Chicca the Pony
Whenever I drove from Pergola to Cagli, my eyes caught sight of a black dog that was on a chain outside a farm. In all weathers and in all seasons he was always there. One day I just could not go by and stopped. The dog looked very kind and was totally happy when I gave him some attention and something to eat. The farm woman was friendly and told me that the dog was called Dox and was 9 years old, which meant that he had been on a chain for all those years. It was never a problem for the woman when I visited the dog now and then or took him on a walk.
During one of my visits I discovered a pony that was leaning against a wall behind a tractor. It looked very sad and lonely, its hoofs were completely worn. For many years it had not been shoed. The pony, an eight year old Merrie, was exceptionally friendly and good-natured. I gave the owner money for the blacksmith and immediately made an appointment with him. After a few days the pony was shoed and was able again to walk properly. A big step ahead.
However, the situation was far from ideal, because ponies must live with members of their species. Apart from that they suffer when left alone. When I had the possibility to buy the pony I did not hesitate for long, as a new hope had opened up for Chicca. After a few phone calls I had finally found a solution. I bought the pony and brought it to a Dutch guy who lives near Pergola (agriturismo 'Sensazione') and who took her in. I offered to cover any vet bills. A fantastic idea.
And that’s what happened. Chicca was immediately picked up. At first she was in the company of two ponies and luckily everything went well from the very first day. When I visited her on the first day, she was standing happily and content on the pasture. She had trouble walking with the new hoofs, as the muscles of her legs had to adapt to the new position. At the end of the summer we brought her to the camp ground, her new home. A new barn was built for her which she shares with goats in the winter. She walks out onto the lavender meadow every morning and grazes together with the goats …. just as if she had done this all her life.
Now she has company, as goats and ponies can live well together and also, because the new owners look after her with loving care. Besides she has two new friends, the two children of the owner of the camp ground. I’m convinced that many children will come and visit in the summer and will stroke her and feed her with carrots. Chicca is happy, and so am I, as yet another animal could be saved and because the story came to a happy ending.
Author: Margreet Drost.
More Success Stories:
The story of a hunting dog
Help for a chained dog
A scruffy little farm dog