Spirit, as named by her BC SPCA foster, was found on the side of the road in Fort St. John, ten kilometres down a logging road, obviously pregnant. She had lesions all over her skin, raw in some places, especially on her chest and she was also covered in hives and welts. It appeared that someone had tried to treat her skin issues.
“We were contacted by a Conservation officer about Spirit, and we were able to find a foster in the area who could take her in,” says Christy King, the BC SPCA’s interim program manager for farm and equine animal care services. “We are so thankful to the Conversation officer for notifying us and the foster who was able to respond so quickly. She drove her own truck and trailer down the logging road to rescue Spirit and then coaxed her into the trailer. Spirit was a bit shy at first, but eventually she walked into the trailer.”
The BC SPCA arranged for Spirit to be examined by a veterinarian. “It was apparent that whatever treatment Spirit had been receiving was not sufficient,” says King. “Once the appropriate topical medication and oral antibiotics were prescribed and given regularly it was amazing how quickly her skin started to clear up. She is looking so much healthier now. It did not hurt that she was being fed and watered regularly and she was able to rest comfortably.”
The BC SPCA searched for Spirit’s owner and when found, surrendered her to the BC SPCA.
Now, the countdown to the birth of Spirit’s foal began. As the weeks went by everyone wondered when Spirit would have her foal and on Sunday, July 28 at 3:30 pm she finally arrived. “I am happy to say that Spirit and her foal are doing very well,” says King. The foster has named the foal Journey, in honour of the journey her mom had before coming into care. In other good news, Spirit’s foster has decided to adopt her! Journey will be available for adoption once she is weaned, which won’t be for several months.
If you would like to become a farm or equine foster, the BC SPCA would love to hear from you!
