02/17/08, 3pm: Finally a break in the weather for Windchill…

February 17th, 3pm: Another leap forward! First, we caught a good break in the weather and it’s quite warm today, in the 30′s finally. Amazing to think about – it’s a 60 degree difference over last week and most of this week. With the help of some new volunteers and neighbors we helped Windchill up a little before 1pm. The going was a little rough at first but Windchill seems to understand what we’re doing and he tries desperate to help us but it’s difficult until we get his feet under him. Once he was up he stood for 40 minutes. About 20 minutes or so into his standing and taking some small steps around his stall he began to slump. We figured he was tired – and he was – and began lowering him back to the ground. As soon as he heard the winch beginning to lower him he immediately sprang back to life, refusing to go down and rest. He stood another 20 minutes which included walking around his stall as best he could, nuzzling everyone standing there and munching on hay as well as relieving his bladder – he’s not really able to drain himself fully laying down so it tends to trickle out. Now that’s the first thing he does when he stands and then wonders why we all cheer. We are all simply amazed at the spirit in this little guy. He keeps eating which is good – he should be around 600 to 750 lbs for his size and age – the vet figured he was around 400 or so. Even at 400 he’s a handful to try and get up so thank goodness for all you good people willing to help. A volunteer came over today (Gary) and restrung the chains for the winch, giving it even more stability and some more mobility so Windchill can explore a little more while he’s up. He wants to walk, that’s very clear.

ALL of this is the result of your faith, your well wishes, and your prayers. Windchill is truly the result of the power of believing so don’t even doubt that your emails and thoughts aren’t critical to the little guy in his recovery. Thank you all so much for reaching out.