Dogs are such loving and empathetic creatures. They have strong protective instincts and will frequently take an animal under their wing if they believe it requires assistance.
That was the case for one rescue dog, who took on the role of guardian and best friend to an orphaned foal. S & K Quarter Horses in Fayette, Alabama, is owned by Karla Swindle.
One of her horses, a 22-year-old mare named Sandy, had to be terminated a few years ago owing to worsening health.
Sandy’s foal, Tye, who was orphaned at just 9 days old, was especially heartbro.ken by Sandy’s de.ath. But Karla’s dog, Zip, swiftly stepped up to console the orphaned newborn horse.
“Zip remained with me in the barn lane all night – the foal was sleeping in the alley, and he simply laid there by the filly,” Karla said to The Dodo.
Tye’s sadness was detected by the dog, who stayed with the colt all night, consoling him with a compassionate paw, according to Karla.
According to IHeartDogs, “[Zip] was resting there by his neck and the dog was whimpering, like sobbing.” “It simply crushed my heart.”
While Tye lost his mother that night, he got the closest friend in the form of Zip, who swiftly assumed the role of the foal’s companion and guardian. “I guess he’s adopted it as his child,” Karla speculated.
“He’s telling him that he’s not alone.” Dogs are emotionally aware animals who appear to be able to detect when someone has di.ed, and it appeared like Zip comprehended the circumstances and deliberately sought out this lost foal.
“Every year, we raise foals, and he would kind of peer through the entrance and just stare at them,” Karla told The Dodo. “You could see Zip was concerned that night.”
“This is the first time he has just licked, pushed, and lain on one,” she told the Tribune. Zip had been looking after Tye every day for weeks and was excited to see him every morning.
“Every time I went to the barn, Zip would go to the stall and stand in front of the stall waiting for me,” Karla told The Dodo. “He’d always beat me to the barn.”
“As soon as I opened the door, he’d nearly knock me down before I could go in.” He’d go over there and place his head on the foal if he was lying down.” Tye has since matured into a happy, healthy horse, no doubt owing to Zip’s early care and friendship. Tye now spends the most of his time with his other horses, and he’s forced to “leave the nest,” so to speak, becoming more self-sufficient from his canine dad.
“You could tell Zip was there for the foal when he needed him,” Karla remarked. “And now that Zip knows the foal is fine, they’ve kind of split up.” While they are no longer dependent on each other, we know they will always be friends and have a particular place in one other’s hearts.
Rescue dog becomes Dad to orphaned foal:
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