Elisabeth first laid eyes on Canela while adopting another equine under our care, Morena, in late May 2023. While the young filly was not yet available for adoption at the time, Elisabeth held out hope that one day she would be able to bring Canela home too. The stars aligned two years later, and Elisabeth's dream became a reality! She adopted the sweet mare on May 12th, and it's truly a match made in heaven!

Canela and her mama, 9-year-old Bella, were brought to the Humane Society of Ventura County (HSVC) by Humane Officers as a result of an abuse and neglect investigation. Both were severely emaciated at the time, and young Canela was just 1-week-old. Bella was so underweight that she couldn’t produce enough colostrum, the vital first milk full of antibodies, leaving Canela at risk. Our staff quickly sprang into action to get both Bella and Canela the care they desperately needed. Thanks to a special team including Dr. April Armstrong of Shoreline Equine, staff at Humphrey Giacopuzzi & Associates Equine Hospital, and farrier Stacy Hyatt, both horses made a full recovery!

Above: Canela grew up at the shelter, shown around 1-year-old. 

Canela and Bella resided at the shelter for nearly two years before their case reached a resolution, finally allowing them to be made available for adoption. During such time, the pair received quality care and lots of love from our staff.

Canela grew up into a sweet, sassy teenager while under our care. She became known as the barn greeter, always making sure to say hello and receive pets from anyone who walked by her. Anyone who dared to ignore her advances was met with a stern huff until she got the attention she wanted. Now nearly full-grown, Canela is a clone of her mama! Our staff cannot believe how similar the young mare resembles Bella. 

As part of her new family, Canela will be gaining a new big sister in her forever home. HSVC Alum Morena, now Marina (above), was adopted by Elisabeth and her family in the spring of 2023. She has been training as a barrel racing horse and recently competed in her first competition! We're so proud of how far our girl has come, and we can't wait to see her show Canela the ropes in her new home. 

Thank you, Elisabeth and family, for rescuing not one but two horses in need!