When her doctor told her she had a kidney condition that, if untreated, would prove fatal in six months, Betsy Snow said mortality was "slapping her in the face."
She had the treatments — her kidneys are now fine — but the whole experience left a big change in how she saw the world. Around the same time, she happened to watch the movie “The Bucket List.” Soon Betsy realized something: there were some things she still wanted to do in life.
A Best Friends’ member for eight years, Betsy had never been out to the sanctuary. And she wanted to come. She figured her husband might not want to come and scoop poop day in and day out, but to Betsy, a long trip to the sanctuary with volunteer work was right at the top of her own bucket list. She came for a whole week.
In short, she loved her trip! It was everything she’d hoped for. She spent most of her time with dogs and horses, helping the animals and falling in love at every turn. Back home, she has three dogs of her own. She’s never had a horse, but always wishes for one when she blows out the candles on her birthday cake! It was while volunteering at horses that Betsy made a very special friend.
Cowboy the horse stole her heart. He has "swayback," or a bowed back that makes it hard for him to wear a saddle. He’s a happy fellow, but for a long time his caregivers have wondered if he might also be a bit bored. You see, Cowboy is still quite athletic and active. They have long suspected he might like a job, or some way to use his brain and muscles a little more. Betsy was taken with him immediately. One of his caregivers mentioned casually how they might like to get him a saddle some day. Finding one that fits, however, has been a problem.
Suddenly, Betsy got an idea. An animal lover to the core, she wanted to do something for Cowboy. Though the birthday candle wish hasn’t panned out yet in the form of a horse she can take home, here was a horse she could help in some small way.
Back home, she set to work at finding somebody who could make a special harness for Cowboy. With a little sleuth work, she found a skilled craftsman willing and able to make a custom-fit harness by hand. She also located the perfect cart. All that remained was to find a way to fund the gift without rocking the financial boat. …
Betsy couldn’t help but notice piles of 14K gold jewelry she never wore anymore since moving to casual Montana. To Betsy, it was clutter she didn’t need. But also, as it turns out, pretty valuable clutter. When Betsy sent it all in for melting, she cashed out more than the cost of Cowboy’s gear! Not only was some clutter gone, she got to do something very special for a friend.
Cowboy, meanwhile, has been truly enjoying his new equipment. His caregivers were right on about their hunch! The driving training has gone great and, "He looks absolutely fabulous," in his new harness, according to horse manager Jen Reid. It also fits like a glove.
Back in Montana, Betsy is already planning more trips to the sanctuary as part of her continued bucket list. She has two trips booked for next year, including a milestone 60th birthday in September. "I couldn’t think of a better place to spend my birthday," she says.
Thanks for all you’ve done, Betsy. Hope you keep checking items off that list right and left!
Story by David Dickson
Photos by Gary Kalpakoff
Want to support Cowboy in his new endeavor? You can make a difference by sponsoring him.
And if you are interested in making a gift to the horses, or any of the other sanctuary animals, see the Best Friends wish list.
