With great sadness I must report that Lucky Pal lost his battle to recover earlier this week. He died on Monday night due to a massive seizure that would not subside. This horse had inspired so many people to step up and provide the medical care, love and attention that any horse would be fortunate to receive.
A few weeks ago, Lucky Pal’s plate on his elbow broke and needed to be replaced. To my continued amazement, everyone that had helped with his prior surgery came forward and went all out to save this horse. U.C. Davis donated the services of their chief surgeon and Pioneer Equine Hospital’s team once again allowed the surgery to take place at their facility for a minimal fee. The second surgery went well and he was healing nicely. His owner, Erlene Friend, was very encouraged – as we all were – and hoped that Lucky Pal would soon be grazing in her pasture without a care in the world.
We are uncertain if the seizure was a result of head trauma from the original accident, or whether he had a previous condition that caused his first owner to abandon him and leave him running aimlessly down a rural road in Sacramento County. Regardless, our heart goes out to Erlene and all of the people who took Lucky Pal into their hearts, doing everything possible to give him a chance at life.
News 10 also reported on Lucky Pal’s valiant battle for life. Click here for the story.
Read Dr. Hunter’s tips on what to do if you find an injured horse who may be abandoned.
Lucky Pal’s Story… A Palomino yearling was found along side the road in Wilton on October 10th, evidently hit by a car and left for dead.
Animal Control was called to pick up what they thought would be a deceased horse and a vet from Loomis was called to assist. Fortunately, News 10 reporter Duffy Kelly who was on the scene thought to call a local equine veterinarian in hopes the horse could be saved. Dr. Hunter arrived in just a few minutes and the rest of the story is a happy one.
Dr. Hunter found the young gelding in shock but able to be transported.
Watch the story unfold on video.
News 10 Reporter Duffy Kelly was very taken with this young gelding, which she later named “Lucky Pal Thank You Bob Hunter” – Lucky Pal for short. After being transported to the Hunter Stallion Station Equine Veterinarian Clinic in Wilton, Lucky Pal was on his feet and eating fine. Dr. Hunter started to coordinate his care, including obtaining generous donations of services from other vets in addition to his own. Authorities searched for the horse’s owner, but the seven day waiting period passed and no one came forward to claim the young gelding.
On Oct. 18th Dr. Hunter, Dr. Galupo, Head Surgeon from UC Davis Veterinary Hospital, and the surgeon team at Pioneer Equine Hospital performed Lucky Pal’s procedure. They were optimistic that the plate attached to his elbow would succeed in giving him full mobility. Lucky Pal responded so well that he returned to the Hunter Stallion Station the next week where he began a long recovery process. He received many visitors who came by to offer encouragement.
Many generous horse lovers stepped up to donate toward his surgery expenses and continued care. If you wish to donate toward the remaining balance, please contact Bank of America and reference account #23643 70775 that was just established for Lucky Pal. You can also call Hunter Stallion Station for more information at 916.687.6870.
We don’t know how Lucky came to be in harms way, but his story has made people in the Central Valley aware of the plight of many horses who are being abandoned by owners who have fallen on hard economic times. Hunter Stallion Station wants horse owners to know that rescue organizations, such as the Grace Foundation of Northern California have taken in hundreds of horses and they need support from horse lovers who appreciate their good work.
Hunter Stallion Station would like to thank everyone for caring so much for this young horse. He inspired many people and will always be fondly remembered.
My heart is broken after learning, while at Hunter SS picking up meds for my horse today, of Lucky Pal’s passing. All of you who took such good care of him are angels and he was definitely loved and cared for over the past few months so that, at least, he did know some human kindness during his short life — maybe his purpose in his short life was to bring out the best in people, which he surely did. My heart also goes out to his adoptive parents as they were looking forward to giving him a great home with love and kindness. Thank you, everyone, for all that you did for him.
I just now checked your site and found out what the circumstances were that lead to his passing. Thank you Dr.Hunter and all others for doing so much for Lucky Pal. I know that I will always remember this story.
I dont see anyone concerned about the people who left him. but took the adult female, his mother..it doesnt seem it would be too hard to find the owners..just drive around in the area..and ask around..they should be held accountible..even if they dont have the money..they can at least have some morels and admit they left the horse..
Thanks so much for your Veterinary Tip of the Month in the October 2011 newsletter. It’s good to know why Animal Services called the Loomis vet who was so far away, and also to have the suggestion about asking our local vet to sign up with their local shelter. So glad Lucky Pal is doing so well!
Anymore updates? Been checking daily and still nothing….
Lucky Pal is doing well and recovering at Hunter Stallion Station. You are welcome to visit! The address is 10163 Badger Creek Lane in Wilton.
It’s so good to know there’s still good people out there who care for something other than themselves.Thank God for the reporter, and Dr.Hunter!.
Bravo to Duffy who called a local vet, Dr Hunter, for getting prompt medical attention for this little palomino. The horse was wearing a fairly new halter with an attached lead rope, and appeared to be welll fed. Perhaps the owner is fearful of the liability involved (and the big vet bill). This is truly sad.
I hope that this palomino finds a forever loving home.
“Lucky Pal” is right! I’m so glad the reporter thought to call a local vet, and I must say I think he’s the best…he’s my vet too! I know that this little cutie is receiving the best care anyone can give. I have an elderly horse 30 years old and a big part of our family that I thought was going to die a couple years ago. He was at Dr. Hunter’s barn for a couple weeks….Now, he runs through the pasture full speed to have his treats just like old times.
Thank you Dr. Hunter for caring for Lucky Pal and the great care from you and your staff saving our Billy the Kydd!
P.S. I would hope that Animal Control will look at this and improve on who they call to help out, maybe they could use the internet/GPS to find local vets that would help prevent an unnecessary death.
Hello there!!
So very happy he is getting the treatment that is needed! Hopefully he will be up and running in no time!
I am actually the president of my high school club, Paws 4 a Cause, and recently made my club aware of his plight. On Oct. 24th, we will be collecting donations for Lucky Pal and forwarding it all to the bank account. We also work with the Placer SPCA and Chance for Bliss animal sanctuary. As Sheri was wondering, if the owner is not found, will Lucky Pal be available for adoption?
Thank you!
Thanks so much Taylor for your message and your club’s generosity. We will keep you informed.
Duffy is a hero for stepping up and calling Dr. Hunter! Cheers to both of you!!
It is possible that the horse wasn’t abandoned and just got loose…even possible that the owner saw what happened if the horse got away from them and didin’t want to deal with the liability if they saw the accident. I guess that is abandonment too. The fact that he has been gelded and is in good health indicates that someone was taking care of him.
In any event – so glad the horse is in good hands and getting the care he needs. Hopefully his owner if found.
WHEN WILL THIS GELDING BE AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION – OR WHERE CAN DONATIONS BE MADE FOR HIS CARE – HE IS ABPSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL
Thanks for your comment. Dr. Hunter has been informed that News10 reporter Duffy Kelly is setting up a bank account at Bank of America this afternoon for Lucky Pal. We will keep you informed and want to thank everyone for their concern.