Willow Put to Rest; At Least She Was Given a Few Months of Real Love
Animal Stories from All-Creatures.org

FROM Joy Aten, HorseracingWrongs.org
July 2020

Willow, a recently-raced mare when found starving in October of last year, was humanely euthanized on June 24 with Laura, her rescuer and forever home, at her side.

“Willow” – found injured and starving nine months after her last race in October 2019.

Willow, a recently-raced mare when found starving in October of last year, was humanely euthanized on June 24 with Laura, her rescuer and forever home, at her side. Willow’s severely damaged ankle could no longer support her, nor would it respond to pain management. Although Laura knew Willow’s life would be cut short because of what racing did to her, she had longed for more time with this sweet mare who had learned to trust, and been so easy to love.

Laura’s goodbye: “It was the hardest, yet at the same time the kindest, thing I had to do for Willow. She went to sleep peacefully. Duke and Bart [Willow’s herd mates] came to say goodbye to her, so they knew what happened to their beloved Willow.”

Willow was eight years old; her “forever” with Laura was 230 days.

Willow shortly after arrival at Laura’s November 7, 2020.

Willow enjoying her limited time with one of her mates, Duke. Although Laura was able to bring the starved mare back to a healthy weight, her damaged ankle continued to deteriorate:

Willow, euthanized June 24, 2020, a casualty that this vile industry will neither acknowledge nor record. But we will here. Goodbye gentle soul…

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