Pika's rescue was one of our hardest. During a fierce heatwave, we travelled to the lowest place in the country, and in the world. We found Pika tied up alone in the sun, without a drop of water, grass or shade. Beside him sat the nurse who had been caring for him and her daughter. They too were exhausted by the heat, but were giving Pika the last of their water.

Pika was exhausted, yet very friendly. We tried to get him into the trailer, but he resisted. He was so frightened. After so long without attention, he seemed to have forgotten how to communicate with people. We started at noon and tried for hours. He refused to enter the trailer. Nothing worked, and believe us, we tried everything.
Eventually, with serious misgivings, we asked the boarding stable owner to help load him. Our fears proved justified. The man began working with Pika, then suddenly produced a whip and struck him with tremendous force. Pika reared up and cried out in pain. Our hearts broke, and we all shouted for him to stop immediately.

Even then, Pika did not become angry or try to kick him. He went back to being sweet and gentle, seeking affection and even licking us like a puppy. That made it even more heartbreaking. How could he have become used to such beatings and still offer love?

The stable owner angrily ordered us off the property. We were left in the street under the blazing afternoon sun, pleading with Pika to trust us, to believe in kindness. Our eyes stung with tears and sweat.
We called animal advocates and other horse handlers, stopped passers-by and brought a tractor to block the road. Six and a half hours of struggle, despair, pain and fear. What would happen to him at night? We could already hear jackals nearby, and he was elderly, injured, exhausted, dehydrated and starving.

What could we do? Nothing had worked.
Then, in a final moment of desperation, without speaking, we all stood around Pika, creating a quiet, calm circle. He began to walk into the trailer, one step at a time. This time, he stayed inside.

It is hard to describe the emotion and tears that overwhelmed us. At last, he trusted us. At last, he was on his way to happiness, health, safety and freedom.

To help us keep caring for Pika and every animal at the farm as they deserve, we are grateful for any donation towards the best possible care and a good, happy life.