Orphaned Foal Finds Comfort In Giant Teddy Bear

A rescued filly has the sweetest relationship with a huge stuffed bear!

Breeze, as he is known, was abandoned by his mother not long after birth. Thankfully, a farmer discovered the baby Dartmoor Hill pony and informed the Mare and Foal Sanctuary in Devon, UK. The recently born foal was in serious distress by the time the rescue crew arrived on the site. Everyone was afraid for his safety because he was confused and dehydrated.

However, once he was taken to the sanctuary, things began to look up as the tiny one appeared to find the solace he required. It wasn’t from an adoptive mother or from staff, but from a large teddy bear given to him by his guardians.
“Unfortunately, little Breeze does not have his mother around to keep him company,” said Syra Bowden, executive director of the refuge. “It’s been amazing to watch him interact with his new teddies and snuggle up to them at night.” They keep him company and provide comfort during the times when his attendants are not available.”

Apparently, the sanctuary frequently offers stuffed toys to orphaned animals. “As a companion, we always give our orphaned foals a large cuddly toy,” Bowden said. “It provides them with the same level of comfort as human newborns.” A strategy that appears to be pretty effective!

Breeze, on the other hand, is doing much better now after a couple of key weeks during which he received a special milk formula and adequate treatment. That, too, is the fault of his teddy bear companion. “Every day he becomes bigger and stronger,” Bowden said. “He’s only recently begun to venture out into the field to play – he’s fearless and enjoys being outside.”