In a heartwarming story of survival and friendship, a foal abandoned by his mother just hours after birth found solace and companionship in an unusual source—a giant teddy bear.
Breeze, the orphaned foal, was taken in by The Mare and Foal Sanctuary in north Devon, where his journey from a fragile newborn to a thriving horse touched hearts around the world. His story, along with his inseparable bond with a large teddy bear named Buttons, is a testament to the power of love, comfort, and healing.
The Early Struggles of Breeze
Breeze’s life began in hardship. Shortly after his birth in 2013, Breeze was abandoned by his mother, left alone and vulnerable near a park in Devon.
Luckily, farmers found the fragile foal just in time and brought him to The Mare and Foal Sanctuary at Upcott Park in Holsworthy, north Devon. The sanctuary, known for its dedication to rescuing and rehabilitating horses, immediately sprang into action to save the young foal’s life.
Breeze was in a critical state—dehydrated, weak, and in desperate need of nurturing care. Without his mother’s protection, warmth, and milk, the sanctuary staff had to devise a plan to provide the little foal with the care he needed. That’s when Breeze was introduced to an unlikely companion—a giant teddy bear named Buttons.
Buttons: The Surrogate Mother
To provide Breeze with the emotional comfort he needed after being abandoned, the staff at the sanctuary placed a large teddy bear in his stable. Buttons, the teddy bear, became a surrogate figure for Breeze, giving him the warmth and security that a real mother would have provided. The soft, huggable companion not only helped Breeze feel safe but also offered him the emotional support needed during such a crucial time in his life.
From the very beginning, Breeze and Buttons were inseparable. The foal would snuggle up next to the bear each night, relying on his teddy bear for comfort as he slept.
This heartwarming bond between an abandoned foal and a plush toy captivated millions around the world when photos and videos of Breeze and Buttons were shared online. Their story quickly went viral, with more than two-and-a-half million people viewing a touching video that showed their special relationship.
A Growing Star
As Breeze began to regain his strength, his bond with Buttons remained unbroken. Even as the foal grew bigger, towering over his teddy bear, Buttons never left his side. Breeze may have physically outgrown his plush friend, but emotionally, the bear was still a source of comfort.
Now, several years after his rescue, Breeze has become something of a celebrity. Fresh photos of the grown horse with Buttons have once again captured the public’s attention. Breeze, now much larger than his teddy bear, continues to stay close to his lifelong companion, proving that some bonds never fade.
Healing at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary
Thanks to the care and attention provided by The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, Breeze has made an incredible recovery. The sanctuary’s staff, led by yard manager Tracey Dixon, worked tirelessly to ensure that Breeze received the best care possible. Regular handling, consistent training, and plenty of outdoor time helped the once-fragile foal develop into a strong and healthy horse.
“He’s really thriving in the open spaces of north Devon,” said Tracey Dixon. “He’s settled into a large herd and spends hours playing with the other youngsters. Eventually, when he’s ready, we’ll look for a new home for him.”
While Breeze has formed bonds with other horses at the sanctuary, his connection with Buttons remains something special. Despite growing up, Breeze has never abandoned his old friend. As new pictures of Breeze and Buttons continue to emerge, it’s clear that the teddy bear has played a pivotal role in Breeze’s recovery and emotional development.
The Road to Recovery
Breeze’s early days were filled with challenges. After being abandoned by his mother, he was found weak and malnourished. At The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, Breeze was immediately placed on a drip feed and closely monitored by the sanctuary’s team. The staff knew that without his mother, Breeze faced an uphill battle, but they were determined to give him the best chance at life.
While Buttons provided the emotional support Breeze needed, the sanctuary staff provided the physical care. Feeding Breeze by hand and ensuring he received the right nutrients, they worked day and night to restore his health. Michelle Johnson, one of the caretakers, fondly recalls feeding Breeze in an open field as he slowly regained his strength.
Looking Toward the Future
Now a healthy and strong horse, Breeze is well on his way to finding a new home. His journey from a helpless foal to a thriving horse is nothing short of miraculous, and his bond with Buttons has become a symbol of resilience and healing. Breeze’s story has touched the hearts of many, and the sanctuary couldn’t be prouder of how far he has come.
“We couldn’t be prouder of how far he’s come,” Tracey Dixon said. Breeze’s next adventure may even see him starring in a new calendar photo shoot, further cementing his status as a star in the animal rescue world.
The Power of Comfort and Love
Breeze’s story is a reminder of how important emotional support can be for animals in need. While Buttons may just be a teddy bear to some, he played a critical role in Breeze’s recovery.
The connection between the foal and his plush friend illustrates the incredible bond that can form between animals and inanimate objects when they are in need of comfort.
For Breeze, Buttons was more than just a toy. He became a surrogate mother, a source of warmth and companionship during the most vulnerable time in the foal’s life. Even as Breeze grew stronger and more independent, the presence of Buttons remained a constant source of reassurance.
Conclusion: A Story of Hope and Healing
Breeze’s journey from an abandoned foal to a thriving horse is a story of hope, resilience, and the power of love.
With the help of The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, along with his beloved teddy bear Buttons, Breeze was able to overcome the odds stacked against him. Now, he’s a shining example of what can happen when animals are given a second chance.
As Breeze continues to grow and thrive, his bond with Buttons remains unshaken, proving that sometimes, the simplest comforts can make the biggest difference.
