Heart of Tucson Rescue
April 9, 2011
Mike Relva and Diana Stuart
(All photos provided by Diana Stuart)
On an uncharacteristically cold and rainy April day, Family of Barbaro Blog members Mike Relva (Tennessee) and Diana Stuart (Arizona) had the honor and pleasure of visiting Heart of Tucson Rescue to get up close and personal with Dyna King (“Gifted”) and the “heart of Heart” Judy Glore and her husband Mark. What an amazing visit! Judy and Mark graciously introduced us to Dyna King and most of the other rescue horses on the property. Some had wonderful stories. Some had tragic stories. Some stories remain unfinished. But all the stories of all these animals point to one Big Thing: Every living creature deserves a second chance at a quality life and the care of loving hands!
We brought carrots, peppermints, alfalfa pellets, supplements, and money. But we took away something far more valuable - a deep seated respect for what Heart does, how they do it, and the incredible results they are able to achieve on a virtual shoestring. We became part of the family. And of course, we nuzzled, kissed, petted, and loved on Dyna King, son of Dynaformer, genetic half brother to Barbaro, and the unwitting emergent poster child for the critical needs of horse rescues throughout the equine world!
In spite of the showers and muddy ground, Dyna King was friendly and frisky, doing a “happy dance” with his hind legs as he trotted around his covered paddock. Tendons and muscles still healing and strengthening from his abuse and neglect, his “happy dance” was unthinkable even two months ago. His shovel-shaped hooves of four months ago look mostly normal now thanks to little nips and tucks and tweaks almost daily. The x-rays of his fetlocks and foot structure show almost dramatic improvement. His coat and body condition don’t even come close to the skeleton with fur we all saw in early photos. He has put on a lot of weight and his coat is sleek and smooth to the touch.
Dyna King is a happy horse; a happy-to-be-alive horse; and most importantly, a horse that tells you when he looks at you that he is not done fighting yet. Not even close. Some may say he is unlucky, but I say he is one of the luckiest horses in the world. Fate dropped him into the perfect helping hands at just the perfect moment. He is alive! He is thriving! And if his body English and behavior can be believed, Dyna King is clearly bent on proving the naysayers wrong and living up to his nickname: Gifted!
Dyna King & Judy "Hi Big Guy" |
Dyna King & Judy Having a Chat |
A Sweet Moment. It is not hard to see the love and trust between Dyna King and Judy. |
Diana Stuart Meets Dyna King |
In the Presence of Royalty? Dyna King & Diana |
Diana Watching Dyna King Eat Dyna King Finishing Off His Bucket A Kiss for a King, Dyna King & Diana Mike Relva Meets Dyna King Dyna King Nuzzles Mike Where's My Carrot Mike? A Beautiful Face and a Happy Story Mike and Judy with a 27-year old Quarter Horse rescue who gives horsemanship lessons to small children---and timid adults maybe? Sadie Wants Some Love Too! This sweet Percheron mare was rescued from a PMU operation and after further traumas along the way, given a well deserved retirement at HEART of Tucson. Hitting Cinco's Sweet Spot Judy foaled out this stunning paint. He was born at 5:55 AM on 5-5-2005! Here are some more photos of Dyna King and HEART of Tucson's newest member, little eight week old Geevers ! (Photos taken by Mia Larocque) Little Geevers "The Introduction" Geevers Learning to Walk the Horses ! Well done little Geevers ! Dyna King Proudly Wearing His New Blanket ! Joining the Dance once again :) Dyna King !!! A Huge Thank You to Diana, Mike, Judy, and All the Amazing Volunteers at HEART of Tucson. Remember, Dyna King has come so far in such a short time, but, he still has a long way to go. With his incredible will to live, the loving care he receives every day, and with the help of everyone that has donated and continues to do so, I just know he will make it! Here is a link to HEART of Tucson's website, You can help Dyna King/Gifted by donating in the left margin, any amount would help in his continuing care. HEART of Tucson Website Dyna King has touched my heart more then you know, and everyone that has helped in his cause, Thank You !!! *For those not familiar with Dyna King's story, here is a how he found Judy and his new lease on life: "In the Spirit of Christmas" |