For nearly a decade, a senior horse named Gidget knew nothing but solitude.
She hadn’t seen another living soul, human or animal, in years.
After spending 17 loyal years with her owner, life had changed for both of them as he grew elderly and could no longer care for her properly. He managed to get her oats down a chute each day, but beyond that, Gidget lived in quiet isolation.
But then, everything changed. A sanctuary, Mockingbird Farm, run by a compassionate woman named Jonell Chudyk, received word about Gidget.
Since its founding in 2015, Mockingbird Farm Sanctuary has served as a safe haven for farm animals in need.
At 29 years old, this resilient horse had lived through long years of loneliness and needed somewhere to experience peace and companionship in her twilight years. When Gidget arrived at the sanctuary, her response was nothing short of heartwarming.
As she stepped off the trailer, her eyes widened with excitement, taking in the sights and sounds of a place filled with other animals and, at last, friendly humans.
Jonell had assumed Gidget would naturally connect with the other horses at the sanctuary, creatures who could understand her experience. But Gidget’s heart found an unexpected match.
Her closest friend turned out to be Peggy, a miniature horse who had also lived a quiet, lonely life before finding sanctuary. Bonded by shared experiences of solitude, these two gentle souls formed a special connection, as though they’d been waiting for each other all along. Jonell noticed that Gidget seemed to “purr” whenever Peggy was near, a sound of contentment that spoke volumes.
In Peggy’s presence, Gidget’s final days were filled with joy, love, and a friendship that was as precious as it was unexpected. Jonell and her team celebrated every day of Gidget’s newfound happiness, knowing it was a gift that came just in time.
”Though no one will ever replace Gidget and the very special relationship they shared, Peg did find companionship with another lone miniature pony who desperately needed her too!”, Mockingbird Farm writes.
The beautiful, touching video shared by GeoBeats tells their story in a way that words can barely capture. It’s a must-watch for anyone who believes in second chances and the magic of friendship.
I don’t care what anyone thinks, animals grieve just like we do.
What a blessing that you were able to give her a friend and a safe place to live out that year and make some memories!
