Most of you know the entire story already, but I will give a quick recap for those who don't (and quick because I have a hard time thinking about it):

Big Zeek was my daughter Phaedra's horse. He was tragically starved and mistreated by the person I was paying monthly to feed and board him. Phaedra and I were shocked to see the condition he was in and I quickly took to social media to find someone to help us. The horse community didn't disappoint and I was contacted shortly after by a couple who were willing to rescue him and keep them at their place. We though that we were in the clear and that Zeek just needed some food and TLC.

Unfortunately, at some point he laid down and from then on he was not able to get back up. Anyone who knows horses knows that is not a good sign. We decided to give one last effort to get him better and loaded him into a trailer and took him to Delaney Veterinary Services in Sherwood Park.

We got there around 12:30 a.m. and got him tucked in to his stall for the night with IV meds and hay. His prognosis was guarded, but we had hope. Phaedra and I were exhausted at that point and went to check into our hotel. I received a text early that morning from the vet saying that it wasn't good and that we needed to come as soon as possible.

When we arrived, we knew he had lost the battle and was ready to move on from this world. We gave him lots of love and pets and let him know that he meant the world to us and we loved him. He left this plane of existence with his girl by his side.

I took a gamble agreeing to let Phaedra have a horse. But she had been through so much in her short time on earth, so I wanted to make her dreams come true. Big Zeek, who I called my grandbaby, was only 3 years old. This should have never happened. Not only is it absolutely tragic that something like this happen to an innocent animal, I put a lot of money into him (having him gelded, other vet treatments and costs, and almost 3 months away at a trainer's) and I was also paying monthly for food and board.

Big Zeek had so much potential. He was such a patient and sweet boy, and him and Phaedra were just starting their love story. This was supposed to be the beginning, not the end.

I will not post anything about how he managed to get to that condition, nor will I post any of the pictures. If you haven't read the entire ordeal on Facebook, you can find it by searching my name on FB. The posts are public.

I am setting up this GoFundMe for help with the costs of Big Zeek's passing: the vet bill, the gas, food, and hotel room, as well as cremation. I had to have him cremated...I just couldn't bear to think about him buried somewhere in a field by himself because it reminds us of how alone he must have felt at the end. I just can't handle that.

The number of people who reached out to offer condolences and prayers was amazing. I'm hoping we can spread this around the same way. Thank you.