05/31/2026
Shipping day is always one of the hardest days in rescue work. It's the day the clock runs out. It's the day that separates the ones who make it from the ones who don't. And no matter how many times we do this, it never gets easier.
This week, we got the call no one ever wants to be too late for.
Mare Lot #284 arrived alongside Gelding Lot #286, a horse we were fortunate enough to bring home last week. But #284 had no one coming for her. No pledges, no rescue lined up, no one fighting for her corner. So the lot called us directly and asked if we could take her. Without hesitation, we said yes. Because that's what we do. Every animal deserves a chance, and we were not going to let her run out of time without a fight.
At the same time, an incredible sponsor stepped up in the biggest way. Four jennies had come into the lot together, two bonded pairs who had relied on each other through what must have been an incredibly frightening experience. But in the final hours, both bonded pair were separated, leaving their friend behind. Separated from their friends, their companions, the ones they had leaned on, they were now alone, scared, and running out of time. When our sponsor heard their story, they didn't hesitate. They covered the bail for both jennies.
Then we received a call that stopped us cold.
One of the jennies had passed away before we could get to her. We are absolutely heartbroken. She was so close to making it. She had someone fighting for her.
In her memory, the funds that had been designated for her bail were not wasted. They were redirected with purpose and are now helping to save Lot #1179, a gelding missing an eye and giving another animal the second chance she never got to have.
And because we simply cannot do an end of the month rescue without an extra traveler, we are also rescuing a beautiful registered Percheron from Bowie Texas Livestock. These big, gentle giants so often go overlooked, and we are so grateful to be able to open our doors to him as well.
These rescues are only possible because of YOU. The sponsors who step up, the donors who give what they can, the followers who share our posts and spread the word, you are the reason these animals make it home. You are the reason we can say yes when the lot calls. You are the reason that trailer has a full load of survivors instead of animals left behind.
We are currently running a fundraiser to cover the bail and transport costs for all of these rescues. Every dollar makes a difference. Every share saves a life.
www.bighooffoundation.org
