Animal lovers across the country are mourning the loss of Seven, the miracle foal who defied the odds and captured hearts with his fight for life.<\/p>\n
Born seven weeks early in February 2024, he was the seventh baby of both his mother and his owner, Katie Van Slyke, that year. Despite a grim prognosis, Seven survived over a year \u2014 a milestone few thought possible.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had just hoped for more,\u201d Van Slyke said, remembering his cheerful whinny and love for bananas.<\/p>\n
Last week\u2019s extreme heat became too much for the already fragile colt. After signs of colic, Van Slyke and the University of Tennessee Center for Veterinary Medicine made the painful decision to humanely euthanize him.<\/p>\n
Seven\u2019s life was extraordinary. Born at just 286 days gestation \u2014 before most foals are viable \u2014 he endured surgeries, therapy, and constant care. He became a symbol of resilience, inspiring thousands online.<\/p>\n
\u201cSeven WANTED life. He FOUGHT for it,\u201d Van Slyke shared.<\/p>\n
His legacy lives on through the \u201cSeven Scholarship,\u201d which awards $49,000 annually to support future equine vets.<\/p>\n
Though his journey ended, Seven’s spirit and the lessons he taught will never be forgotten. \ud83d\udc95\ud83d\udc34<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Animal lovers across the country are mourning the loss of Seven, the miracle foal who defied the odds and captured hearts with his fight for life. Born seven weeks early in February 2024, he was the seventh baby of both his mother and his owner, Katie Van Slyke, that year. Despite a grim prognosis, Seven…<\/p>\n