The Grace Foundation

2008-03-31T23:05:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

have you all been enjoying the nice weather (ok, so there were a couple of wet days in there:)) ?

I have not written to you in a while, so here is an update on what I have been up to.

Last week my doctor came by and took all of my remaining stitches out, and it looks great! It was about time they came out too, because it was getting pretty itchy.

I included a couple more pictures of myself with and without stitches.

We had our first residents move to the new pasture. They are liking it!

Have a great week everyone!!

Lucy

Happy Easter!

2008-03-22T08:53:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

I just wanted to wish all of you a Happy Easter!
Festus and I will enjoy the extra serving of carrots. Come Tuesday I believe that Dr. Russell is going to take out a few more stitches, but I'll update you all on that.
Be safe!

Always,

your Lucy!

2008-03-19T21:14:00.000-07:00

Good evening everyone,

I am happy to tell you that Dr. Russell has taken some of my stitches out. He said that it looks really great. My care takers come in every day and clean my eyes with nice warm water and a soft sponge.... they know what I like ! After the cleaning Festus and I get to go for a walk and enjoy grass in a near by field. Life is pretty good! Carrots, endless stable mix, hay and grass.....what do you think? :)

I have joined the Committee for the Visually Impaired Equine. Our board members are currently working on a special pasture for the blind at the ranch. As you know I am not the only one with a visual challenge out there. Our newest member is a little filly. She arrived with her mom and is a very happy, friendly little girl.

It is off to bed for me... I talk to you all later. ~ Lucy

2008-03-12T21:17:00.000-07:00

hello,
I am sorry I have not written to you all in a while, but I have been so busy....
I have been on daily walkies with Festus and my care givers. We have been venturing off to a beautiful green and grassy field.... it is so yummy!
Then there are the daily visitors ... OH AND --- Naturally Dr. Russel!! Too bad he is a bi-ped :) (I am joking!) ....Can you tell, I am feeling really good... I am still taking my antibiotics like the good girl that I am...I'd rather not, but it is doctors orders, and I promised.
I have a lot of thank you notes to write to you all. I would not be here without you.
Well, I am off to dinner with Festus, so I will catch you all later!

Lucy

2008-03-10T17:08:00.000-07:00

Hello all:

I am done with my shots.... well, Dr. Russel would have liked to have me on the shots a few more days, BUT this little pony put down the law!! NO MORE!!! ( he he he, I won!) Well, we negotiated, and I agreed to take oral antibiotics. I can do that, at least that tastes like molasses.

Check out my shades! Aren't those the coolest! Got a little bling-bling on them, and I really think that blue eyes are very becoming! I especially like the leopard printed faux-fur on it. IS THAT ME, OR WHAT!! I am feelin' good!

Dr. Russel said the incisions are healing well, so I am guessing that is a good thing, right?

My man, Festus, is liking to hang with me again.....must be those fantastic shades! He was a little shy for a couple days, I guess that is how he shows that he is worried. He is a man, what can I say.... just kidding!

Did I tell you that I LOVE my shades :) ... Oh, that's right, I did ....

'til later,

Lucy aka Cuteness :)

My Surgery

2008-03-08T18:04:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,
I am on day three after my surgery. I am feeling better. It sure feels kind of weird, but it is nice not to have the pain...if I would only be done with the shots (sigh).
I have included a couple of pictures of my surgery....don't worry I have not attached the really detailed ones.

2008-03-06T19:04:00.001-08:00

Good Evening to all:

I just wanted to let you know that my surgery went well so far. I did not feel a thing. I remember going to sleep hearing Festus in the far calling me. When I woke up Festus was right there beside me, I could sense him. My caretakers were all there speaking soothing words into my ears.
I am still to get two shots a day and I can tell you that I am not liking it too much, but I will try my hardest to hold still. Just keep those cookies coming (hint, hint!)
Thank you Dr. Russel and Jan for my second chance.
I will keep you all updated!
Good Night to all you great bi-peds out there.

Love,

Lucy

Lucy's Journey

2008-03-06T07:21:00.000-08:00

Good Morning,

Thanks to all of your wonderful and kind people out there I am happy to tell you that today is the day.
My vet came by a couple days ago to give me the vaccinations I needed. I have to tell you I am a little nervous, but everybody is telling my that I will not have the constant pain anymore after my surgery.
So, here is go.....I will be thinking of all of you and again I thank you all!

Lucy

I Love Lucy

2008-02-14T11:34:00.001-08:00

BLIND PONY NEEDS THE COMMUNITIES HELP

TO SAVE HER LIFE.

Lucy, a 12 year old Shetland pony had lived most her life in pain. Lucy has a degenerative eye condition, that went untreated by her abusive owner, Lucy slowly went blind. Worse was the agonizing pain that Lucy suffered as the pressure behind her eyes grew.

When El Dorado County animal control was contacted they immediately removed Lucy from her abusive home and placed her in the care of The Grace Foundation an equine rescue organization, but the prognosis was grim. Lucy was completely blind and in horrible pain. Her condition was irreversible and the attending Veterinarian recommended humane euthanasia to end her prolonged suffering.

Alone for most her life, she was paired with “Festus” a mini mule that had also suffered from years of abuse, and their friendship blossomed. Festus became Lucy’s eyes, and the pair was immediately inseparable. Lucy also bonded with her caretakers and the children that visited the ranch. It seemed unimaginable to have to end Lucy’s life when she was finally safe from her years of neglect.

The only other option- a total enucleation (Removal) of both eyes. A surgery that would cost thousands of dollars but would allow her to live out her life “pain free”. Now The Grace Foundation is asking for the communities help in getting Lucy the life saving surgery.

If Lucy is able to get the surgery her journey will not end there. Eventually she will join the equine team of healers and will spend her life working with disadvantaged and emotionally and physically challenged children.

Lucy is not the only vision impaired pony at the ranch, she joins:

Cotton- a 10 year old Arabian mare was rescued after her owners decided to remove her injuried eye themselves, leaving her mangled and disfigured. Today Cotton is one of the most popular riding horses at the ranch.

Mariah- a 20 year old appaloosa mare, is completely blind in one eye and partially blind in the other. She was found wondering the roads in El Dorado County.

Penny- a 7 month old paint filly was born totally blind.

They are part of the one hundred horses that live at the ranch. Last year these horses helped five thousand children that visited the ranch.

Please help save Lucy’s life, and help make this a

Wonderful before and after story

www.thegracefoundationofnorcal.org