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Phoenix

Arrival Date:  December 2022

 

In September of 2022, County of San Diego Department of Animal Services seized a large number of animals as part of a terrible neglect case. Included in the dozens of animals seized was a draft horse and a llama. Unfortunately, the draft horse did not do well at the shelter.

Since criminal cases can last for years, Animal Services staff were concerned about their ability to care for him. So, they reached out and asked us if we could foster the horse for the duration of the criminal case. This was a difficult decision for us. The neglectful owner still owned the animals that were at the shelter, including the horse. In agreeing to foster him we ran the risk of Animal Services losing their case and the horse being returned to the neglectful owner. In our sixteen years of working with Animal Services, we have never fostered a horse. Every horse has arrived in our care after the ownership has been transferred to Animal Services and then to us.

Once we met this bog boy at the shelter though, we knew we needed to help. He was really struggling with the stress of being at the shelter. We also learned that he had a llama friend that he had been living with before being rescued. So, in spite of the unpredictable nature of a criminal case we agreed to foster both the horse, Phoenix and the llama, Sarah. They arrived at the ranch in December of 2022.

It was the best decision we could have made for both Sarah and Phoenix. Both flourished at the ranch. Sarah quickly bonded with our other llamas. Phoenix also made quick friends with other horses. With training, Phoenix has become much more confident and comfortable. He loves the attention of our volunteers and they love him.

Unfortunately, we lost Sarah to suspected cancer in May of 2026. Though it was hard to say goodbye, we are glad that Phoenix has made friends with his neighbors, Windansea and Johnny.

Eighteen months after Phoenix arrived, his former owner was convicted of felony animal cruelty and sentenced to time in jail. Phoenix officially became a member of our herd. We are honored to be provide him with his forever home.