In the House of Tom Bombadil

If we've talked over the past year, chances are I've mentioned (ad nauseum) a horse named Tom...

Tom picked me when I saw him at a small stable in Brandon VT. He stepped toward me, put his head on my shoulder, and I knew. I cried all the way home because I knew I'd found my boy. The horse I'd dreamed of since I was seven years old. The horse I looked for every year at Christmas but who didn't arrive until I was ready. Since that day, he has been a patient teacher, a beloved friend, and a trusted companion (and you bet I went out to him first thing on Christmas morning to give him ALL the treats). You can read about our love story here: https://www.heartberryhollow.com/post/grounded-in-gratitude-reflections-on-welcoming-our-first-horse-tom

In early February, Tom showed signs of an abscess. Fairly common for a horse, although not necessarily "routine." We knew something was wrong when he was still breathtakingly lame two weeks later. That's when we scheduled the radiographs. Every day since has been a roller-coaster. We've had the most amazing vet and farrier team working night and day -- they even drove through a brutal winter snowstorm to give him an exploratory wound treatment. I've scheduled and canceled his euthanasia, mourned and celebrated. Through it all, he's been a champion. He's been scared and in so much pain, but he always. Always. Reaches out for more kisses.

We have a long road to go, and the journey to recovery is not clear or simple by any means. We are determined to try -- to walk with him as far as he wants to go and to listen to him when he tells us he's tired.

Most of you know that this year has been all-around challenging for us (and our horses!) here on the farm. It started last spring with sweet Samwise the brave (a 1400 lb mule) that we rescued directly from a kill pen, only to have to lay him to rest 10 days after his arrival. This fall...Radagast (Rasta) decided it might be a good idea to put a stick in his eye. So we scheduled his eye removal surgery...only to have a miracle occur. Four months later, he has both eyes and full vision in both. We've had our share of challenges, and we've had beautiful gifts along the way. But, at this point, with all we've been through, we need a little help to take care of sweet Tom. Please join us either in prayer or by helping out with our vet expenses, and you will have our eternal gratitude, pictures (I will send you so many that you will beg me to stop sending you these!!), and Tom kisses whenever you want them.