WH SMUDGE

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August 2016: We were so saddened by the passing of gentle old soul, WH Smudge, best friend of WH Polly, and friend to everyone.
Smudge had developed cellulitis in one hindleg, and though he responded wonderfully to treatment, when he had access to stretching his legs on the track, he chose a slight dip in the area, to have a roll.
Our volunteers alerted us, as he could not quite get the right angle to get back up.
Although we were able to drag him out of the slight depression in the ground (safely, and under technical large animal rescue methods), we could not get him up. He was monitored overnight, kept warm with rugs and hot water bottles, under vet instruction.
Sadly, being in his early thirties, it took the stuffing out of him, and, he could not get up, and was euthanased.
June 29th 2015: One of their beautiful clients, "D", visited his favourite equine, WH Smudge, both on Saturday and Sunday. On Sunday, D walked out into Smudge's large paddock, bearing gifts of carrots and apples, & Smudge walked enthusiastically up to him. D doesn't really show interest in any other equine at the sanctuary, but Smudge has won him over. D threw his arms around Smudge's neck, saying "Smudge", and had the biggest cuddle with the dear gentle horse.
May 28th 2015: So excited to announce that WH Smudge (big chestnut boy in the video, with his bestie WH Polly) is our first FULLY sponsored equine! The wonderful folk at See Change Supported Accomodation, chose Smudge as their first equine to work with, & we are so grateful. Thank you to Carly Sutherland, one of our tireless volunteers, who is swapping her part-sponsorship, to another lucky equine at the centre. 
May 25th 2015: WH Smudge and new-found 'bestie' WH Polly frolicking in their paddock this arvo!
March 14th 2015: Poor WH Smudge, newbie old boy, had gas colic last night. Thanks as always, to volunteers Megan and Mel, who noticed him trying to roll in his yard, & rang me straight away. He was very uncomfortable, intermittently, & this escalated as we waited for Dr. Kylie Splatt to arrive. Jadae kept him walking, he passed a small pooh, then it all abated by the time Kylie was onsite. A huge shout out to dear Kylie and the team. They never fail us, ever. Kylie found his heart rate to be slow and erratic (atrial fibrillation), which may be due to the colic episode, or it may be him. He needs to avoid upset, & fortunately has his bestie, WH Polly, in with him now (they were from same property, so can be quarantined together).
March 13th 2015:Where is WH Smudge?
The dear boy has worked out the perfect fly deterrent and shade sail all in one! Only one more week of quarantine, & he and WH Polly can go into their own paddock!
Photo credit to Mel Hildebrand.
March 1st 2015: WH Smudge had a check up from the lovely Dr. Paul Kavanagh, of Barwon Equine Hospital today today, as he arrived dehydrated, and is taking awhile to rehydrate.
February 25th 2015: Welcome to newby WH smudge!