Gifts in Action
The difference that a portable water trough can make…
Haji Abdullah’s mare Rano worked hard for her owner in Lahore, Pakistan. She had to – Haji had 5 dependents who relied on the meagre wage Rano brought in through carrying goods to market.
During the hot summer months Rano’s work was harder and more exhausting than ever. Haji did not allow her to drink water during the day as he trusted the harmful traditional belief that giving water to animals while they worked would make them lazy.
One swelteringly hot July day Rano was close to collapse. Her temperature was alarmingly high, her nostrils were flared and her head was lowered. Brooke vet Dr Arshad Zahoor was called and after examining the mare he explained to Haji that she was severely dehydrated, and exhausted.
Dr Arshad and his team immediately began treating Rano. They first removed her harness to make her more comfortable. Then they led her to a special Brooke portable water trough, leaving her plenty of time to drink the fresh cool water. Dr Arshad also asked Haji to sponge Rano with water to cool her down. The mare was also given fluid therapy, supplements and green fodder to eat.
Thankfully Rano soon started showing signs of recovery and Dr Arshad advised Haji to watch his animal’s behaviour before and after treatment to show him what a difference it had made. Dr Arshad also organised a few one-to-one training sessions with Arshad to help him understand the importance of giving his mare plenty of water during the day.
Haji realised how vital the vet’s advice was and how important it was to keep Rano healthy – especially when he saw how much better the mare was after treatment, and promised to always provide water to her in future.