'She had a fighting spirit until the end'
LISA JAMES/Press In this May 1 photo, Kevin Pozas talks to Sundae, a pony found in a state of reported neglect near his house in Post Falls this past winter. Pozas and his wife took Sundae in last month and were attempting to nurse her back to health. After Sundae’s surgeries were unsuccessful, the Pozases had to put her down on Wednesday.
LISA JAMES/PressKevin Pozas and his neighbor Maddy Baker watch Sundae walk towards them to get grain on May 1, as they talk about the progress she's made since Maddy and her mother found the pony in a reported state of neglect near their Post Falls home this winter. While Sundae's overall condition had greatly improved, problems with her hooves and legs which caused her pain and limited her mobility were not improved by surgeries. Sundae was put down on Wednesday.
LISA JAMES/PressMaddy Baker sits with Sundae on May 1, a pony she and her mother found in a state of reported neglect near their house in Post Falls this past winter. Maddy was helping her neighbor Kevin Pozas, who took Sundae in, nurse her back to health. A GoFundMe page for Sundae had helped cover expenses and the cost of upcoming surgeries, but Sundae had to be put down on Wednesday as the surgeries were not successful.
By BRIAN WALKER
Staff Writer
POST FALLS — While Sundae's fate wasn't what the folks trying to save the pony had hoped, her supporters believe her story could save the lives of other horses.
The pony — which in February was taken in by nearby residents who believed she'd been neglected, and couldn't walk at that time due to a disease and inflammation affecting her hooves — had to be put down on Wednesday.
"When she went in for another procedure, they took additional X-rays and they discovered the (tissue) inside the hoof that holds the bones in place had given way," said Kathy Baker, who spotted the thin horse three months ago near her home and encouraged the former owner to give it up.
"There was so much scar and tendon damage, and that comes from years of neglect."
Baker said the silver lining to a sad ending may be education.
"Horses are pretty high-maintenance and can be delicate animals," Baker said. "People need to make sure horses have proper nutrition and care. Hopefully, Sundae's story will bring awareness to people about the importance of doing something.
"If her situation helps another animal through awareness, then we've done a good thing."
Dennis Stinebaugh, Kootenai County Sheriff's Office spokesman, said Thursday the horse's previous owner has not been charged. Stinebaugh declined to comment on the case, citing an active investigation that he said is expected to wrap up later this month.
Peter Haynos, the pony's previous owner, denies the pony was neglected. He earlier told The Press the horse was tender-footed when he got it about four years ago. He said he was told it was allergic to alfalfa, only to discover that it had a disease.
Haynos said he planned to give up the pony to a company that makes dog food before concerned neighbors stepped in and carried it away.
The horse was believed to be about 12 years old. Many horses can live 25 years.
The pony was given its name by Sally Pozas, who took the horse in from Haynos, because it reminded her of a vanilla sundae with chocolate sauce.
An army of residents and horse care professionals have been tending to Sundae the past three months.
While the horse became healthier, it remained in pain due to the hoof disease and inflammation, Baker said.
"She was a sweet and kind horse," Baker said. "She had a fighting spirit until the end."
Baker said she and others on Sundae's team knew heading into Wednesday's planned procedure that the prognosis for the pony's future was iffy.
"But we wanted to give her every shot we could," Baker said.
A fundraiser to fund the expenses associated with Sundae's care exceeded its goal of $3,500. Baker said if there are any funds left over after all the expenses are paid, organizers, with the permission of the donors, plan to donate the funds to McKinlay Peters Equine Hospital in Sundae's memory to take care of future horses in similar situations.
Baker said people's support for Sundae has been inspiring.
"There are so many good people in our area," she said. "We have a lot of gratitude for the giving and caring community that we live in."