Saving Maverick’s Life

Want to join us in making a difference in the life of an amazing horse? Maverick needs our help. We rescued him in January 2024 but he needs help to save his life again.

Maverick lived in a remote part of Eastern Washington for many years. Sadly, his person died this past winter, leaving Maverick with nowhere to go or land safely. We are generally not receiving equines, however, this horse had no options and we were very concerned that he could easily end up in the wrong hands. We felt we could bring him to safety and find him a wonderful adoptive home.

We drove up to where Maverick was living and brought him back to the sanctuary. Our friend Caley transported Maverick, who was a perfect gentleman and entered the trailer easily. We set him up in quarantine. From the minute we met Maverick he amazed us all with how sweet, friendly and gentle he is. Maverick is excellent for our farrier, which brings me to why we are doing a gofundme.

Tim, our farrier, found abscesses in Maverick's front left hoof. They were deep and raised concern. Our equine veterinarian Dr. Kennedy, from Success in Motion Veterinary Services, came out and did radiographs of his foot. She discovered a keratoma in the foot. She sent the radiographs to Dr. Peters, who confirmed this. Maverick's hoof wall was separating from the laminae. We were faced with two choices. Have Dr. Peters perform the surgery to remove the keratoma or do nothing and allow it to completely destroy his foot and have to have him euthanized.

Dr. Peters has performed many of these surgeries and in discussing Maverick's case with him he said that horses handle the process well and return to a normal life. However, this requires that he remain at the hospital for one to two weeks following surgery. Upon returning to the sanctuary he must be kept in a 12 x 12 shelter and have his bandages changed daily for one to two months. He will be rehabbing for many months. This is going to be a team effort where we maintain his environment, his sanity and his hoof care. I am so proud of our volunteers for wanting to help in any way they can. Pete is leading the way for Maverick as he said we would do what we needed to do to help him.

Dr. Peters gave an estimate of $3500 to $4000 to perform this surgery and provide the care at the hospital. We will also be having specialized shoes made for his foot. In addition there will be ongoing expenses with medications, veterinary visits, supplemental feed, bedding and more. When we rescued Maverick the first time this was the last thing we were ever expecting.

River's Wish Animal Sanctuary is an all volunteer organization. All of us donate our time and energy. We pour our hearts and minds into helping animals and do as much as we possibly can. With your support you will make a significant impact in the life of this special horse. You will be saving his life.

Donations can be made here at this gofundme. They can also be called in to the veterinary hospital where he will be having the surgery.

McKinlay and Peters Equine Hospital

6100 North Harvard Road

Newman Lake, Washington 99025

Donations can be made for Maverick under the River's Wish Animal Sanctuary account.

Maverick’s surgery is scheduled for April 4, 2024.