The Story of Pilgrim
This day that was filled with so much sadness, grief and emotions, turned into a vision to honor our beloved rescue, Pilgrim. Our little red horse we rescued from a small, hot, box stall, shut down emotionally, super long hooves that hadn’t been done in well over 1.5-2 years, a rear ankle injury that had not been vetted or cared for (he fused himself together and it measured 15.5” around!), we HAD to get him out of there. He had been listed on Craigslist for several months we were told. He was waiting for us! My friend said she has always wanted to name a horse this, and I said,” What is it?” She said,” Pilgrim”. I said, “I love that!”. We both started crying as we drove him home to love and care for him for the rest of his days. It was summer, so we gave him his 1st bath to wash off all of that yucky past. We got his feet done and after several trims he was feeling better and better. He made friends with our mare and 2 minis’ and they played and ran with hearts full of joy. Nothing can compare to seeing the “light” turn on when a rescue knows they are loved and cared for properly. They feel safe and “at home”. That is why this nonprofit was named “Pilgrim’s Light”, created to raise awareness and funds to go to equine and canine rescue.
Pilgrim’s Legacy and Our Commitment
My heart has always been a “rescuers heart” when it comes to animals, and our Pilgrim was a very, very special boy. He loved to be loved on, groomed and walked (he could not be ridden because of that injury, but he was not in any pain). He would run and play, and the smart boy he was, he knew his limits with his ankle. We just let him be the amazing horse he was. I will never forget that day when I walked out and he was trying to walk to me, but he was in severe pain. I called the vet immediately. I knew. His ankle had finally collapsed and there was no coming back for this 20+ year old little red horse. I stayed with him every second until our vet came and we helped him cross over, where there is no pain, no neglect, no abuse. I am forever blessed we had him for almost 2 years, and was with him for his final breaths. That is when I made a promise to him to give back to other rescues. He is why we are here. I will love you and miss you forever, Sweet Pilgrim!
How Pilgrim’s Light Gives Back
I have been creative all my life. I love wood (especially old wood) and creating pretty things out of it. I’ve been doing that for years. I also love a pretty, cozy, good-smelling home. So, I thought, I could put my love of these things together and create hand-poured, clean-burning candles and reclaimed wood home décor and sell them! ALL of the net proceeds will go to equine/canine rescue. My dogs and cats have always been rescues, forever. I donate once a year to the Feral Cat Coalition, a wonderful organization that spayed our feral, not-feral-anymore kitty, Arrow 😊. I volunteer on a regular basis at Milly’s Place Equine Rescue in Valley Center, CA. A large portion of proceeds will be going to them, and I will be selecting a couple of canine rescues as well. As we grow, my intention is to have more on our list. All of this is in HONOR of our PILGRIM…We love and miss you!!!