RUSTY
I still look back on the day we rescued Rusty and Suede, due to a series of amazing coincidences. But truly it was a blessing and one of so many we have received from the Universe, God, source, higher power, the old man in the sky - call it whatever you feel most comfortable with. Rusty is 11 and from California Herd Management Areas. This boy needed some extra care, as he was pushed off food for some time and needed to put on more weight; luckily being treated to extra big meals here, along with pals Suede and Reno.
I always think it’s really important to pick the right buddies up front, especially when the new horse is healing and needs support and not a fight. Later on when they have their strength there will be plenty of time for herd hierarchy conversations. We had already decided not to turn Reno out, as his ringbone is the reason he came to us, and we don’t think it would handle running hills and that huge amount of space following a herd. But once we started running the band Rusty stopped and told us he would rather stay back too and live the quiet life with his new friend Reno. And that’s just fine. We love that they have a choice. Choice is everything that was taken away from these horses and we know they’re smart enough to make decisions about what they like and want.
I love Rusty and Reno here and we are so glad for both of them. They will get constant medical attention and both are on equiox as are Charlie and Gabriel. Sometimes the quiet life is just the right speed for some of our special needs or medical mustangs and I do feel that the little ones will eventually be strong enough to go out on space but are right where they need to be for now. #skydogrusty
Mustangs and Burros Need Your Help
In addition to supporting our work by donating, becoming a patron on Patreon, or sponsoring a Skydog, there are several important pieces of legislation to protect American equines currently moving through Congress. It only takes a few minutes to contact your Rep and Senators and urge them to support these bills:
Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act of 2023 (H.R. 3475 in the House / S.2307 in the Senate). This bill will shut down the slaughter pipeline that sends some 20,000 American horses and donkeys to savagely monstrous deaths in foreign slaughterhouses every year.
The Wild Horse & Burro Protection Act of 2023 (H. R. 3656) This bill will prohibit the use of helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft in the management of wild mustangs and burros on public lands, and require a report on humane alternatives to current management practices.
Ejiao Act of 2023 (H.R. 6021). To ban the sale or transportation of ejiao, a gelatin made from boiling donkey skins, or products containing ejiao in interstate or foreign commerce, which brutally kills millions of donkeys primarily for beauty products and Chinese medicine.
You can Contact Members of Congress by calling the Capitol Switchboard (202) 224-3121, submitting contact forms on their individual websites, or sending one email to all three simultaneously at www.democracy.io