding program and lots of care, we are working to help him gain the necessary weight and strength to thrive.

His hooves are very overgrown, and his stance has us concerned. Before attempting to trim his hooves, we're seeking guidance from Dr. Metcalf, who will be conducting X-rays to ensure we handle it correctly. Despite his hardships, he doesn't appear to be in pain, but his feet do look quite peculiar, almost like elves' shoes!

But here's the incredible part – despite everything he's been through, he absolutely adores people! He loves being scratched, brushed, and having his head held in your arms. When we go about our chores, he wails out to us, craving companionship and affection. He may have a frail body, but he is a little bundle of love, and each day brings him closer to recovery.

For now, he is quarantining by himself in Elderly Alley, with a mini walkout area so he can see and interact with other animals from a distance. He's particularly fond of Piper, our baby horse recovering from surgery, who comes to visit him across her pen, chit-chatting away as they bond through their shared journey of healing.