May 29, 2025 UPDATE
Teddie --- In Memorium -- 1996-2025
It's with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Teddie.
Teddie came into the CHANGE program on April 27, 2022. She was part of an animal hoarding case that included almost 30 dogs. She had a body condition score of 2.5, was dirty and matted but still put up a huge fight about getting in our trailer.
Over the next few months, she was treated for severe dental issues, an eye injury, and ulcers. Her recovery was slow, but she eventually got healthy enough to be adopted, but alas, no one stepped up willing or able to adopt Teddie. So she spent just short of 3 years at the same foster barn.
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From Teddie's foster Mom:
"Teddie was without a doubt one of the smartest horses I've come to know in my 50-plus years with horses. There's a reason she survived the ordeal from which she was seized!
I came to find out that she had a pathological fear of needles and trailers, but while that fear never went away, with schooling, and lots of carrots (her favorite), she came to understand what was needed of her. As she came to trust me more and more, she tried more and more to be brave and willing when scared or unhappy.
She had a HUGE personality! She also did not suffer fools gladly! When meeting a person, she would either "allow" herself to be scratched and petted, or, sometimes, just turn on her heel and walk away. Many times I had to apologize to visitors for her "rudeness". But, she was also absolutely sweet and LOVED to be groomed.
Teddie made friends and would participate in mutual grooming with another horse.
She HATED the rain and made a bee line for shelter at the slightest hint of moisture in the air. She also loved her blankets and was eager to wear them. I often wondered how long she'd been out in the elements, cold and wet, before coming to the CHANGE Program.
She LOVED her food! She knew my routine, and even though she was around the corner of the barn and out of sight when I began to mix up her mash, she would position herself at her feed manger and listen intently and as soon I she heard the lid close on the feed bin, the last noise I made when finally done putting together her meal, I had mere seconds to produce said meal before the nickering and whinnying began. Once she was served, she'd open her mouth wide and take the biggest bite she could and always licked the plate clean.
Several weeks ago, Teddie started eating less. I made changes to her diet several times and managed to entice her to eat enough to maintain her weight, and it worked for a while, but her appetite continued to diminish, and then it was almost totally gone. There was never any indication that she was in pain, or unhappy, she just had no appetite.
While she still looked and felt good, with consultation from one of Teddie's vets, the CHANGE program decided that most likely her old body was just beginning to fail her. She was put down on a quiet, sunny morning with her horsie best friend nearby. It was very peaceful, and she seemed ready and welcoming.
I'm surprised how much that little horse worked her way into my heart. I'm glad to have been her foster. I loved her and really miss her."
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We'd like to thank all of Teddie's fans, supporters and donors who allowed us to rehabilitate Teddie and give her a soft landing for the last few years of her life. Your support of the CHANGE program allowed us to make sure Teddie was loved and was never hungry or cold again.
JANUARY 4, 2024 UPDATE
While Teddie enjoys life at her foster home, she is ready for her own family. Teddie is easy to have around. She loves people and her pasture friends. She has a great personality and the attitude of a horse that’s done a lot.
Teddie is great for getting her feet trimmed, bathing, leading, and she ties well. Teddie’s gifts are how well she connects and communicates with trusted humans. She is an expert at eating cookies, is exceptionally smart, and has the sweetest whinny that will melt your heart!
Don’t let her rehabilitation story get in the way. She does well on hay and pelleted feed and will give you her heart. Teddy is packed and ready for her forever home. Applications are available on our website. Please reach out with any questions you may have.
SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 UPDATE
Teddie is making steady improvements in rehabilitation! She is slowly but surely gaining weight on a special diet formulated in consultation with her veterinarian. Check out her progress below!
On April 28, 2022, CHANGE was asked to assist Sonoma County Animal Services with removal of a senior Paso Fino type mare due to alleged neglect. "Teddie" is now safe and recovering at a CHANGE foster barn.
She was a body condition score of 2 (very thin) and had an eye injury. Eating was extremely tough for her, as she had a severe dental condition (wave mouth and long term lack of dentistry). The dental issues made it nearly impossible for Teddie to eat normally, and she appeared to be in a lot of discomfort. After 10 days in foster care, Teddie had her first dental floating along with extraction of 5 loose teeth. This helped her a great deal, although she will require additional dental work to further improve her mouth. Teddie is eating pelleted feed due to her dental challenges, and over the course of her first month in foster care gained about 100 pounds.
Teddie is a kind but scrappy old gal of about 18-22 years of age. She is a fighter, that's for sure! Teddie's case is under investigation by Sonoma County Animal Services.
