Many of us on the local GSDHJA Circuit, know Linda and Jesse from a chat ringside at a show. Linda loves Jesse about as much he loves her. Linda is always willing to give an encouraging word to fellow competitors and Jesse lovingly accepts pats and scratches from any spectator or small child.

On February 28th Jesse had exploratory surgery to figure out why he had two bouts of colic like symptoms and was in pain. He was rushed to San Luis Rey Hospital after laying down mid breakfast and became painful, heart and respirations elevated and began sweating profusely, even after Banamine was administered.

When the vet asked Linda if surgery was an option, there was no hesitation. Even though that meant scraping together whatever savings, credit cards and lines of credit she could muster. Linda is one of ours, cleaning and repairing blankets for many local barns. And as many of us know, owning a small business is hard.

Surgery found a displaced large intestine that had been wrapped around and effectively strangled by the duodenum of the small intestine. Linda’s unflinching commitment to Jesse got him to surgery in the nick of time and when the intestines were unraveled, they started to pink and show signs of life.

The surgical team and staff at San Luis Rey did an outstanding job and Jesse has responded remarkably well to after care.

Linda rushed to the clinic to see Jesse before surgery and stayed on property while he was under-because she needed to be close and wanted him to feel that she was there with him. He waits for her visits and is so happy to spend the little time they get together.

Linda has over extended herself at this point and is sure to continue…she is stubborn. She said it best when she said that she got him to the best surgeon and hospital as quick as she could and that “no matter what happens, I’ve done everything I could.” For many of us with “Heart Horses” we know that the ends of the earth would not be too far.

We also know the grim reality of the length of road ahead and the steep price tag anything “equine” has on it. Linda has and will continue to do everything she can for Jesse. The surgeons did their best. And Jesse seems to be fighting to return home to his barn family.

If our community could help ease the financial worry and stress of the next chapter for Linda and Jesse, it would be a blessing.

Surgery was $8,000. His critical care stay has been $2,000 per day. This bill is at $15,000 and climbing daily. We are currently sterilizing and retrofitting his paddock into a box stall with new matting, a wood wall and gate. He has been in the same paddock with the same neighbor for over 11 years! They are both missing each other dearly. His mats have been graciously donated by another barn member and the construction will be donated by his farrier, the build cost will still be around $500.

Many hands make light work. And while Linda and Jesse are holding up mountains at the moment, they would be thankful to anyone that wishes to help them sustain the battle.