Gofer

If you can call it a box… An old barn that probably had its heyday 50 years ago. But more about the barn in a moment, first about Racuszek. I’d like to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Because just like the phone caught fire yesterday, it never did. Not only did we manage to get the money to pay off Racuszek completely, but we also managed to transport him, so this morning we got in the car and drove like wild horses to get our Racuszek. We haven’t had this much fun in a long time, because the completely impossible has turned out to be 100% possible, but with you, with you.

So Racuszek, who had no chance, will be coming to our center today. I can’t thank you enough, as we’ve long since surpassed 3,000 rescued horses. And there are probably thousands more to come. I’ve already told you that thanks to you, we’re creating here in Poland, on 1,000 hectares, the largest horse sanctuary in the world. And not just in Europe, as we recently learned. You’re part of something extraordinary, powerful, and existing thanks to you. I promise you a video with Racuszek tomorrow, where we’ll pet him, feed him carrots, and probably take him for his first walk. But now we’re rushing to get him. It’s hard to believe it all worked out this way.

So Racuszek, who had no chance, will be coming to our center today. I can’t thank you enough, as we’ve long since surpassed 3,000 rescued horses. And there are probably thousands more to come. I’ve already told you that thanks to you, we’re creating here in Poland, on 1,000 hectares, the largest horse sanctuary in the world. And not just in Europe, as we recently learned. You’re part of something extraordinary, powerful, and existing thanks to you. I promise you a video with Racuszek tomorrow, where we’ll pet him, feed him carrots, and probably take him for his first walk. But now we’re rushing to get him. It’s hard to believe it all worked out this way.

And suddenly there was a bang. The struggling pony, just as Racuszek and I were leaving, jumped and struggled so hard that it fell over the stall and over. It hung there on the halter, kicking and flapping its hooves. We retreated half a meter, knowing it wouldn’t last half a meter, and it hung there motionless, unable to move any further. The trader quickly ran up and started whipping it to get it to its feet, but the pony couldn’t. Shouts erupted, the man ran into the yard, called for two workers, and they had to cut the pony from the rope. And it lay there, on the stones, stunned, staring at me with those huge, terrified eyes, as if begging me not to leave without it. I’d never seen such a scene in my life, and I hadn’t been so moved in ages. I tried to take another step toward the ladder Racuszek was supposed to climb, but forgive me—I couldn’t. Ilia and I leaned over him, and I did something you’re not supposed to do in such places. I named him Gofer. Gofer lay there for a moment, bruised, sore, and stiff with fear. I’m not entirely sure what he meant, but if he meant we shouldn’t leave without him because he sensed we were the only hope in this dark barn, then he’d managed to get our attention. Now we couldn’t leave.

It’s 9:20 a.m. when I sent this to you, and I don’t know what to write. We won’t be leaving today with just Racuszek. We don’t have much choice, though, because no one will give us Gofer for free. Ilia, the vet, is trying to check if Gofer is okay and get him back on his feet. But I can’t imagine us just getting up and leaving now, even if Gofer isn’t broken. It’s unrealistic. So I asked the dealer how much he wanted for him. $1 020, but $468 now, and no later than Monday at noon. Tears welled up, because we’ve just exhausted the entire world about Racuszek and his transport. And now, Gofer – tell me, what are we supposed to do? We’re going to die here without you. Do you think $468 now  is even realistic? Could that happen? I look into the eyes of a happy Racuszek, and a moment later into the eyes of a desperate, hopeful Gofer. And I lose my mind. But I’m sending you this. If there’s a chance for a miracle for Gofer in this world, it’s in this message.