Romeo says Hello

Romeo is orphan foal from Lockwood area in Reno that we got a call on early evening on 6-7-12. As is mostly the case with our orphan babies we don't know what circumstance led to Romeo being orphaned only that he was VERY dehydrated, somewhat malnourished, has upper respiratory infection and has weak back leg that has an older injury. He had ticks and was very weak and not doing well mentally or physically when we got to him. Thank goodness some folks in Lockwood had been watching out for him for a couple of days and called one of our wild horse advocates that looks out for the horses on that side of the range. It was late on Thursday when we got the call about baby needing help and we met Mikel in Reno to pick up the baby. She was able to help get him closer to us so that saved some time. He's doing very well so far but as always it will be good to get past that 2 week window to know if we've got ANYTHING else going on.

When we first picked him up I guesstimated his age at about 2ish months but now that he is re-hydrated, eating well and gaining weight back, I think he is closer to 3 months. He's a pretty quite little guy but starting to become far more interactive and loves being brushed and loved on. He finally nickered at me this morning and it sure was a wonderful little sound. He is spending his days out in the baby yard when it's warm and calm, otherwise we are in baby room at night because of his upper respiratory infection. It is responding quickly to his meds and he should be a strong boy in about a week or so. As always, think good thoughts for him that we do not encounter anything unforeseen. I have high hopes and feel pretty darn confident with his health right now but we know how quickly things can change if something is lurking that is not showing symptoms at the moment.

Just a note below for folks that may run across sick or injured horses on the Virginia Range. Procedures ALWAYS have to be followed for everyone's sake and the welfare of the horses.   

Our procedure is that Nevada Department of Agriculture is notified for Virginia Range horses that are in peril. We notified NDA the next morning as it was after hours Thursday to file report. Anyone that sees an injured or sick horse is legally bound to notify the Department as soon as possible for authorization and instruction to proceed. Unfortunately sometimes we have to react to emergency situations after hours but it is still mandatory to contact and file report with the Department. Removing any horse without permission or notification to the appropriate authorities is illegal and does jeopardize and endanger the animal and can cause action to be taken by the authorities.

THANKS EVERYONE and we will keep you updated on little Romeo's progress.

Always Take Care,
Bruce, Shirl and Critter Kids Too 

Romeo on 6-10-12