Rescued senior horse finally ready for forever stable, MSPCA says
A senior horse rescued from Martha’s Vineyard last year is seeking a forever home after a year of rehabilitation, the MSPCA said. Merlin, an American Paint horse, first arrived at Nevins Farm last December after being rescued from a property on Martha’s Vineyard. He was underweight and had severe dental issues that made it difficult and painful to eat. His teeth had not been properly maintained and had developed points that cut into his gums, and some had to be removed, the MSPCA said “When Merlin came to us, he weighed just 850 pounds, which may sound like a lot but it’s very underweight for a horse of his size,” said Rachel Diersen, equine and farm animal supervisor at Nevins Farm. “The issues with his mouth were so bad that he couldn’t even eat solid food, so we had to put him on a special diet.”A year later, Merlin is close to 1,100 pounds and much healthier, Diersen said. Merlin’s former owner was charged with felony animal cruelty, and ultimately surrendered the horse for adoption after she chose not to pay for his care and rehabilitation, the MSPCA said. Next month marks not only the one-year anniversary of Merlin’s arrival at Nevins Farm but also his 34th birthday.“Merlin will be the oldest horse we’ve placed in recent memory, and he’s very special,” said Diersen. “We’re highly motivated to rehome him now that we have custody, because he’s responded so well to treatment and has such a wonderful personality, and we’re hoping to enlist the help of the public to find this older gentleman an awesome retirement home.”The MSPCA is looking for an adopter who understands how to care for senior horses and the extra management they require. “His days of enjoying rides with humans may be over, but he will still be a great companion in the right home,” Diersen said. Interested adopters can learn more about Merlin and apply to adopt him here.Video: Could allowing pets get more Massachusetts remote workers back to office?
A senior horse rescued from Martha’s Vineyard last year is seeking a forever home after a year of rehabilitation, the MSPCA said.
Merlin, an American Paint horse, first arrived at Nevins Farm last December after being rescued from a property on Martha’s Vineyard. He was underweight and had severe dental issues that made it difficult and painful to eat.
His teeth had not been properly maintained and had developed points that cut into his gums, and some had to be removed, the MSPCA said
“When Merlin came to us, he weighed just 850 pounds, which may sound like a lot but it’s very underweight for a horse of his size,” said Rachel Diersen, equine and farm animal supervisor at Nevins Farm. “The issues with his mouth were so bad that he couldn’t even eat solid food, so we had to put him on a special diet.”
A year later, Merlin is close to 1,100 pounds and much healthier, Diersen said.
Merlin’s former owner was charged with felony animal cruelty, and ultimately surrendered the horse for adoption after she chose not to pay for his care and rehabilitation, the MSPCA said.
Next month marks not only the one-year anniversary of Merlin’s arrival at Nevins Farm but also his 34th birthday.
“Merlin will be the oldest horse we’ve placed in recent memory, and he’s very special,” said Diersen. “We’re highly motivated to rehome him now that we have custody, because he’s responded so well to treatment and has such a wonderful personality, and we’re hoping to enlist the help of the public to find this older gentleman an awesome retirement home.”
The MSPCA is looking for an adopter who understands how to care for senior horses and the extra management they require.
“His days of enjoying rides with humans may be over, but he will still be a great companion in the right home,” Diersen said.
Interested adopters can learn more about Merlin and apply to adopt him here.
Video: Could allowing pets get more Massachusetts remote workers back to office?