7 months ago we shared with you the story of Wannie the horse who was ruthlessly chopped by a group of boys, who wanted to send a message to his owner.
Wannie was left in critical condition but the team over at Reimer's feed mill in Spanish Lookout, stepped in just in time to save him. And through their kindness and love for animals, they nursed Wannie back to health and today they returned him home to his owner who lives at the far end of Faber's road. We were there for the reunion today and here's how it went.
The bond Between a boy and his horse was evident today, after Reimer's feed mill fulfilled their promise of restoring "Wannie" to a picture of health.
Believe this healthy horse is the same one we showed you months ago suffering from multiple chop wounds. And even his owner was amazed at his recovery.
Reporter
"So how long does it have since they took your horse?"
Devonte Broaster, Owner of Wannie the horse
"About 7 months now."
Jules Vasquez
"How did you feel when you saw him back here today."
Devonte Broaster, Owner of Wannie the horse
"I wanted to cry but I just held it in."
And according to him even Wannie wanted to shed a tear:
Reimer's Vet Technician, Ymir Zuniga was the miracle worker that got this horse healthy from a near death injury. He explained that they faced a number of challenges in ensuring that Wannie's wounds would heal properly. He said their biggest concern was preventing screwworms.
Ymir Zuniga, Vet technician, Reimers Feed Mill
"When we first got him we definitely knew it was going to be a very big project. It was a very big wound, a very deep wound. And we knew we would have to take daily care and so he had one wound on the right shoulder that one was pretty big and he also had one on the forehead which that one was causing some issues to the eye as well. Treatment started as soon as he got there into the stable and the main protocol that we had especially during these times was the prevention of screwworm. And so that took daily cleaning and it took using the sprays that are approved by BAHA and this includes Cyperclor, Kyrogusan, and Moskofin sprays that help with preventing the screw worm flies from getting there and also if there screwworm was on there then it would also help for treatment."
But, healing the horse's mental wounds were also important after this vicious act of cruelty:
Ymir Zuniga, Vet technician, Reimers Feed Mill
"So at the beginning I could tell that he was, he looked lost I would say, very depressed for sure but as the time went by and he knew that we were there to help him there were times we would call out his name and he would start responding to us and every time we would get there with the car he knew that by the sound of the car his head would just perk up and look for us and so during the beginning I would say was definitely pretty rough for him but as time went by and the treatment continued he got much more better yeah. You could tell he was happier and he perked up a lot."
But as Wannie recovered in Spanish lookout, Reimer's took things a step further in the work that they were doing. They also wanted to make sure that when they returned the horse he had a safe place to stay so they built him a stable with the help of a few donors who pitched in for the cause.
Rodrigo Blanco, Marketing Manager, Reimers Feed Mill
"It started off as just a helping hand and it became a unique project for the company. From a company's point of view we always try to strive for animal welfare and to be honest it became a big lesson not just for my team but for the company in general and the different communities that were involved in terms of helping us where we are today."
"In the beginning it was very instinctive we were just trying to help the situation and as soon as we helped we decided okay how can we help further what are the possibilities and what more contributions can we render in the terms of assistance so in the beginning like I said we just decided to help but then we met with my team and we decided to talk to the owner if he would be open in giving us the horse to take care of and he agreed and we used that opportunity to teach our staff. We have specialists in different fields to tackle the situation and that was I could say a big factor in terms of helping the horse as well."
Devonte Broaster, Owner of Wannie the horse
"I told them how we needed a stable because I didn't build it right so they reached out to me and said they would build a stable for Wannie."
Rodrigo Blanco, Marketing Manager, Reimers Feed Mill
"So we had actually decided that we are going to build a stable that could be inside the owners house and we had reached out to businesses to see if they can assist in any way."
And today as Wannie gamely hopped out of his trailer - he ambled regally into his new home - where there was a bundle of fresh hay waiting for him - a new and happy home, and hopefully also safe from harm.
Jules Vasquez
"Are you afraid that he may be harmed again?"
Devonte Broaster, Owner of Wannie the horse
"Yes sir, that's why I have to just watch and keep him in my eye sight."
Reimer's Feedmill gives special thanks to the following donors who helped in the rehabilitation of the horse and the construction of the stable: Linda Vista Lumber yard, Pletts home builders, Gilmar Guy, their horse specialist, Andy Lizaraga and Ymir Zuniga.
We note that the 5 young men charged for cruelty to Wannie were convicted and given fines, community work and a suspended one year sentence.
