Horse rescue has its highs and lows, and in order to keep going, we focus on the highs whenever we can: the before & after photos, the success stories, the happy adoptions. But today, we’re feeling pretty brokenhearted. We know that we can’t save them all. But that hardly eases the pain when we’re faced with a horse that we can’t save.
We didn’t know his name, so we called him Brio. He was a small bay stallion with a smudge of a star and two white socks, and our best guess was that he was a Peruvian Paso. He had been abandoned, found by a realtor locked in a stall alone in a barn on a property that was for sale. Picked up by King County, he was held as a stray for 5 days while they tried to figure out who he belonged to and when they couldn’t, he was released to SAFE. As soon as we got a good look at him, our hearts sunk. Brio was rail thin with a protruding spine and hipbones. His joints were all enlarged, especially his hind fetlocks which were enormous and painful-looking. His skin was weirdly elastic in several places, and could be lifted away like it was unattached to the muscles below. He was transferred to our vet who diagnosed him with Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis (also known as DSLD/ESPA).
It was clear to everyone that Brio was uncomfortable and in pain. In light of his condition and his age (estimated at 25), the decision was made to let him go. So today, on a stunning Northwest fall day, with a belly full of grass and in the warm light of the sun, Brio was humanely euthanized. His suffering is over and for that, we are very grateful.
But now that it’s over, we’re all feeling especially heartbroken over Brio. We only knew him for a few days, but we liked his pretty face, his talkative nature, and the cute way he would peer through a crack in the back corner of his stall to watch the horses in the arena. We all feel very strongly that humane euthanization was the right choice for this horse, and we are relieved that his suffering is over. His death was dignified and humane…but his life, at least in the end, was a tragedy. This horse belonged to someone who cared so little for him that he was thrown away like garbage. And we will never have the chance to make it up to him. That makes us very sad. It also makes us very angry.
All we can do for Brio now is continue to fight to keep other horses from suffering the way he did. That is why SAFE is committed to supporting local Animal Control agencies whenever we possibly can, so that people who abuse and neglect horses can be found, stopped, and punished.
Godspeed, Brio. We will never forget you.
25 years and yet all we know of Brio’s story is the tragic heartbreak of his abandonment, neglect and the loving rescue that came too late. His story IS important, tho and brought me to tears with your sharing of his “…pretty face, his talkative nature, and the cute way he would peer through a crack in the back corner of his stall to watch…” — God bless S.A.F.E. for your good efforts and loving works — and sharing those few tender moments of knowing Brio.
I just read Brio’s story and it so sad. I know from my own experience that a horse gives everything every day and I also know that things can change quickly in someone’s life but there is NEVER an excuse to use up and then throw away a life. I am so relieved to see that once again Safe stepped in and did whatever they could to make a change for the better. Thank you Safe, you made my day a little brighter just when I am again suprised to see that people can still sink lower than I ever thought they could. Thanks for letting me believe that there is some goodness out there!
Poor guy would have had a hopelessly awful ending if not for SAFE. Thank heavens the realtor found him, and that he spent his final moments being kindly cared for.
Poor thing. At least in his last days he knew love & care and was able to be let go surrounded by people who may not have known him long, but loved him just the same. This is one of the many reasons I’ve chosen SAFE as one of the groups I want to help & draw attention to…
Very well said. You do a good thing out there. If only there were more like you.
Know that others believe as you do and support your efforts.
B. Weller
My heart is broken for Brio. I am also furious at those who left him in such state. They very well know that Brio would be helpless without anyone to take care of him. Rest in peace Brio and God bless SAFE for your work. I know it’s hard to make sad decisions although it’s for the best…
Brio’s story is so unbelievably sad. I will never understand the cruelty of people. Thank God he had his last moments with you and got to go in peace, on a beautiful day. He knew, in the end, someone cared.
((Gulp))…huge lump in my throat. I cannot even imagine how long he was standing alone, deteriorating. People never cease to shock me. So glad he was quietly led to a better place through the compassion of strangers 🙁
Rest in Peace Brio. I hope they can figure out who left you in that stall!
It makes me angry too. There are rescues, like SAFE, who will do what they can to help place a horse whose owner can no longer take care of them. All it takes is a phone call, before it gets to this point. No HUMAN should ever be this cruel, but we see it, over and over. Can’t save them all, but you can definitely try, and do a darn good job of it, too.
First — thanks to all who have played even a small part in rescuing this beautiful animal. From the person(s) who found him to whomever had to give that final goodbye — It is simply incomprehensible that anyone could do this but we are faced with the reality that they do.…may God have mercy on them when they show no mercy to animals in their care but may a judge throw the entire book at them. Rest in peace Brio — you did not deserve such an end.
I had a Peruvian Paso named Mistico Reflejo. He was never neglected like Brio was but I had to euthanize him in 2005 because of DlSD. Mistico was my best trail buddy EVER. He looked after me on the trail like no other horse I’ve ever met. I rode him with a treeless saddle and rope halter. Mistico was awesome. What you did for Brio was the right thing but I understand your hurt and anger. These poor creatures are thrown away like garbage by thoughtless, self-centered people. Good for you for helping him.