Jake

Jake came to Sunrise when his owners, who had him for years after giving him a home when they saw he was significantly underweight, were finding it hard to care for their animals as they aged. They lived in a high, remote area in the Sierra foothills of Northern California, beyond the range of veterinary and farrier care.

As happens with many horses who come to us, we didn’t have any clear picture of Jake‘s previous life. Our veterinarians estimated that he was born around 2002, and that he is of mixed breeds. That is all we know! But we did know that he was gentle and had some training, and loved being with the other horses at Sunrise. 

When Jake arrived at Sunrise in May of 2023, it was clear that he had been living with laminitis, an inflammation of the inner part of the hoof, for quite some time. He was foot sore and his hooves had the shape characteristic of laminitis. Even with proper nutrition, frequent veterinary visits and x-ray guided farrier care, Jake continued to struggle with this painful condition. Jake needed special boots to cushion his sore hooves, as well as many other interventions. He would have moments of progress, where he seemed to be in less pain, only to relapse a short time later.

On those bright days where Jake appeared to be rounding a corner, his cheeky and curious personality would come out in full force. We were so lucky to get to see that side of him, even if it was only in glimpses. When it became apparent that Jake would not make a recovery from laminitis, and was requiring more and stronger pain medication, we made the difficult but humane decision to say goodbye. Jake passed peacefully with Sunrise volunteers and staff by his side. We appreciate all our donors who contributed to supporting Jake’s needs. We take comfort that he knew love, kindness, care, and compassion in the final year of his life.