The last 24 hours have been grueling as NetPosse volunteers have worked ceaselessly to find out what happened to Halo, the thoroughbred mare sold illegally in West Virginia. At first, the caretaker claimed she was deceased, but then she admitted that the mare had been sold. That confession led to a concerted effort to follow a tip that Halo had been sold at Sugar Creek in Ohio. For almost 24-hours, NetPosse members and their contacts pursued this lead. At the same time, other leads were developing and being checked into.

When Debi and I spoke to Alissa (Lisa) Thursday evening, it was amidst tears and anger, as all information was pointing to Halo being driven from West Virginia to the Sugar Creek auction in Ohio the beginning of December. This lead continued to point to Texas and the likelihood that Halo’s life had ended at a slaughterhouse.

In the meantime, the volunteers continued to push forward and one of the greatest efforts came from an investigator for the West Virginia Department of Agriculture. This man went above and beyond in pursuing leads to determine Halo’s fate.

Thursday night really ended on Friday morning as Debi and I were up until after midnight sending out emails and racking our brains for people that could help. When the day actually dawned, the efforts were renewed. And with the new day came new hope.

Debi Metcalfe is a living testament to striving for that ultimate goal and never giving in even when you feel beaten down. It was because of her quest to find Idaho that this organization exists. Although we felt very hopeless this morning, and were almost resigned to Halo’s probable fate, we realized it was time to pull our strength and determination from Idaho’s triumphant return home. If she could be successfully recovered after 51 weeks, several auctions, extreme abuse and neglect, then why couldn’t Halo?

When I was driving to work this morning with that renewed spirit, I realized that the sun was shining brighter than it had in days. Then, as the emails poured in from people all over the country offering suggestions, support and hope, everything began looking up for Halo.

Finally, one of the leads being pursued by the investigator looked promising … most importantly, it would mean that Halo was alive and well. Early in the afternoon, Debi received a call from the investigator that left her cautiously optimistic. By seven her time, the investigator had confirmed that Halo had been found!

Halo's Hail Mary from Slaughter

When Halo was about to step foot on the trailer that would take her and other horses to the sale in Ohio, one man came forward, and willingly paid the price asked. He knew the moment he saw her that Halo was too nice of a horse to be headed for an unknown fate.

Since that day, Halo has lived the good life with this person, and she has been well cared for. Because Lisa only wanted Halo to have a good home, she will be visiting her this coming week, and most likely allowing her to remain where she is.

Sometimes you really do have to love something enough to let it go. Five days ago, Lisa’s world was ripped apart when she thought Halo was dead. In the last 24 hours, Lisa has revisited that feeling so many times, it has left her emotionally and physically drained. When she received the call tonight from Debi, she was so overcome that she really couldn’t make sense of any it. Now she weeps for joy … we at NetPosse love a happy ending!

Whether or not charges will be brought against the caretaker who sold Halo has yet to be seen. The first thing on Lisa’s agenda is to get to West Virginia from Maryland early this week and give Halo a huge hug!

By the way, Halo most likely had an abscess that caused her lameness, and she has healed just fine.

To everyone who emailed, called, forwarded Halo’s info, or just prayed … THANK YOU! From Debi, myself, Lisa and Halo … this wasn’t possible without you!

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Now, it’s time for us to get some rest as there are more horses that still need to find their way home!

(Note: After visiting Halo in her new home, Lisa decided not to pursue legal action to have Halo returned to her possession, and agreed to leave the mare with her current owner.)

11/29/11 - Note from NetPosse.com* regarding Sugarcreek Auction ... a recent report posted on Canadian Horse Defence Coalition's blog (link on NetPosse) states that 108 of 186 equines run through this auction on 11/25/11 were purchase by its proprieter, Leroy Baker, and another 31 sold to Fred Bauer, both of whom have been in the news this past year for selling horses to slaughter in Canada. (search either person on Animals' Angels site here.) *Stolen Horse International, Inc. / NetPosse.com Note & Disclaimer: The links and information are posted for informational purposes only. This organization maintains a neutral position regarding horse slaughter as this is not an issue that is a part of NetPosse’s mission or goals. There are numerous Pro and Anti slaughter groups that to be found and where discussions can be held. SHI has not verified the factual statements in any links or documents from these external sites and assumes no responsibility for the contents of, or any damage resulting from, any information or links posted. Publication on this site is not an endorsement by the organization of any product, person, or policy.