|
|
Buckeye's Story
Buckeye is a 10 year old Painted Pony. He is also a victim of abuse and neglect. This gentle and loving pony was stuck in a pasture, in Red Lion, Pennsylvania, to fend for himself for more than 3 years. He had no medical attention, no foot care, no food and water. He ate what grass, tree bark, etc he could find and drank from puddles or ate snow during the winter for water. Buckeye's survival is a miracle in itself. He was found on January 29, 1998 frozen to the ground by Sue Dillion because of an anonymous call to the SPCA. When found Buckeye was 150 pounds under weight and extremely weak. His hooves had grown to 10 inches on his back feet and 12 inches on his front feet. Buckeye was given his name because of losing his right eye due to injuries sustained from being frozen to the ground for so long, which lead to cancer setting into the eye. Upon being rescued from the hell he knew of as home, for more than three years, he was taken to Sue Dillion's farm just outside of Red Lion, Pennsylvania. There his road to recover was to begin....
Buckeye right after he was
rescued and taken to Sue
Dillions farm.
A New Beginning
On April 18, 1998 Buckeye
was transported all the way from Red Lion, Pennsylvania to Waverly, New
York to meet his new family, Bob and Beverly Yetter. He was greeted
with open, loving arms.
Buckeye being taken from the horse
trailer for his first look at his new
home and his new family.
New Friends
Not only did Buckeye have new owners that would give him the love and care that he hasn't know for a very long time but he would also have a new friend to play with, Bob and Beverly's 31 year old pony named Beauty. Buckeye and Beauty hit it right off and are now the best of friends... Beauty even has consideration for her new friend's condition of only having one eye and does everything standing on his left side so that he can see her.
Buckeye and Beauty became instant friends.
Far From Over
Just when it seemed like Buckeye would settle down to a normal life, thanks to Bob and Beverly's unselfishness and love, another blow was dealt to this poor little pony. Despite all the care Bob and Beverly gave to Buckeye to get his legs better after years of having to walk on the joint above the hooves due to them being too long, Buckeye would have to face surgery to correct bone deformities. Bob and Beverly in addition to taking Buckeye to their own family veterinarian took him to Cornell University to see some of the top veterinary surgeons in the country. Buckeye would have to have surgery or be put to sleep. The couple who have spent countless hours taking care of their beloved little pony and spent thousands of dollars already were in shock at first but vowed that all would be done to give Buckeye the chance at a normal life. They contacted all the local media with Buckeye's story and held a benefit to raise some of the money. The community reached out to this gentle and loving animal and gave... not only money but goodies for Buckeye as well such as his favorite treat of animal cookies.
Isn't Buckeye beautiful? But you
can see by looking closely at
especially his right leg that he
is in need of corrective surgery.
At this time, June 13, 1999 Buckeye has had
the surgery on his right leg, which was the worst of the two, and is doing
well with daily visits from his loving family.
Buckeye is back home with his family and doing well. He's happy to be back with his bestfriend Beauty and relieved that his family doesn't have to make such a long trip everyday to see him and to his needs.
I am sorry that I haven't had a chance to update Buckeye's site in a very long time and am even more sorry about the events that have lead to this update. On Friday September 1, 2000 Buckeye broke his leg. Exactly how remains a mystery to the Yetter's. Bob and Beverly rushed Buckeye to Cornell University to see what could be done for him. Other than painful surgery that would only prolong his life another year and a half at best the only other alternative was to put him to sleep. It was a painful decision but one that the Yetter's made out of love. Buckeye passed away peacefully Saturday, September 2, 2000. He is buried in his favorite spot in the pasture he came to know and love as his home. There was a Memorial Service held for Buckeye Sunday, September 10, 2000. He was loved by many and will be forgotten by none. Rest in peace Buckeye.
View My Spiritbook
