Carin' for Charlie

Charlie is a 20 year old Belgian draft who was rescued by me 6 years ago. I grew up always loving horses and dreamed of having my own majestic companion. That dream came true with Charlie who needed a good home himself.   Charlie stole my heart - we have a true connection and have trusted one another with each other's lives over the course of these 6 years. 

 Last week, Charlie and I had to evacuate my hometown of St. Simons due to Hurricane Irma heading our way.  I know when Charlie is telling me something and he seemed a little uneasy before leaving.  But knowing we had to get out themselves and the horses out, we focused on evacuation and traveled to Fitzgerald.  Once we arrived at the farm in Fitzgerald, I hoped Charlie would get to feeling better.  Jack, a friend’s horse, and Charlie scratched one another and grazed a little.  I still felt in my gut that something was up so I stayed up all night with him trying to make him feel better by walking him in order to pass anything and enticing him to drink water. Unfortunately, throughout the night Charlie deteriorated and the next morning a local vet was called.  Charlie was examined quickly had a heart rate of 80 and was in distress.   Packing up the trailers, my friend and I drove 3 hours to University of Georgia on the edge of Irma.  UGA has an amazing staff that helped immediately, sending Charlie to colic surgery the evening we arrived.  Charlie initially responded well but 2 days later, was experiencing difficulties again requiring an additional procedure.  Since the 2nd surgery, he has been doing very well.  I’ve been staying with friends near UGA and hoping to head home with Charlie in a week. 

The cost of these surgeries and care is over $10,000 and if anyone has any way to help me cover the cost of the procedures, we will be forever grateful. Charlie is my best friend and I hope to give him a good life for many more years.