Miniature horse sworn in as Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Community Ambassador
By Zoe Hunt
Click here for updates on this story
SALINAS, Calif. (KSBW) — The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has a new honorary community ambassador, a miniature horse named Cookie.
Cookie lived at a kill pen in Texas, where she suffered severe neglect. However, just when she was about to be sent to Mexico for slaughter, Monterey County Sheriff’s Deputy Rebecca Gordano stepped in to rescue her.
“When I first got her, she came to my house. She looked almost like she had mange; she was missing fur in multiple spots, she was thin, you could see her ribs… very withdrawn. She never really trotted around the yard,” said Deputy Gordano.
However, after a year and a half of healing, Cookie’s loving personality started to shine through. She began to bond with Deputy Gordano’s other animals, including her rescued blind donkey.
“If they are separated… they both let out a neigh,” said Deputy Gordano.
Deputy Gordano is known for her animal rescue efforts. She has 35 animals living on her family’s farm. Her colleagues describe her as someone who never fails to stop for an animal in need.
“To see Cookie today and how confident she is compared to a year and a half ago, it’s just an amazing story of resiliency,” said Sheriff Tina Nieto.
On Wednesday morning, the Sheriff’s Office swore Cookie in as their Honorary Community Ambassador. She got to shake “hands” with Sheriff Nieto and even got her own badge.
Cookie’s care is all funded by the Gordano Family, who will continue to look after her.
Sheriff Nieto said she hopes Cookie will serve as a bridge between the public and law enforcement.
“Cookie’s now going to be that ambassador to say that second chances matter… She’ll be the bridge to building trust,” said Sheriff Nieto. “You may be afraid to approach a deputy, because we look intimidating at times, but a miniature horse… You saw Cookie, you see the love in her eyes. Who doesn’t want to come up and just pet Cookie?”
Cookie’s first day on the job will be Thursday, when she will attend the Salinas Farm Day event at the Salinas Sports Complex.
This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate partner and does not contain original CNN reporting.
Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.