If you are an animal lover you’ve probably taken your pet to a veterinarian. You think of your vet as your pet’s best friend and savior if anything goes wrong. But, what do you do when the vet is the one you can’t trust and has broken your confidence in animal medical care?
In my line of work as an animal rescuer and humane police officer I have met many veterinarians. I have been in countless shelters, disaster zones, medical offices and colleges. I have met some truly amazing veterinarians. It’s not an easy profession. But never in my life have I imagined encountering a vet that didn’t care -- until now.
Last Chance Ranch
clarissa
I have not personally met Dr. Clyde “Renny” Shoop nor his ex-wife Kim, but it is just unfathomable to me what they have done. The Shoops had dozens of horses and various other animals entrusted into their care only to allow them to be neglected, abused and forgotten. As this story of extreme cruelty began to unfold – each detail more horrific than the next - it became one of the worst cases of animal abuse to hit our area in years, especially by a trusted veterinarian. (http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-carbon-county-dead-horses-charges-20160204-story.html)
In January 2016, police received a tip about a dead horse and several emaciated horses roaming their property. Police searched the property and found nine of 16 horses in critical condition, as well as 18 sheep, two goats and three dogs. Five of the most critically injured horses, an adult male, adult female, a juvenile female and two juvenile males, were taken from the property to a veterinarian in the Quakertown area. Only three of the five would survive, with two having to be euthanized. They also found at least five dead horses — two hidden beneath wooden pallets, one beneath a burned mattress, and two in a pit with the remains of other burned animals. Last Chance Ranch took two of those critically ill horses.
One of those horses, Clarissa, an emaciated 7-year-old TB cross, gave us many challenges and literally hung in the balance of life and death. Over 300 pounds underweight, Clarissa was unable to stand during the trailer ride to our facility.
These are the medical notes briefly jotted down on intake:
Date of Arrival: 1/26/2016- Was unable to stand on arrival at our facility.
Age: 7 Years Sex: Mare Color: Chestnut w/ Blaze
Health:
Lymph Node Check: Normal
Lameness: None
Teeth: Worn front teeth - Needs Dental
Hooves: Overgrown Tendons/Splints: Normal Eyes/Ears: Normal
Sheath or Teats: Normal Tumors: None present
Body Index Score (1-5): Between 0-1
Our staff and volunteers were able to carry her off the trailer, but it took the help of the Richlandtown Fire Company and neighboring rescue departments to lift her back to her feet. The first 48 hours were difficult, but Clarissa proved to be a fighter. With the help of a rented Anderson sling, we were able to support Clarissa for over a month until she could support herself.
For five long months of rehabilitation, with worried volunteers rallying to keep her spirits up, Clarissa flourished, gained over 300 pounds and blossomed into a wonderful young filly. Our volunteer trainers started working with her under saddle to prepare her for a new life.
Last Chance Ranch
Clarissa Before and After
Clarissa Before and After
This summer, a young woman named Taylor came to meet Clarissa and instantly formed a lifelong partnership. This once abused and neglected horse left for her new home at the end of July. We recently received a wonderful update from Taylor in August:
“Clarissa is very happy and healthy and loves her new life! She stands in the wash stall as well as on cross ties with no issues. She has had about 3 baths and is starting to enjoy them. She has come a long way in such a short amount of time and I am beyond excited for what the future holds for her!"
We are so happy for Taylor and Clarissa and look forward to more updates as Clarissa's training progresses. Thank you everyone for your support!
We’ve also had some critical times with Otto, our 25 +/- buckskin, who was almost forgotten about. He was hidden behind the Shoop’s house and was so skinny you could see his hips from a mile away. His gentle whinny and big brown eyes have wooed me into submission to give him anything he wants. Otto is perky, he wants to walk and get better. My tireless nights are nothing compared to what these poor animals have endured. They are all on the path to recovery.
As I look into these soulful eyes, I can’t help but wonder what they’re thinking. Will they have unlimited food or are they still scared they won’t get another meal? After years of torment and neglect how can they possibly let humans help them? I have spent many nights out in the barn with our new friends. When it’s quiet and the volunteers have all gone home for the night it’s my turn to watch over our precious friends and keep them safe. I listen to them eating and sometimes I can’t sleep, worried that they may need something. I worry that they may get into a bad position and can’t get up because they are too weak from starvation.
Many times I’m asked, “What if Last Chance Ranch was not here? Where would they have gone?” Unfortunately, there is such a great need for a place like Last Chance Ranch to step in to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home the many animals that have been (and continue to be) neglected and abused.
There are some bad people out there. But, good people far outweigh the negative. LCR is here for all animals. With your help Clarissa, Otto and all their friends will be healthy, happy and ready for a new family. It has been a tireless effort by many with rewarding results.