A VERY IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FROM DAKOTA

Fundraising Goal: $2,500 ❤️

Dear Humans,

Dakota here.

I have been informed that I am now considered an “older gentleman.”

I would like to begin by saying I did not agree to this classification.

I prefer “distinguished.”

I was born right here at Good Shepherd many, many years ago. In fact, I've been here so long that I don't actually remember arriving.

That's because I didn't.

I was BORN HERE.

This is my ranch.

Technically, the humans believe it is their ranch, and I have decided not to correct them because they buy the groceries.

Anyway, we need to discuss my back legs.

Apparently, I have something called stifle arthritis.

I call it:

“Ouch.”

Lately, getting around has been hurting more than it should. The good news is that the veterinarian came to see me and assured everyone that I still have a lot of life left in me.

I KNEW IT.

I immediately looked around for the people who had been questioning this.

Nobody made eye contact.

The vet says there are injections that can help my stifles feel much better. First, however, they need to take X-rays so they can see exactly what is happening in there.

I personally don't understand why they can't just ask me.

Left one: hurts.

Right one: also hurts.

Diagnosis complete.

Apparently, veterinary school teaches a more complicated system.

So my humans are trying to raise $2,500 to pay for my X-rays and the injections I need.

I was shocked.

$2,500?!

Do you have any idea how many carrots you could buy for $2,500?

I tried suggesting carrots as an alternative treatment.

The vet said no.

I suggested apples.

Still no.

Peppermints?

Apparently we are dealing with a very stubborn medical professional.

So, reluctantly, I have agreed to this fundraiser.

Here's the deal:

You donate.

The humans schedule my X-rays.

The veterinarian gives me my injections.

My stifles hopefully feel much better.

I continue supervising this ranch for many more years.

Everybody wins.

Especially me.

And after spending my entire life here, I think I've earned a comfortable retirement.

I've watched this ranch change. I've watched horses and people come and go. I've watched generations of humans attempt to organize things while horses quietly wondered why they were making everything so complicated.

Through all of it, this has been my home.

It was my first home.

And someday, a long, long, LONG time from now—NOT TODAY, CALM DOWN, EVERYBODY—it will be my last home.

But I'm not finished yet.

The veterinarian says I've got plenty of life left.

I'd just like to enjoy it without every step hurting.

So I'm asking for your help.

❤️ My goal is $2,500 for my X-rays and stifle injections.

If you can give $10, thank you.

If you can give $25, thank you.

If you can give $50 or $100, I may consider naming a carrot after you.

And if someone wants to give the whole $2,500...

I WILL HAVE MY PEOPLE CALL YOUR PEOPLE.

If you can't donate, please share my story. Somewhere out there might be a person who has a soft spot for handsome, distinguished, slightly creaky Arabian gentlemen.

And to that person I say:

Hello. I've been waiting for you.

Thank you for helping me keep moving comfortably.

With love, gratitude, and absolutely no intention of acting my age,

Dakota ❤️

Born at Good Shepherd

Raised at Good Shepherd

Retired at Good Shepherd

Still supervising everybody at Good Shepherd

P.S. The veterinarian says the money is for X-rays and injections.

I continue to believe we should get a second opinion from someone in the carrot industry.

P.P.S. Please help me reach $2,500. My stifles and I would be very grateful. ❤️