Strawberry, our beautiful 15-year-old Medicine Hat paint who arrived at her temporary foster home in Florida on August 28, 2010, had eye surgery on September 1, 2010.
Although cancer in her eye was not at first suspected, there was clear evidence of cancer on her vulva. Dr. Lee determined that Strawberry's eye was so severely damaged, she needed to have it removed. As it turned out, the eye was squamous cell carcinoma, just like her vulva, but Dr. Lee removed both and believed he got clear margins, so Strawberry is officially cancer-free at this time.
While we have not ridden Strawberry, we believe she could make a good riding horse. Before being abandoned, she was purchased as a riding horse for a family's daughter. Strawberry's foster, Patti, says that Strawberry is a little mistrustful of humans, perhaps due to some unkind treatment at some point in her life. Patti said she had some difficulty trimming her feet; Strawberry was nervous and uncomfortable with that. Despite her anxiety, Strawberry allowed Patti to saddle her and even lay across the saddle. Strawberry needs an adopter who has patience and affection to offer to help her regain her confidence and trust.
Strawberry is recuperating nicely in foster care in the Pensacola area of Florida and we expect a full recovery. With expensive surgery, such as eye removals, HRRRF is pressed for donations and welcomes any assistance from our wonderful circle of friends. Strawberry is now available for adoption, and with her gentle disposition, we know she will make a lovely companion for some lucky individual or family. Patti says she is even unafraid of her dogs, chickens, and peacocks!
This beautiful girl will need a home where she can be inside during summer days and hot weather to protect her eyes from sun damage, which is generally the cause of squamous cell carcinoma in light colored horses. Of course, she could be out at night and during comfortable winter days, when the sun is not so strong. Most of all, she needs love, kindness, and a compassionate human companion.
To make a donation, please see our website at http://www.savethehorses.org/. To make an inquiry about adoption, please contact horseinc@aol.com. We would love to find a permanent or foster home as soon as possible. Other horses in Florida are waiting for space once Strawberry is adopted, so spread the word about her.
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