"Forgotten How To Run"

A Portuguese feast, How could that be?
So sad to be a donation ...,.did someone need to get rid of you THAT badly? 
You were bought and kept for a few weeks by someone who had not a clue,
You were unhealthy, in need of care, and it didn't take long for them to realize they no longer wanted you too...
In a trailer, tied by a rope around your neck off you went to the nearest horse dealer.
Because grey horses can be prone to cancer he did not want you either. 
Rejected by a kill buyer...well at least you’re not going to be somebody’s dinner! 
With horse rescues full, your future was looking dimmer and dimmer. 
I got a call, was told you’re an old sickly horse, a candidate to be put to sleep. 
With only seconds to respond, how could We say no with your future so bleak. 
With just a short time to prepare for you.....you......the unknown. 
We didn't know if we were digging you a grave or providing you a home. 
My heart ached with sadness to see the condition you were in. 
Physically a mess, but even sadder your spirit so broken. 
Was it your thick, wavy Cushing’s  coat causing you be drenched in sweat?
Or your long elf Like hooves from severe neglect? 
Perhaps it was the hitch in your left hind, causing you pain with each step 
Or the fear on your face when I raised my hand to offer a gentle pet. 
I don't know what it was, Or where you came from, but what broke my heart the most, you seemed to have forgotten how to run. 
Day after day, your head held low as you slowly walked around sniffing and nibbling at anything you could find on the ground. 
When we approached, you would quickly and with fear spin the other way 
You were not buying Any of the kind or caring words we would say. 
You'd flinch at our touch, jump at a sound, and leap away from a treat 
You were convinced a carrot was a dangerous weapon and you would get beat. 
But every day we smothered you with love, a gentle touch and a caring mild tone. 
Every day we saw you grow a little more, wanting a little less to stand off to yourself and alone. 
Pretty soon, we saw a sparkle in your eye as you held your head higher and higher.
I think you felt it too, Your future was getting brighter and brighter. 
I could feel the pep in your step as I led you out to your pen. 
Body clipped, hooves trimmed, proper diet, sheath cleaned you have almost forgotten where you have been. 
You did not need to be put to sleep. Nor should you have been killed for your meat and you never should have been donated to a Feast! 
We still have work to do, me and you. A weak hind end to strengthen, a lameness to fix.

And maybe somewhere down the road a forever home in the mix. 
But don't worry you will never again suffer neglect or be exposed to hardship or strife. 
We will keep track of you every day for the rest of your life. 
But for now, I look forward to your sweet handsome face and that morning nicker I’m loving!! 
We are all amazed with your transformation and the horse you are becoming!! 
We may never know your history, who owned you, the obvious injustices and cruelties towards you that have been done. 
But I realized it just didn't matter, none of it! For through my tears I watched.......as you remembered how to run!!!!!!

Please feel free to contact us on Facebook or email dontforgetuspetus@aol.com

We truly appreciate the overwhelming support from our community and surrounding areas in getting Olaf the care that he needed! He is now on daily meds for his Cushings disease and being treated for suspensory and check ligament injuries. In addition to his special diet for his Cushings to prevent founder. We simply cannot do this with out your support! If your interested in helping Olaf and our other animals please reach out to us! Winter is fast approaching and it's always a struggle to feed an on average 50 animals in our care! Donations can be made directly to our feed store Marvin Grain by sending a check to 31 cove road, South Dartmouth Ma 02748 or calling in with a credit card 508-993-7672. Let them know it's for Don't Forget Us...Pet Us!!!  We also have a separate hay fund that we are creating.  One load of hay is about $4500  that will provide enough hay for 3 months. Feel free to schedule a time to meet Olaf and the many others and bring your donation directly to the farm! We want to meet you and have you be a part of the Don't Forget Us family!