Cookie

What is there to say about Cookie?  What is there NOT!  This exquisite Paint mare came into our life quite by  surprise.  Cookie's owner decided she didn't want Cookie anymore because "she's just not fun to ride."  I went to meet Cookie and my heart broke; writing about her now, the pain of that meeting is visceral.  Cookie was emaciated and standing in the far back of a dark, manure filled, fly ridden enclosed structure.  Her head was in the corner and she would not move.  I placed my hand on her rump, speaking softly while the owner stood back declaring "I don't know what's wrong with her; she just not very nice anymore."  Standing with Cookie I gave her the time needed (about half an hour) to back up a bit and turn to me.  This creature was so devastated by the aloof human who continued to stand by that immediate transport and subsequent surgery was required to save her life.  Cookie's right eye was removed, her severed tongue stitched, and to BixRo she came for quarantine and, soon was loose in the sun with the other horses. 

Cookie has a demeanor so soothing and kind that everyone who meets her falls fast in love.  I have had the joy of placing small, shy children on her back who lean over her neck, hugging her, smiling and talking to her.  Cookie changes lives!  It is our absolute promise to give Cookie only the very best care for the rest of her life.  Cookie will never be removed from the Haven and, ultimately, will be humanely euthanized and buried here next to her guy, Tex. 

We know only two things about Cookie.  One, Cookie was born, raised, trained and well cared for by a family, who, two sold her to another family who ultimately tormented Cookie to a near death state.  

Cookie has special needs unique to a Paint with the amount of white hair/pink skin that she has.  Cookie has special sun screen and long nose fly masks for summer and, due to her age, she is blanketed on cold winter nights.  Cookie also requires a textured, high nutrient senior feed.  And, because Cookie is the lowest in herd hierarchy,  we pay extra attention to her needs during feeding and inclement weather.  

Cookie's best buddy is Tex and she tends to stick close to him.  The alpha mares don't pay Cookie much attention, demonstrating her low position in the herd and her respect and acceptance of her role. 

She has an easy going life and, in turn, brings incredible joy to BixRo!