Tiny baby horse rescued in California won't need surgery

DAVIS, CA -- We have an update on the saga of the tiny colt that was rescued from a ravine in Fremont on Valentine's Day. The horse, aptly named Valentine, is now at UC Davis.

PHOTOS: Baby horse rescued from ravine in Fremont

When ABC7 News first reported on the story Monday night, the Animal Control officer who rescued the colt was hoping for donations to pay for his medical care. Thanks to viewers, who came through in a big way, it's been a very busy day.

He is a mellow and extremely trusting colt, especially for one in so much pain.

"I have been around horses my whole life and I have not seen one this young be so calm and easygoing," said caretaker Patrick Offutt.

For the colt, Tuesday's arrival at UC Davis would be another of uncertainty after an ordeal that has consumed half of his 7-day life.

For Sarah Cattaneo with Fremont Animal Services, this would be a day of hope. When asked how much sleep she got, Cattaneo said she's had five or six hours in two days.

It was Cattaneo who comforted Valentine on Sunday when rescuers pulled him from a creek at the bottom of a ravine in Fremont, where he spent and endured two long days and nights with a broken hip.

When Valentine's story went public Monday night, people from around the world reached out to help. In less than 24 hours, they donated more than $16,000 to pay for his medical care and recovery.

"One person donated two grand," said Cattaneo. "But a lot of them have been smaller lumps of $10 to $25, and every bit counts."

Early Tuesday afternoon, X-rays revealed at least one break. But they were inconclusive.

"This spot, which is the important part in terms of whether he'd need surgery, is not involved," said one expert.

Surprisingly good news from a CT scan - a second suspected break near a vulnerable artery does not exist. There's no need for surgery.

Now just one mystery remains -- who owns this colt?

"Other things have come forward," Cattaneo said. "We are just waiting for information to solidify."

Read between the lines.

Click here to donate to Valentine's GoFundMe page.

And click here for more stories and videos about animal rescues.