Horse tragedy for boy, 3, with cancer

AMARILLO, Texas, Oct. 25 (UPI) -- Make-a-Wish Foundation officials say a 3-year-old Texas boy with malignant brain cancer whose miniature horse was mauled to death will likely get a replacement.

The group that tries to provides terminally ill children with their wishes gave Christian Vasquez a miniature horse in August. Monday, two pit bull terriers got onto the family's property and gored the animal to death, the Amarillo Globe News reported.

Jelaine Workman, executive director for the foundation's Amarillo chapter, said calls offering cash and horses have been pouring in, and negotiations were under way to find a replacement.

Raul Vasquez, 41, said it was heartwarming news for his son, who turns 4 on Nov. 11.

"He thought he'd never get another pony after this," he said. "I'm glad a lot of people are working for Christian, to make him happy."

The unidentified owner of the dogs contacted the Gray County Sheriff's office Wednesday. Animal control officials later euthanized the two dogs, and it wasn't clear of charges would be filed, the report said.