Rescuing an animal is a great experience. Animals have a way of understanding that a human has saved their life and given them a second chance, and their gratitude can be the most beautiful thing.
Like one pony, who had the sweetest way of thanking his rescuer after being saved from the slaughterhouse.
Natasha and Kirk Hance moved to a farm in Forth Worth, Texas so they would have more room for their rescue animals. They decided to start rescuing horses as well — and soon discovered that many horses were auctioned off and sent to be slaughtered.
“I honestly didn’t know that such places existed. I showed my wife the site and it really got to us,” Kirk told The Dodo, referring to a horse auction site he came across.
They were horrified by the reality these horses face, but fate gave them the opportunity to save one pony just in the nick of time.
“My wife spotted both a little paint mare and this little pony; both were being shipped at the end of the day if nobody could step up. We just jumped immediately and purchased them.”
The couple saved two horses, including a pony named Tobias, who were both skittish and had signs of neglect. Little Tobias was especially shy around his new owners.
But when Kirk showed the pony some much-needed care and affection, the pony soon warmed up to him.
“I knew I needed to get down on his level and just show him I cared for him,” Kirk told The Dodo. “He came up to me, and what started as me just petting him softly and reassuring him it was OK, turned into a full embrace.”
With that sweet gesture, the pony’s whole demeanor changed in an instant. Tobias rested his head on Kirk’s shoulder, as if hugging him in thanks for saving his life.
“I just sat there for a few minutes holding him. He seemed to relax and almost fell asleep as if he knew he was safe.”
Kirk says the moment “melted his heart,” and it was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
Tobias and his companion settled in to their new home at the Hance’s farm, and got plenty of love. The whole family showered attention on the rescued horses every day.
What a sweet moment. It’s heartbreaking to think that this beautiful pony was almost sent to the slaughterhouse, but thankfully his life was saved, and he’s clearly very grateful for it.
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