Pat came to our sanctuary in 2021 from a village on the outskirts of Kabul. When we first met her, she was working tirelessly, carrying heavy water casks up and down steep mountainsides despite suffering from rickets. The musculoskeletal disorder had left her with bowed legs and permanent deformities, making every step a challenge.

Yet, even in pain, Pat’s priority was always her foal, Charlie. She nursed and protected him with a devotion that touched everyone who witnessed it.

When Pat finally retired to the sanctuary, her "new life" truly began. She quickly became known as the sanctuary’s "friendly and calm lady." No longer a beast of burden, she spent her days with her son Charlie (the two remained "stuck together like glue" until the very end), and she was always the first to hurry to the gate — as fast as her legs would allow — whenever she sensed a delivery. Pat was undoubtedly our biggest fan of carrots and apples, enjoying every bite of the retirement she worked so hard to earn.

Pat taught us that even after a lifetime of hardship, a heart can remain trusting. While the sanctuary feels a little quieter without the sound of her greeting at the gate, we take comfort in knowing her final years were spent in comfort, surrounded by love and her precious Charlie.

Rest well, Pat. You’ve carried your last heavy load.

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