Rescuers save blind horse from drowning in Larkin Valley ditch

[The Straight Story]

Rescuers save blind horse from drowning in Larkin Valley ditch

LARKIN VALLEY — Erika Reid was moments away from putting down Tam. She had the syringe full of drugs in her hands, looking for a vein when rescuers arrived.

The 30-year-old blind Appaloosa had stumbled into the deepest part of a swampy patch bisecting a pasture on Larkin Valley Road and was sinking into the mud.

Reid, who was returning from a ride on Tam's 6-year-old son, witnessed the accident. When she jumped in alongside the horse, Reid found herself immersed to the waist, and she had to claw her way out to find a better spot to hold the horse's head above of the water. Tam was shaking, the beginning of hypothermia.

"I was going to put her down rather than see her drown," Reid said.

Felton Fire Protection District's large animal rescue team was at least 25 minutes away when the call came in 12:47 p.m.

Cal Fire Pajaro Valley Battalion Chief Greg Estrada was on Freedom Boulevard and arrived about seven minutes later. He said time was running out, and though using the rescue truck's winch to pull the horse free wasn't the first choice, it was the only option.

http://www.mercurynews.com/top-stories/ci_14151822?nclick_check=1

[Caliman73]

1. That is close to where I work.

Amazing how the horses came out to comfort their stable mate after the rescue. Great ending, good story.

[xiamiam]

2. we're neighbors..nt

[a la izquierda]

3. One of the comments after the article was interesting...

about rescuing the blind horse so it can continue suffering. What a dense remark. I have a 13 year old dog who is totally blind. Other than that, he's in good health. Out in the yard he sticks close by us, or his brother dogs. In the house, he walks into stuff, but mostly just lounges around. He knows where the food/water is; he knows where the back door and garage is.
The horse in question seems to have a good support network.

[hlthe2b]

5. So many of these same type of folks also express disgruntlement

at seeing dogs missing a leg or a paralyzed dog with its limp rear legs attached to a rolling cart to allow him to walk--which they do with zest. Animals do not feel sorry for themselves... Each of these examples includes an animal that has adapted to its limitations and is living a good quality of life. To say, it is suffering, is, I agree, dense.

[xchrom]

4. Good on ya Tam! And good on your rescuers! Nt