South Carolina Awareness and Rescue for Equines

Ensuring all equine in South Carolina live in a safe, healthy and nurturing environment.

Lexington, SC 29073
ph: 803-422-6585
SCARE_inc@yahoo.com

Pearl

The decision to end a life is always a grave decision. Yet this possibility, this cold, harsh, reality is also a part of the responsibility we as "rescuers" accept when we bring a new member into the S.C.A.R.E. family. We enter into each "rescue" with optimism and hope that with love, kindness, and proper care, we will see a happy, healthy, vibrant horse emerge from the rack of bones before us. And fortunately, most of the time, this is the case. Then there are those exceptions, that in spite of our best efforts, we can't make things right. I am reminded of the nursery rhyme, "Humpty Dumpty" when "all the kings horses and all the kings men can't put Humpty Dumpty together again."

In August, 2002, I received a complaint of two horses that had been abandoned in Lexington County. I took another S.C.A.R.E. volunteer with me, and we found two horses in a small dirt lot, without any food or water, and a shelter that had long since fallen down around them. I posted a Notice of Investigation, and filed the proper paperwork with the Magistrate. After twenty-four hours, the Notice remained undisturbed, and the Judge granted the warrant to seize the horses. So, with the help of Lexington County Sheriff's Dept., we loaded the two horses on a trailer, and took them to our quarantine facility where we immediately got them vet care and began their rehabilitation. One of the horses was a young bay, BLM Mustang mare that we called Haley; the other was a small, young, gray Arab mare that we named Little Pearl. They were both emaciated, however, the young Arab also exhibited signs of neurological problems. We decided that she deserved a chance. It was possible that the neurological problems were metabolic (from the lack of nutrition) and could be reversed. Both horses thrived with the care we provided, seeming to gain weight literally before our very eyes. After a period of time, it became obvious that Little Pearl's neurological condition failed to improve in spite of her positive outlook and good condition. She compensated well for her disability and was fat and sassy, so I was comfortable that she would live out her life as a beautiful pasture decoration, and could remain with me as long as necessary.

I could talk at length of her many antics and little "ways" that endeared her so to me. There was a connection from the beginning that I cannot explain. Perhaps it was maternal instinct that made me want to protect her; or maybe it was because these guys were my first "rescue." I still can't tell you why. I can only tell you that from the beginning she held a very special place in my heart. There were many times she would seek me out just to lay her head across my chest, drawing a deep sigh, just to be loved and stroked. She was a typically proud, stoic Arab with a huge heart that would have walked on hot coals if you asked her to.

About three weeks ago, she let me know that she was in pain, and I knew the time had come to face the decision that I so dreaded. In loving hands, she was gently laid to rest, her dignity in tact, still beautiful, on June 11, 2003. I find peace in knowing that she was well loved, and well cared for during her time with me. There will always be an empty spot in my barn, but I know that she's waiting for me with mischief in her eyes, and her head held high with her mane and tail flowing, at the Rainbow Bridge. Her name could not have been any more appropriate, for she was indeed a gem in a shell. Now she is finally free of that "shell" that held her back, and her spirit can shine.

by Jan Carter

SCARE is a federally recognized public non-profit organization with 501(c)3 status

Lexington, SC 29073
ph: 803-422-6585
SCARE_inc@yahoo.com