HELP FOR JOAN EMBERY AND HER BELOVED HORSE FALCON

When you hear the name Joan Embery, you might think of the woman who helped make the San Diego Zoo world-famous or you may think of the woman who has spent over 50 years of her life helping animals through her many television appearances, educational programs and wildlife conservation efforts throughout the world. Now, that same woman, who has given so much to so many, needs some help herself.

The last week in March, Joan's beloved horse Falcon began showing signs of what appeared to be colic. Joan tended to him for hours on end, her daughter Holly spent the night walking him and everyone at the ranch did all they could to help. The Vet was called out for an emergency visit, along with two additional trips, and while the vet was able to treat him with some improvement, it soon became apparent that he wasn't likely to pull through this on his own. Having many years of horse experience, Joan knew the road ahead wasn't going to be an easy one and due to the circumstances of the past year and a half, it was also one she couldn't afford. Regardless, she had to know the extent of what exactly was going on with her beloved Arabian. So on Thursday, March 31st, Joan and Holly made the decision to load Falcon into the trailer and head to the hospital at Helen Woodward Animal Center, not knowing if he would ever be coming home again. The mere thought of yet another loss and another obstacle to overcome just added to the worry, the stress and the heartache of the past 18 months.

Those events included Joan unexpectedly losing Duane, her husband of 42 years, her true soulmate and the love of her life late in the Summer of 2020. Shortly after that unimaginable loss, her most loved Doberman, "Cowboy", who had stayed by her side through the worst of days, sadly passed away. Soon after, Joan lost her much loved champion cutting horse, Belle’s Peppy Boy, whom she had since birth. More loss followed with the passing of old friends and if that all wasn't enough, the San Diego Zoo, an organization which she had given so much of her life to and for, gave her notice during the worst time of her life that they would not be renewing her contract. After 51 years, there was no notice, no apologies - just the end of an era and the income that went with it. In addition, the supplemental income from events held at Pillsbury Ranch, along with the speaking engagements and educational programs Joan frequenty did, had all been frozen due to Covid. The combined events of the past year and a half have undoubtedly been some of the most difficult and trying times of her life, and to say this left one of the strongest women I have ever known in a most vulnerable position would be an understatement.

When Joan and Holly arrived at Helen Woodward with Falcon that Thursday, Joan knew it was very possible that she would have to make the difficult decision to put him down. She also knew if that was to be the case, she wanted a complete picture of his diagnosis and prognosis so that she could make that decision knowing she was fully informed and that she had done everything within her means and in the best interest of Falcon. When the Vet came out to speak with her and Holly about Falcon's radiograph results, all bets were off. Falcon had two VERY large stones in his intestines, one of which was the size of a small watermelon and the other the size of a large grapefruit. Intestinal stones (Enterolithiasis) this size must be surgically removed and at the cost of surgery and post-operative care being well into the five digits, Joan didn't see how in the world that was going to be possible. But the Vet made quite a compelling case for Falcon; He was a reasonable age, in otherwise good health and all of his vitals were good. Falcon was a perfect candidate for surgery. The Vet was confident that Falcon would have a very positive outcome and recover well. With such a positive prognosis, there was simply no way Joan could deny Falcon a second chance at life. So the decision was made to move forward with the surgery.

Joan is truly the most amazing woman I have ever known and ever had the privilege of calling a friend. In those years of friendship, I have learned that as amazing and extraordinary as she is, she is not good at asking for help when she needs it the most. So I will ask for her and for Falcon. I will ask anyone and everyone who is able to please donate if you can. Please help Falcon and help Joan overcome yet another obstacle. All donations will go towards Falcon's surgical costs, hospital stay and his ongoing medical care. Please know that any size donation is appreciated more than words can ever say.