Desperate Situation
Sunday, January 26, 2014 at 07:40PM
So proud of the Fire Departments of both Hamilton and Wenham as they successfully, and with much compassion rescued a horse that had fallen into through the ice…They worked tirelessly for over 2 hours…never stopping, to bring this beautiful horse safely back on land…it was freezing, scary and tender…all at the same time…and most importantly it was successful…It was such an effort by so many including medical and even the local tree company…we are very fortunate to live in an area that values life..no matter whose it is…my prayer now is that the horse will be o.k…she had such spirit and it was amazing to see her stand on her own feet.I wrote this yesterday after just getting home from rescue...so I'll give a bit of an update...not only did she break through the ice but she was stuck in mud up to her neck...they said it was like quicksand...every time she made progress she would slip further into the mud. The entire time the crew managed to keep her head above the water...and they had the top part of her covered in blankets...a vet also went out onto the ice and gave her a shot to help her calm down...while they tried numerous ways to get her out...a very loyal team all around...
Trying to keep her warm...and calm.
Bringing more blankets...dry ones for the wet ones..
After several hours a crane, from a local tree company, was brought in to help with the rescue...
The ball was lowered.....
The chain gang gathered..everyone that was available...some staying with the horse to keep her head up, the rest of them in line, to pull the ball to the horse for hook-up...she was supported, by this time, with straps underneath her body to keep her balanced...
With the pull of the crane...she is almost there.
It takes a crane and lots of man power to pull a 1,800 pound horse out of the mud and ice...but they did it..her eyes tell the story..worn out and scared...but after resting on the ground for a few minutes...she gets her mojo back..
United with her owner...it is amazing that she gets to her feet and walks slowly back to the heated barn...I think everyone that was there on the scene..let out a big ahhhh breath to see this beauty heading home...
It is as difficult for me to see an animal hurt as it is a human being...they are so helpless, no matter their size...and oh my gosh, this sweet horse was just so gentle...it was like she knew that all those people were there to help her out...and although she panicked when trying to get up....her owner was quickly able to calm her down...she is beautiful and I hope, as the week goes by, that she is feeling much better...By the way, not that it matters, but her name is Moonshine...I think it suits her.
"What does Love look like? It has feet to go to the needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of others." Unknown...
Reader Comments (5)
Tears are flowing down my cheeks.
Thank you for sharing this miraculous rescue.
Will keep praying for Moonshine's full recovery.
I've been so touched by your account of this wonderful rescue... It's heartening to know, and see in action, people who value kindness & compassion.
Like you, I feel upset seeing any living creature in distress; with animals as with children, it somehow feels worse as they are unable to talk & appear so vulnerable. Looking at your photos, I was thinking what you went on to say- that she somehow knew that everyone was there to help her.
You did a great piece of photo- journalism here Cheryl... The only thing you couldn't capture fully was just how cold it must have been! It looks cold but I'm kinda glad I can't feel it! :-)
Wow, you should of been a photo journalist, great documentation! Your year is starting off right :)
Thank you girls…I feel so blessed to see so many wonderful things in nature…my town is small but it is dedicated to the out of doors…and we especially love our animals in this part of our "earth space"…horses hold a special place in my heart…in my next life for sure…and I'll call her Chardonnay. And yes, stay warm…it is freezing here.
OMG...wow! What a beautiful and hopeful post. I love how hard they worked to save this horses life...they should go home and feel so good...that was no easy task. Thank you for sharing!