Hi Everyone,

I'm sorry it's been awhile since I've posted. It's been a super busy summer planning our benefit, but more on that later.

I'm writing today, because of a story that has really affected me.

A while back authorities seized 17 malnourished and neglected horses from the Black River Stable in Cherry Plain, Rensselaer County, in Albany, NY.

Although the horses were in terrible condition, they were still in service for the owners to make money on their trail-riding business.

The Animal Control officers had been to this farm multiple times in the previous year trying to get Thelma and Mary Wadsworth (the owners) to care properly for these animals.

Finally they couldn't tolerate it anymore. The horses were standing in an open pasture with no grass left, no hay or grain.

They had no shelter and only a filthy tub that collected water, which was all they had to drink.

Finally after trying to get them to cooperate the Animal Control Officers went to court and were granted a warrant for seizure.

They spent the day calling all local shelters and begging them to take horses if they could.

Pets Alive had recently lost two beloved horses, so they were able to take two.

They had a volunteer go and pick them up, where they spent all day there while the warrant was being served because each horse had to be photographed and documented. Two horses were too emaciated to even stand.

Baxter and Carrie were brought to Pets Alive filled with worms. Their bellies were swollen and their ribs were protruding.

Carrie's milk had dried up well before her baby Baxter should have stopped nursing, so he was stunted in his development and malnourished.

What's even scarier, is that Carrie and Baxter were actually better off than some of the other horses.

Immediately Kerry and Matt and all the workers at Pets Alive began caring for the sick pair. Special hay and grain were bought for them. The vet came out to give them shots, vaccinations and deworming.

Carrie's teeth were cleaned and her nails trimmed and both she and Baxter enjoyed baths for the first time.

Baxter's fur was coming out in patches and his skin was showing through. And since they had been forced to live in a filthy environment where they stood knee high in feces, one side of his small body was covered in it.

At Pets Alive they were cared for, and fed properly, with the staff going out five times a day to feed them.

Within three days Baxter went from dragging his head in the dirt to looking around and walking over to be pet and scratched. Mommy and baby were doing wonderfully.

Then the most shocking and disturbing thing happened. Friday the case went to court and unbelievably the judge has awarded this woman her choice of six horses to take back.

She has chosen to take Baxter and Carrie back. Pets Alive offered her $2000 (that they frankly can't afford),to buy them, and would you believe she countered with almost double the amount!

I believe this must be a horrible human being, and we cannot allow for these horses to be returned to her. Rob and I are doing everything we can to ensure the safety of these beautiful creatures, but we could use your help.

Please log on to Pets Alive and check their blog for additional information.

These precious animals cannot speak for themselves and they need our help. Do everything that you can, whether it be donating your time or money, signing petitions, or just spreading the word to a few people each day.

This kind of abuse must be made known and must be stopped. We must fight to put an end to judges who view animals merely as merchandise and property to make a living from, no matter what their treatment.

And we must work towards changing legislation on a national level.

Thank you for allowing me vent to you all. Please do what you can to help us in this fight. Carrie and Baxter are now so happy and healthy, looking forward to the possibility of good homes rather than going back to the hellish nightmare that they came from with an inhumane proprietor that would not feel an ounce of remorse from starving her animals to death.

I believe that together we can make a difference and we can give Carrie and Baxter the happy ending they deserve.

xo
Mari

Thanks Marisol,

this is so sad

I did my little bit and donated. Hopefully Pets Alive will be able to keep Baxter and Carrie in the end. Why people neglect any kind of being they are supposed to care for I will never understand.

Thats so wrong on so many levels! My prayers will be in favor for Pets Alive to get these horses back. Thanks for the update mari. God Bless.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Lee Krinitz-Rivera,

Sometimes the law makes me so angry! As I was reading this trying to dry the tears from my eyes, trying to understand why people have animals? if there not going to take care of them.. I came to the conclusion that these self-inulged people shouldnt ever have children, animals anything in their whole life. I can not believe that the court would even consider giving them a choice of which horses they get back! They already had a choice, and they chose not to feed or take care of these beautiful animals! Your right where is the justice?
My hope for these horses is that they will feel loved someday...