A Happy Ending
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