Help Save Mitch’s Foot. Gift Him the Chance to Be Healthy!

Update April 22:

Thank you so much to all who've donated. This greatly helps us. We will pay the 2nd installment of the bill today, so what we have will help ease that burden. And for Mitch's continued care. Expenses will still occur over the next few weeks as well.

Mitch is doing well. He needed to get home and be in a familiar place. He went to grazing as soon as he unloaded, so we let him enjoy that for a time. He is content and happy; although, he still has much healing and his hoof was resectioned and will be carefully attended to to heal properly. He is in stall jail, so he's getting extra interactions - lots of brushing and treats.

Spud was very glad to see Mitch, running down to the barn, with them whinnying to each other. They nozzled, groomed, and hugged over the stall door until Mitch said, "Spud you're being too clingy." Mitch gave a little kick-out (not seriously trying to connect) to warn Spud to take it easy.

The treatment shoe was removed after being put on since it caused more pain, and the Vet said that's not what we want. His bandage will be changed at home, and extra padding like a #2 diaper for protection, wrapped with layers and layers of gauze, vet tape, and the final layer of duck tape.

Thank you to Dr. Virgin and the staff at Pilchuck Equine Veterinarian. We feel she did a wonderful job, and she continues to keep in touch.

Update April 19:

Mitch's surgery went very well. The doctor feels he should have a full recovery with no complications. He's in good spirits. Now it's just aftercare, medical supplies, time to heal, and additional vet visits for checkups. Plus, the special treatment shoe with the plate. He is expected to come home today for which Spud will be most happy about.

Pictures will be added once he's home.

Thank you to those who have donated. The bills are still adding up, so any continued help is most appreciated. We will be required to settle the bill when we pick Mitch up.

Meet Mitch, a shining beacon of resilience and love in our lives. At 17 years old, Mitch has proven to be a champion in more ways than one, but now he faces his toughest battle.

Our beloved palomino, an Appendix Quarter Horse with a heart of gold to match, retired from competing in team roping in his younger days. Today, he’s plagued by a hoof injury, but with medical attention and surgery he's expected to recover, and in a few months, he’ll be charging up his pasture again. We’re seeking help so Mitch receives much-needed medical care and surgery to return him to his fun “child-like” behavior, and contented self.

Mitch has been at the vet clinic, getting daily care, and is scheduled for foot surgery. Mitch will experience months of recovery, and follow-up vet visits, all while wearing a special shoe. Despite Mitch’s current struggles, he remains a symbol of hope and determination. With this assistance, Mitch says he can do it.

About Us:

Mitch came to us as a foster in need of a home. Over the years, we’ve often partnered with Second Chance Ranch in Spokane, Washington, volunteering to care for, foster, and adopt horses. We provide a sanctuary of freedom and security, allowing each horse to be their natural self. We’ve always given freely as they’ve needed without hesitation. Unfortunately, Mitch’s dire needs have come at a time when we’re experiencing costly and stressful challenges ourselves, and we’re falling short of being able to pay for his immediate medical needs.

We’re asking for your help to gift Mitch the chance to heal - to be happy and free from his pain and discomfort. The veterinarians say that Mitch’s condition and health needs will heal with medical intervention, and most likely return him to good health. Mitch wants to roam in his pasture, kicking up his heels alongside Spud the bud. Spud is going insane missing Mitch. A bonus to Mitch's recovery is that Spud will be happier and at peace once his best friend Mitch comes home.

The cost of his emergency surgery and aftercare is substantial, but with your help, we can take care of him. We’re asking for $6000 in anticipation of additional costs during surgery and future care. Any amount donated over Mitch’s medical expenses will be donated to Second Chance Ranch to continue helping horses. If you prefer to donate directly to SCR on behalf of Mitch, feel free to do so at secondchanceranch.org and designate the donation for Mitch.

Thank you very much from the bottom of our hearts.