Our miniature horse Bonsai has been in and out of the hospital now for about three months. Initially, he had a very painful impaction and over time caused an infection in his intestines. This took a very long time to heal. Horses have bacteria in their gut, including salmonella, which is dormant when they’re healthy and strong, but when they have an elongated illness that bacteria can take over. Bonsai was diagnosed with salmonella last week, which has caused a lack of appetite, severe diarrhea, and extreme weight loss. There is no way to directly treat the salmonella, however with supportive care, like Sun Chlorella, acupuncture, massage therapy, energy work, fluids, tube feeding, probiotics, daily visits and love, and great vet care, Bonsai is finally getting better, slowly.

There was a time where Bonsai had lost so much weight, was so uncomfortable, and was feeling so weak, that I was wondering if he had had enough and wanted to transition. When I talked with Bonsai he did say that the process was grueling, that he didn’t enjoy being pricked, prodded, or treated, but that he really wanted to keep trying and come home. Bonsai is so very brave, resilient, and strong.

Sometimes life seems so fragile and delicate, snatched away so suddenly, and then other times when you think things look awful, life perseveres and triumphs. It’s so humbling to watch how hard little Bonsai is working to get better. At the end of the day, the journey belongs to them, and when it ends or what it looks like is up to them and their maker. But along the way, we get to play a part in their life, give them love, make them feel special, and have the profound honor of knowing them. It is a privilege to care for Bonsai and if and when he comes home we’ll have a party for him and change his name to Worrier Bonsai!

Bonsai’s vet bill is now over twenty thousand dollars. And that’s just for one animal. We have three locations with almost two hundred rescued animals. Thank you so very much for contributing to our vet fund, we cannot do this work without you!!