Success Stories
Fiona's Story: Surviving by Eating Her Own Feces
In the fall of 2022, Fiona’s story became an epic saga of unwavering resilience and incredible determination. After months of going hungry and not having access to clean water, Fiona had resorted to eating her own feces in order to survive. She felt herself slowly dying of malnutrition and dehydration, and her hooves were in terrible shape, making it very painful for her to walk. Thankfully, the team at Chevalerie was actively working on her case to help her. Upon arriving at the sanctuary, Fiona breathed fresh air for the first time in weeks, free from the dust and dampness. The specialists at the sanctuary quickly put in place a protocol to address her foot problems, eye infections, joint pain, and severe nutritional deficiencies. After several weeks of receiving proper care from her human friends at the sanctuary, Fiona regained her strength and made new equine friends. By the winter of 2023, she had gained at least 200 pounds, her coat was shiny and healthy, and her hooves were much less painful. She could even take a few quick steps! Then, a human came to the sanctuary to potentially adopt Fiona’s friend Taylor, who had been headed to the slaughterhouse not too long before. This person fell in love with Fiona too, and now Taylor and Fiona live together.
From severe laminitis to a full gallop! Champagne's story
Before arriving at Chevalerie, I was a carousel pony. During the summer season, I was taken from one event to another where children were put on my back and I walked them in circles for hours. I liked children, but this work was very demanding on my joints and painful hooves. I suffered several consequences, including severe laminitis. Unfortunately, things didn’t get better for me in my new home, where I was also diagnosed with Cushing’s disease. People then considered ending my life without trying to treat me. That’s when Chevalerie came to rescue me before it was too late. At the shelter, I was cared for, pampered, and given the medication I desperately needed. Against all odds, I completely recovered, and I am now thriving!
One hundred rabbits without food or water
Summer 2021 – It is thanks to the social network Facebook that a rescue including more than 100 rabbits was carried out. A citizen denounced appalling and literally cruel conditions for these small beings. The rabbits were living without water, food, and in very unsanitary conditions. Upon our arrival, we found that dozens of rabbits had already died on site… During the rescue, 113 rabbits, several cats and a guinea pig found refuge in various organizations. The team from Chevalerie intervened to help remove the rabbits from the burrows through construction debris. Chevalerie managed to save 12 rabbits: 4 males and 8 females. We knew they were greatly ill, and that urgent care was required! A few weeks after their arrival, the females gave birth and more than 60 rabbits were born within our facilities. After a visit to the veterinarian, specialists concluded that the rabbits suffered from various problems, including incurable diseases. Several injuries, wounds, and skin parasites covered them. Unfortunately, their life expectancy is not long, as the disease is very aggressive and even with numerous veterinary treatments. Chevalerie team takes care of them every day to offer them an extraordinary life, in a large environment full of food and fresh water.