Rescuing an animal is a great experience. Animals have a way of understanding that a human has saved their life and given them a second chance, and their gratitude can be the most beautiful thing.
Like one pony, who had the sweetest way of thanking his rescuer after being saved from the slaughterhouse.
Natasha and Kirk Hance moved to a farm in Forth Worth, Texas so they would have more room for their rescue animals. They decided to start rescuing horses as well — and soon discovered that many horses were auctioned off and sent to be slaughtered.
“I honestly had no idea such places existed. “I showed my wife the site, and it really got to us,” Kirk said of a horse auction site he discovered.
They were horrified by the reality that these horses face, but fate provided them with the opportunity to save one pony just in time.
“My wife spotted both a little paint mare and this little pony; both were being shipped at the end of the day if nobody could step up. We just jumped right in and bought them.”
The couple rescued two horses, including a pony named Tobias, who were both fearful and neglected. Tobias was especially shy in the presence of his new owners.
However, when Kirk showed the pony some much-needed tenderness and affection, the pony quickly warmed up to him.
“I knew I had to get down on his level and just show him how much I cared,” Kirk told The Dodo. “He approached me, and what began as me softly petting him and assuring him that everything was fine, turned into a full embrace.”
The pony’s entire demeanor changed in an instant with that sweet gesture. Tobias leaned his head against Kirk’s shoulder, as if hugging him for saving his life.
“I just sat there holding him for a few minutes. As if he knew he was safe, he seemed to relax and almost fall asleep.”
Kirk describes the moment as “melting his heart,” and it marked the start of a beautiful friendship.
Tobias and his companion settled into their new home at the Hance’s farm and were showered with affection. Every day, the entire family lavished attention on the rescued horses.