Once skinny and sick, a horse is now looking for a home.

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When the mare (pictured above) was discovered in Campo by employees of the San Diego County Department of Animal Services, she was skinny, disoriented, and shabby-looking. There was no water, and hay was out of reach. A dead foal was nearby.

The 12-year-old mare was taken into custody, and the owner slapped with a charge of animal neglect.

Now two months later, the mare (see below) has been fed and given veterinarian care. For anyone interested in buying her, sealed bids are now being taken, at www.sddac.com. Bids will be opened Sept. 18.

‘She is just a sweetheart and there is no excuse for the treatment she received,’ said John Carlson, deputy director of the animal services department.

The former owner is set for a preliminary hearing Oct. 21.

-- Tony Perry, in San Diego