George, once known as "Midnight Memory Maker," had been given away after his original owner, Todd Mathieson, died and his wife, Diane, could no longer care for him. She found a new home for George so that he could continue to race for a number of years.
In September, 2018, George was turned over to the Animal Rescue League (ARL) of Boston. When he arrived at the league's adoption center in Dedham, he was slightly underweight, and in need of medical care. But, overall, he was in good health, the league said.
George recuperated (休养) for a few months in Dedham before being put into foster care. "He was highly intelligent, elegant, well-trained and had clearly known love. He was very engaged with humans," Cordula Robinson, George's foster parent, said in the statement.
Robinson wanted to help George go home. She contacted animal rescue agencies up and down the East Coast to see if anyone recognized him. To her surprise, someone from New Jersey recognized George as once belonging to Todd Mathieson. He was well known and owned a stable in Connecticut, said Michael DeFina, a spokesman for the ARL. George is notable for his distinctive colors, such as white patches on his hooves (蹄子) that look "like socks," DeFina said. They went through show photos to confirm George's identity and contacted his original hostess.
Diane Mathieson was "overwhelmed and ecstatic (欣喜若狂)" about the possibility of reuniting with George.
After 13 years apart, George was transported to his family in Ocala, Florida, where he will enjoy his retirement. "He seems to be walking taller," Diane said.
