Abe the Orphan Mule Gets a Home!

We are so pleased to report that Abe the mule has a new home! Abe came to us last year when we rescued him and four foals from a feedlot that directly ships horses to slaughterhouses. The adult horses had already been shipped for slaughter, but the trader was hoping to get some money for the foals. Auction Horses Rescue facilitated their rescue, and with the help of generous people who offered to pay their bail, we were able to rescue these five little lives from the literal jaws of death.

The foster home was very generous and she actually paid the bail for one of the foals, and kept them all at her house for the first several months. You can read more about their first few months here! She kept two of the three foals that we rescued, which meant that she adopted three wild babies at once! One of her clients named Abe, and while she loved him, she could not take on yet another equine, and after they were cleared from quarantine, we sent Abe and the lone filly, Starlight, to work with a trainer until the end of March.

Abe and Star came back last month and we’ve been working with them at the ranch. Abe was still tentative around people, but he was getting better, and enjoyed taking apples and carrots from the volunteers. We were hopeful that we would eventually find the perfect home for him, and it came with a referral from a friend of the rescue! The woman was looking for a companion for her gelding, who was very sweet and docile. She drove to the rescue and met Abe, who took several apples from her, and she spoke with the trainer who worked with Abe. After consideration, she decided he would be the perfect fit for her family!

This past weekend we took Abe to his new home. He was a little uncertain at first about going into the trailer, but he eventually hopped right in, and off we went! He was great during the ride down to Fallbrook, and he walked up to his new home without a problem. When we introduced Abe to Rusty, they immediately got along- there was no squealing, kicking, or any other aggressive behavior. In fact, Rusty immediately made himself Abe’s protector, and Abe was happy to have a new friend!

The boys were side-by-side the rest of the day- they ate together and seemed content for the entire time we were there. Given how well Rusty and Abe got along from the start, we really couldn’t have asked for a better home for Abe!

We are so thankful that there are wonderful people who choose to rescue their animals, and who are willing to put in the time and love to create lasting relationships. We are so happy that Abe has a new friend, and a new family who will love him and care for him!