Gidget, a Suffolk Punch mare, endured unimaginable solitude for 17 years, confined alone in the basement of a barn. For a decade, she hadn’t encountered other horses or humans, relying solely on her elderly owner who fed her by dumping oats down a feeding chute. Her isolation was profound and undisturbed until Mockingbird Farm Sanctuary learned of her plight. Determined to change her fate, the sanctuary orchestrated a rescue that would bring Gidget into a world she hadn’t seen in years.
Upon her arrival at Mockingbird Farm Sanctuary, the change in Gidget’s demeanor was immediate and heartwarming. As she stepped off the truck, her eyes sparkled with a renewed zest for life. It wasn’t long before she formed a deep bond with Peggy, a mini-horse who resided in the adjacent stall and was equally in need of companionship. The two became inseparable, thriving in each other’s presence. Gidget’s final year was filled with the joys of friendship and love, a stark contrast to the years of loneliness she had previously endured.
However, Gidget’s passing had a profound impact on Peggy, leaving her visibly grief-stricken. For days, Peggy lingered by Gidget’s halter, unwilling to leave, as if waiting for her friend to return. The sanctuary revealed that the loss occurred five years ago on an Easter Sunday, marking a significant and painful memory for Peggy. In the weeks following Gidget’s death, Peggy’s health deteriorated drastically; she developed laminitis, a painful inflammatory condition in her hooves, triggered by intense grief and compounded by her existing health issues, including equine metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance.
To alleviate Peggy’s loneliness, Mockingbird Farm Sanctuary introduced her to a pair of donkeys, but the connection she sought was not to be found with them. It wasn’t until Bourbon, another mini horse, arrived at the sanctuary that Peggy found another chance at companionship. The two quickly bonded, bringing much-needed joy and comfort to each other’s lives. Despite her ongoing battles with laminitis, Mockingbird Farm Sanctuary remains dedicated to managing every aspect of Peggy’s care, from her diet to her medication. They continue to reach out to the community for support, hoping to provide Peggy with the best possible quality of life as she navigates her challenging conditions.