When our Colorado Humane Society (CHS) investigators first laid eyes on Blossom, his fragile body was trapped in thick mud that suctioned his belly to the ground. Unable to move or access food and water, the lifeless colt seemed to have given up all hope. Fortunately, our expert CHS and Harmony Equine Center™ caregivers were there—to lift him from despair and surround him with love.
Our teams quickly transferred Blossom to our Harmony facility—one of the only programs in the country equipped to receive and rehabilitate horses living in unsafe conditions. “I believe Blossom would have died had he not been brought in when he was,” said Dr. Courtney Diehl, who served as Harmony’s Equine Field Services Veterinarian when Blossom first arrived. The effects of starvation and disease had weakened his poor body to the point that he often struggled to rise and remain standing on his frail limbs. Multiple times a day (and night), our team would rush to his side to catch his fall.
Thanks to the nourishment, medical treatment, and individualized attention he received during his five-month stay at Harmony, Blossom gradually began to build the physical strength necessary for healthy development. One could even say he blossomed before our very eyes. Before his adoption in August, Blossom was nickering to his Harmony family, showing his sparkling personality, and standing on his own without support—three enormous milestones that seemed all but impossible in early March. He also gained weight and transitioned to an outdoor pen after successfully completing his initial handling training regimen.
Today, Blossom (now known as Cal) is living happily and “doing incredibly well” with his new family and neighborhood of adoring fans. He spends his days hiking in the Colorado mountains, where he is learning to navigate trails, bridges, and underpasses. “He’s gaining confidence and trust,” says his adoptive family. “You can [really] start to see the horse he’ll become.”
Thank you for supporting the recovery and rehabilitation of animals like Blossom. Your participation in the Dumb Friends League Furry Scurry makes such a difference.
