Sometimes, hope can come in the most unexpected places. The story of Spirit showcases not only her resilience, but how much impact our compassion can have when an animal needs it most.
In Need of Help
Spirit, and several of her herd mates were seized because they were in desperate condition. They were severely underweight, with overgrown hooves and other signs of distress. Spirit could barely lift her head. She looked like she carried the weight of the world on her skinny shoulders.
Unfortunately, this was not the first time our Peace Officers had to attend this property. The owner was violating a lifetime ban against owning or caring for horses. With the help of the local RCMP, we obtained the warrant needed to act.
True to her new name, once Spirit had some care and attention – and much needed food and veterinary care – she was adopted by a loving new caregiver, Robert. She had found her forever home.
Starting to Heal
After a few weeks, Spirit started to fully recover. She was still frail, but slowly gaining weight, and Robert noticed improvements in her mood. When he felt she was ready, Robert introduced Spirit to his other horses, and things seemed to be heading in the right direction.
But one night Robert noticed her pacing along the fence and grew concerned when she was in the same spot again the next day. He immediately went to check on her. As he got closer, he noticed something moving next to her and assumed the worst — coyotes had attacked her. Then he looked closer.
It was a newborn foal,
Spirit had given birth.
An Incredible Chance
No one knew she was pregnant. Spirit had been so thin and exhausted that it didn’t seem possible. Yet, against all odds, here was a healthy newborn foal. Spirit had gone from a dire situation — underfed and neglected — to a loving home where she felt safe enough to bring a new life into the world.
Robert named the foal Chance.
Since then, Spirit has continued recovering. Chance is healthy and growing. Both can be seen running, playing, and eating with the other horses in Robert’s care. All this was possible because the Alberta SPCA was there when Spirit needed help most.
Looking Ahead
Spirit and Chance’s story is just one example of what’s possible when help arrives in time. Across our province, the need for intervention for animals in distress has never been higher.
With 80% of our funding coming from public donations, we rely on our donors to ensure we can provide the care and service these animals deserve.
You can make an impact today.
We’re asking Albertans to give what they can so we can continue providing animals like Spirit a second chance — and animals like Chance their first.
To make a gift today, click this link.
Thank you for taking a Chance.
Sometimes, hope can come in the most unexpected places. The story of Spirit showcases not only her resilience, but how much impact our compassion can have when an animal needs it most.
In Need of Help
Spirit, and several of her herd mates were seized because they were in desperate condition. They were severely underweight, with overgrown hooves and other signs of distress. Spirit could barely lift her head. She looked like she carried the weight of the world on her skinny shoulders.
Unfortunately, this was not the first time our Peace Officers had to attend this property. The owner was violating a lifetime ban against owning or caring for horses. With the help of the local RCMP, we obtained the warrant needed to act.
True to her new name, once Spirit had some care and attention – and much needed food and veterinary care – she was adopted by a loving new caregiver, Robert. She had found her forever home.
Starting to Heal
After a few weeks, Spirit started to fully recover. She was still frail, but slowly gaining weight, and Robert noticed improvements in her mood. When he felt she was ready, Robert introduced Spirit to his other horses, and things seemed to be heading in the right direction.
But one night Robert noticed her pacing along the fence and grew concerned when she was in the same spot again the next day. He immediately went to check on her. As he got closer, he noticed something moving next to her and assumed the worst — coyotes had attacked her. Then he looked closer.
It was a newborn foal,
Spirit had given birth.
An Incredible Chance
No one knew she was pregnant. Spirit had been so thin and exhausted that it didn’t seem possible. Yet, against all odds, here was a healthy newborn foal. Spirit had gone from a dire situation — underfed and neglected — to a loving home where she felt safe enough to bring a new life into the world.
Robert named the foal Chance.
Since then, Spirit has continued recovering. Chance is healthy and growing. Both can be seen running, playing, and eating with the other horses in Robert’s care. All this was possible because the Alberta SPCA was there when Spirit needed help most.
Looking Ahead
Spirit and Chance’s story is just one example of what’s possible when help arrives in time. Across our province, the need for intervention for animals in distress has never been higher.
With 80% of our funding coming from public donations, we rely on our donors to ensure we can provide the care and service these animals deserve.
You can make an impact today.
We’re asking Albertans to give what they can so we can continue providing animals like Spirit a second chance — and animals like Chance their first.
To make a gift today, click this link.
Thank you for taking a Chance.