- North Carolina, USA -
On the morning of Tuesday, April 19, a mare was rescued from a farm on Garland Way in Johnston County and rescuers believed only a miracle would save the precious soul given the condition in which she was found.
She was lying in the mud, severely underfed, and unable to stand.
WRAL News reports: “Veterinarians said without help, she could have died in a matter of hours.”
The mare, named Camillia, was taken to Hannah Creek Veterinary Hospital in Benson and veterinarian Matthew Frazier explained to WRAL News: “There’s a body condition score, 0 to 9. This is a 1. So, 9’s super-duper fat, 0 is not living. She’s a 1.”
As reported by WRAL News, rescuers bought Camillia from her now former guardian and it took the collaboration of multiple organizations to transport her to the hospital, including, Johnston County Animal Services, Oaky Doak Farm, and 4 Hooves Large Animal Services.
Dr. Frazier said: “Through the sling and with the tractor we were able to hoist her to get her to stand. She’d stand a few minutes, and then didn’t have the ability or coordination and muscle tone to stay standing.”
Despite her condition and the setbacks, Camillia kept eating and took medication for her injuries and the pain. She never gave up trying to stand up.
Oaky Doak Farm is a horse animal rescue run by Erin Grubbs Doak and Steven Doak and after Camillia left the hospital, she was placed in their care.
Mrs. Doak told WRAL News that Camillia “was definitely in dire need when the post was made.”
Mrs. Doak was referring to a Facebook post published by Paula Stevio Sorie who pleaded for help in rescuing Camillia. Paula explained that once the right person connected with her, things were put in motion.
On the early hours of April 22, a Facebook post by Oaky Doak Farm partly read: “Camillia is still at the Veterinarian hospital. She is getting stronger! For her to be on her feet unsupported is much further along than any of us thought she would be at this point in her journey.”
Hours later, an update advised that Camillia was making her way home at Oaky Doak Farm.
When you look at the pictures, you can understand why rescuers thought that only a miracle would save Camillia. You can see how the latest photos (before the ones by WRAL News), show her standing and being able to eat.
The head of Johnston County’s Animal Services Department said they’re working to bring animal cruelty charges against Camillia’s former guardian.
The community, as well as rescuers, would like to see “a change in the laws that define how horses have to be taken care of, something that could help avoid situations like Camillia’s before they become life-threatening”, reports WRAL News.
If you wish, and can afford to support Camillia’s recovery, please donate to Oaky Doak Farm. Thank you!
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Details may be removed or additional information may be provided in future should such sources report an update.
Pictures shared form Paula Stevio Sorie and Oaky Doak Farm