17 October 2023

A sad farewell to retired Adoption Star Muffin

Adoption: Photo of Muffin

We're terribly sad to announce the tragic loss of retired Adoption Star Muffin. 

He was 36 years old and was Redwings' longest-serving Adoption Star and the Sanctuary’s second oldest resident. 

Muffin came to Redwings in 1987 and lived at our Caldecott Visitor Centre in Norfolk since 1999. Muffin was rescued with his mum Doris, when he was just a few days old. The pair were due to be sold for slaughter at a local horse sale, but we were able to offer them a new home instead. 

Sadly, poor Doris passed away after arriving at the Sanctuary when it was discovered she had an ulcer in her stomach. Fortunately, Muffin had become friends with another youngster, a pony called April, and thanks to her company, he overcame his loss and grew up to become a happy, confident mule with a wonderfully calm and placid nature. 

In later life, Muffin lived with Cushing’s disease (PPID), which made him prone to a painful hoof condition called laminitis. As a result of his specialist needs, which increased with his age, Redwings retired him from the Adoption Scheme in 2017, shortly after his 30th birthday, so he could enjoy a quieter life with his friends.  

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“Muffin was one in a million, such a patient, calm boy. He loved his feed, and would often stand waiting by his bowl, 30 minutes before time, with a face that said: ‘What’s been keeping you?’. He took life at his own pace and you certainly couldn’t rush him. He has been here since the beginning of Redwings Caldecott and we will miss him terribly.” 

Laura Starkey

Redwings Caldecott Equine Centre Manager

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Muffin the mule as a foal in 1987 with his mum Doris.
Muffin the mule as a foal in 1987 with his pony mum Doris.
 
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In later life

As an elderly boy, it was becoming increasingly challenging to care for him without him needing to have extended periods of time away from his herd. The recent addition of front shoes helped him feel more comfortable, and happily he had recently been living on a more-gentle woodchip paddock at his Caldecott home with a friend.

Unfortunately, he had become very reluctant to take his medication and despite his carers trying various foods and methods of feeding and providing him with enrichment activities to improve his emotional health whilst in vet care, these measures were not working as well as was hoped. Sadly, on 11th September, it was decided that the kindest thing to do was to put Muffin to sleep to prevent his health and comfort deteriorating.  

Laura Starkey, Redwings Caldecott Equine Centre Manager, said: “Our staff and the vet team cared for Muffin with such love and dedication. 

“Muffin was one in a million, such a patient, calm boy. He loved his feed, and would often stand waiting by his bowl, 30 minutes before time, with a face that said: ‘What’s been keeping you?’. He took life at his own pace and you certainly couldn’t rush him. He has been here since the beginning of Redwings Caldecott and we will miss him terribly.” 

Thank you so much to everyone who has been a friend to Muffin and for your support, which allowed us to give him a full and happy life at the Sanctuary for so many years. We’ll never forget him, and we know you won’t either. RIP, Muffin; we’ll never forget you.

If you adopt Muffin, you will have received a letter explaining what happens to your adoption and how you can continue your support. 

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Redwings Press Office

For all enquiries please contact lplumtree@redwings.co.uk

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