For those who live near the wilderness, encountering a wild animal is a very real possibility. Some properties have cows, sheep, chickens, or horses that might be targeted for an animal attack. Some of these owners have devised diverse ways for them and their animals to be kept safe.
For horse breeders, because of the amount of time, effort, and money they have invested, protecting animals is a critical concern. There are many areas in California where people can encounter several wild animals, such as mountain lions. Mountain lions roam free in these areas, and they hunt whatever they can find. Horse breeders in that area have several safety measures to prevent an attack on their animals.
For one of these breeders, it would be an experience she will never forget. One day, while she was at home, Diane Truxillo heard some noises coming from the barn. She instantly knew something was wrong, and she urged her husband to go with her and investigate.
Without losing any time, they both went running to the barn to see what was going on. Suddenly, they see their dogs chasing a dark shadow in the distance. The animal escaped into the woods.
Diane panicked immediately when she realized what the animal was: it was a mountain lion. She gets to the barn to check on her pregnant mare Phlicka. When they got there, the first thing they noticed is that Phlicka wasn’t alone. She had just given birth, and they feared the worst.
Colts usually stand up almost as soon as they are born, but this one was not moving at all. She checked the colt, who they named Charlie. The colt had sustained severe injuries on the neck. Charlie had lost a lot of blood, and they need something to stop the hemorrhage.
The veterinarian treats Charlie’s injuries, and Diane comes up with a solution for Charlie’s neck. Since then, Charlie has looked like a masked superhero! The bond between them has strengthened, and for Diane, Charlie is another of her lovely boys.
