A Happy Ending

A Happy Ending

Susan Allen
Susan Allen

 

Over comers and over achievers it’s the stuff of great movies are made of and they’re even more poignant when you have an animal in the mix. I’m Susan Allen and I’ll be back after a quick break with a heart warming tale  of redemption and second chances on today’s OpenRange. One  horse catapulted to fame throughout the nation last year but not for any heroic deed rather for  the horrendous cruelty inflicted on the old gelding.  I reported last year on Trooper who was shot in the head and left for dead in Oregon’s Deshutes National Forest where  hunters eventually found Trooper  aimlessly wandering and alerted authorities. Money for his care poured in from places like Portland and San Francisco  and the unwanted animal became a “poster boy of sorts ”  for the plight all  unwanted horses face especially during a recession. Animal lovers rejoiced when the man charged with  shooting Trooper,  was convicted of animal abuse and  criminal mischief. But the story wasn’t over, like a good movie  the best continues to unfold. Today Trooper.  renamed Hero,  is now inspiring kids in need beyond anyone’s imagination. Following surgery to remove his left eye, the gelding is  now  is the most famous resident of the CrystalPeaks Youth Ranch in BendOregon. According to the Ranch’s founder Kim Meeder Hero’s friendly attitude has become “ a beacon of hope for people going through difficult times. It is almost as if the old horse tells each child personally “If I can make it, you can to.”   Don’t you just love happy endings! I’m Susan Allen 
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