I been looking for 2 days and have not seen an update on the colt. I do hope he is hanging in there. I would like to severely beat the people at the auction barn. I have been to places like that and your story brought back toooo many memories from years ago. I guess I had thought that humane people would have had these places all cleaned up.

-- Bonnie Norris (queqid@yahoo.com), January 16, 2002

Answers

The colt has the strangles. Could have gotten it in the group waiting to be sold or elsewhere. Nothing wrong with the auctions. If you don't want to buy a horse, don't go, but don't beat up on the people who do go!

-- matt johnson (wyo_cowboy_us@yahoo.com), January 16, 2002.

Livestock auctions are highly regulated now, and the animals must have water and feed and medical care if necessary. There is no animal cruelty at any of the auctions in my part of Texas. I see more cruelty in the way that some 'ranchers' treat their animals, especially overcrowding, overgrazing, and neglect.

-- Rose (open_rose@hotmail.com), January 16, 2002.

Thanks for asking...didn't want to bore anyone with mundane reports. Lio does have strangles, and we are in the noisy stage of the disease now, but he seems to feel halfway decent. He does eat well for me. No noticeable swellings yet on his neck. We are spending lots of time together & bonding well. He is deeply loved! Re: cruelty at auctions...the one I got Lio from was definitely cruel, by anyone's definition. Lots of slapping, kicking, and yelling. Also, there was no food or water, nor any troughs/buckets that would hold same, anywhere in the entire barn. Certainly, there are better auctions out there. Shipshewana is known for being one of the worst.

-- Shannon at Grateful Acres Animal Sanctuary (gratacres@aol.com), January 17, 2002.

I've been waiting for news about Lio too. Glad to hear he's doing OK. Isn't that the nice thing about forums? Those who don't want to 'hear' don't have to read! Have a great day.

-- Bernadette Kerr (bernadette_kerr@hotmail.com), January 17, 2002.

I think the auction colt has a following. I was looking, too, but was not brave enough to ask. Thanks Bonnie, for asking. Wishing them both well. Karen

-- Karen from CT (redpinto74@yahoo.com), January 17, 2002.

You all are so sweet. It warms my heart to know that people are thinking of him! Will have more pictures soon.

-- Shannon at Grateful Acres Animal Sanctuary (gratacres@aol.com), January 17, 2002.

Shannon, I am so glad to hear that Lio has been eating well for you, if he can keep that up, he will be fine!!!

And you are very correct about Shipshe being one of the worst auctions out there, I have heard horror stories about them for decades!

-- Annie Miller in SE OH (annie@1st.net), January 17, 2002.

Ah good, Lio is doing well. We'll not be bored by daily postings as you can see from above. All of us are thinking of you and your commitment to this animal's future. Please, keep us updated as to his situation. And take care of yourself too, don't forget.

-- HarleyinFL (cruisindog@juno.com), January 17, 2002.

Me, too! I've been following this incredible story and would love to hear updates about how Liois doing!

-- Bren (wayoutfarm@skybest.com), January 17, 2002.

I am also very glad to hear that Lio ie doing well. The positive side of this is that you two will have a perfect opportunity to bond.Although he probably feels crummy your love and attention will make him into a very gentle giant one day. Please keep us posted on his progress.

As far a cruelty at auctions, you are naive if you don't think it is out there. Minnesota has some of the most strict regs. out there but cruelty is everywhere. If people who don't like seeing it don't go to auction and raise fusses or but the owners, in a respectful way, things will never change. I will step off my soap box now. Remember I was a state humane agent once and saw it all!

-- Susan northern MN (nanaboo@paulbunyan.net), January 17, 2002.