Rally Update

Hi
 
Went to the rally in Carson City yesterday.  We headed out about 4:00 a.m. In the pouring rain.  Was a lovely drive, ha ha, but it finally started clearing up around Susanville.  Arrived in plenty of time for the rally to "Save the Walker Lake Herd", and decided to grab a bite to eat.
 
I have to say that I was so excited as we were going to meet Richard "Kudo" Couto.   I had met him on the phone, but we were now going to see him face to face.  He has been working tirelessly to shut down the illegal (horse) slaughter houses in Miami Dade, Florida.   Unfortunately, the conditions and practices in those illegal slaughter houses make the legal ones look like a party.  The cruelty is unmentionable, and he risks his life to stop them once and for all.  He was worked extensively with CNN and is making a huge difference for our beloved horses.  He is now helping us in our fight to stop the BLM Round Ups.  So it was an honor to meet him in person.
 
There were so many incredible people there.  It is truly wonderful to be working with such amazing people.  Cat Kindsfather was there, as well as Ginger, the beautiful lady keeping tabs on Cloud and his herd.  It was beyond heartwarming to get to see Shirley Allen, one of my beloved mentors,  in person.  We have spent many a night and early morning on the phone trying to figure out the best care for the orphan foals.  There were other advocates too numerous to mention.   It looks like there could be some changes in the future.  According to Bob Abbey, it is going to happen.  We keep praying that this is the truth..
 
Honey Bandit has been a tad "under the weather".  He almost seems to have the "blues".  He is eating all the time  and his bodily functions are working well, but he is just a little off.  His energy level is not what it should be.  After talking with some of my other "foal rescue" friends, we came to the conclusion that maybe he has been missing his mommy.  The last two weeks I have been busier than normal, and although he is never alone, I think maybe the fact that I wasn't with him as much was really hard on him.  I guess it makes sense as he already lost his other "mom".    They bond so tightly with their bands, and have been know to risk their own lives for their family members.  (A good example of that was the band that came back to wait for their fallen mare in spite of the helicopter trying to push them on.)
 
I guess my focus this week will be to make sure he has more "mommy" time, and he will also be going to the vet for a check up and some more blood work to make sure there is nothing else going on.
 
He is really enjoying having Patches around all the time.  They rough house as though they were the same size and just have a ball.  They remind me of my boys when they were younger and always messing with each other.  I am trying to get a picture of Honey Bandit when he pounds his foot on Patches' back.  It would also be quite entertaining for ya'll if I could get the pictures when Patches torments HB when he is trying to sleep.
 
I guess having to take care of the little miniature baby, "Bubbles" is a blessing in disguise.  Of course between the medications and Patches and HB playing all night means no sleep again.  But that is okay.  Please say a prayer that HB cheers right up and that everything continues to go well for him.  We love meeting all his visitors and appreciate all your support.
 
God Bless - Honey Bandit.
 
p.s.  We still need to get his nursery built.  In the meantime we are trying to get the carport as warm and dry for now as we can.  But I am not sure if it will be warm enough for him when the weather really gets ugly.  It is so scary when their immune systems have been so compromised.  I have also been advised by many in the foal rescue field that he may never have a "proper" immune system.  But we will just take it one day at a time.