Max is a miniature pony who lives in Acushnet, Mass. He was adopted when he was four months old and saved from an abusive home by his current owner, Julie Nightlinger. Unfortunately, in December, Max was playing in the backyard when he was shot in the leg. It's still unclear why and and the police are still on the case, reports The Dodo. Veterinarians were able to save Max, but not his leg.
Though the beginning of this story is tragic, what happened next shows that there is still hope for humanity.
The Nightlingers set up a GoFundMe page to raise the money to pay for Max's care, which could cost up to $30,000. The Animal Rescue League of Boston has offered to cover the cost of Max's transportation to the New Hampshire Myhre Equine Clinic where he'll be treated. Not only has the GoFundMe page reached $14,400 already, but they've also received one very special donation from a young boy named Cole. Below is the letter that Cole's mom wrote to accompany the donation:
If that didn't warm your heart and tickle your tear ducts, Max is recovering and is now coming home, reports WGME. He might not need a prosthetic, but there's surgery and physical therapy to come, which will be funded by the public's generous donations, says the GoFundMe page.
Max's owner says that he's a delightful pet. "He's only about 150lbs and the sweetest little horse you'll ever meet! One of his favorite things to do is to lay by the bonfire with his belly out enjoying the heat! He loves going for walks and exploring the garage and trying to go upstairs! He's more like a toddler than a miniature horse," she says on the GoFundMe page.
