Bring Gunner Home ❤️

Gunner was born on June 20 2024, and was perfectly fine and healthy as far as we could tell (including the vet who came out 10 hours after birth). Since Thursday, he has had someone with him every single day loving on him multiple times a day and has shown us the cutest, most loving personality already.

On Tuesday, I arrived at the barn to find Gunner laying limp and so weak he couldn’t lift his head. We knew then that something had to be done because that was not normal. He loved to greet you at the gate with bright eyes, the teeniest little knicker, and nose kisses if you got on his level. After the first vet assessed him, he said if I wanted any chance at saving him, I would have to take him to Virginia Tech Veterinary Hospital to have 24/7 care.

Without hesitation, I scooped him up and placed him in my arms, cradling him like a little baby in the backseat of my RAV4. We made it to the hospital as quickly and carefully as possible. Once we got there, the staff grabbed the colt out of my arms and started working to bring him back to life. After bloodwork was done, it was determined that he had severe life-threatening abnormalities in his bloodwork. His numbers were elevated by 10x what they should’ve been at. VT Veterinarians went to work on him immediately trying their best to do everything they can to bring those levels down to normal.

The best news I could’ve received today is that my little guy doesn’t know he’s sick and is still fighting so hard. The worst is that his numbers have only slightly improved and we’re still in the dark as far as future treatment is needed to keep him alive. The bill is already a few thousands, but when I was asked if I wanted to continue his care, I didn’t have the heart to say no and not give this little colt the chance he deserves. They are estimating that it will cost starting around $10,000 in total to do so, and I’ve never wanted to ask for help but feel like this colt means more to me than my pride. Any amount is appreciated as I want to do the best I can do for this baby. Thank you, sincerely from my heart.