Marlene

Marlene is a gorgeous sorrel Molly Mule who was used by the Amish for heavy farmwork before being dumped at a Pennsylvania slaughter auction when she outlived her usefulness. She had an oozing “bad right eye” that was the source of obvious discomfort for her before her rescue in January 2026. She was transported from the auction to a quarantine facility for 30 days. This is a critically important safety measure for any equine who could have been exposed to horses with contagious diseases, including places like the low-end auction where Marlene had been dumped. From there, she was shipped to Cornell University Hospital for Animals for evaluation and treatment before coming to the sanctuary. At the hospital, she was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of her right eye, a common form of cancer in horses that typically affects older animals. To remove the large cancerous tumor and prevent it from spreading, Dr. Kelly Knickelbein performed an Equine Exenteration, “… in which the eye and its associated secretory tissues as well as all the tissues behind the eye were removed to the level of the orbital bones…” According to Dr. Knickelbein, Marlene was a wonderful patient and got through her recovery period at the hospital well.

Sadly, Marlene was also found to be unsound with joint issues affecting all four legs. These problems are common in many of our rescued horses and mules who had been used by Amish and Mennonite farmers for work and transportation. In Marlene’s case, it seemed clear that she was disposed of at auction because she was too lame and unsound to work anymore.

Marlene arrived at the sanctuary on March 25, 2026.  At the hospital, her year of birth was estimated to be around 2010. Consequently, we will celebrate her Re-Birth-Day every year on March 25th, the day she began her new life with us at the sanctuary.

Marlene is proudly sponsored by supporters from Canandaigua, New York; New York, New York and Clarksburg, West Virginia.

More Sponsors Welcome!