| Author |
Barnyard Buddies:  Life and Death on the Ranch  |
|
|
QueenofQuiteAlot
True Blue Farmgirl
865 Posts
Dalyn
Milk 'n Honey Ranch
Central, WA
USA
865 Posts |
|
|
Marybeth
True Blue Farmgirl
6418 Posts
Mary Beth
Stanwood
Wa 98292
USA
6418 Posts |
|
|
ruralfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
4309 Posts
Rene'
Prosser
WA
USA
4309 Posts |
 Posted - May 09 2008 : 10:04:16 PM
|
Dalyn,
I am so sorry... I am sure it is hard on the kids which then of course makes it harder on us moms....
Rene~Prosser Farmgirl #185
" Plant goodness, harvest the fruit of loyalty, plow the new ground of knowledge. Hosea 10:12 |
 |
|
|
Tina Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
6948 Posts
Tina
sunshine state
FL
USA
6948 Posts |
|
|
QueenofQuiteAlot
True Blue Farmgirl
865 Posts
Dalyn
Milk 'n Honey Ranch
Central, WA
USA
865 Posts |
Posted - May 10 2008 : 05:56:04 AM
|
It really was a kindness that she died so quietly in her favorite spot. We never like to lose a pet, but when it's the right time and the right way, it just doesn't seem hard at all.
Dalyn
Muckboots 'N Aprons Chapter
~Hick Chicks Soap Barn ~
www.hickchickssoapbarn.com
Homespun Raw Goat Milk Soaps 'n More
http://muckbootsnaprons.blogspot.com/ |
|
|
|
shepherdgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1008 Posts
Tracy
California
USA
1008 Posts |
Posted - May 15 2008 : 08:50:42 AM
|
A friend of mine, who's had horses all her life (over 50+yrs) once told me that horses die hard. I never knew what she meant by that until I had a mare go down and not be able to get back up. She had cancer that was destroying her body (which I did not know, but my vet did and he never told me!). Though she wanted to live, her body just couldn't go on. My vet came out and put her to sleep. That's when he told me he'd been waiting for the call. Though I was very upset that he did not tell me she was sick (though I'd had my suspisions) I didn't hold it against him. He knew how much I loved the misfits of the world and I think it was hard for HIM to tell me the horse was in worse shape than I imagined. He also left in the middle of another farm call to come to my house and, bless his heart, he never sent me a bill.
I'm sorry you lost your little pony Dalyn, but like you said, when they die such a peacful death, it takes some of the pain of losing them away. I had not had that mare for very long, (she had been given to me by someone who thought I could care for her better) it was still VERY traumatic to have her die in such a way. I didn't really have enough time to get attached to her, but I have two horses that I have had for a VERY long time (18yrs and 9yrs) and I am hoping that when their time finally comes-- as it surely will-- it will be as peacful as your little pony's passing. Hugs and blessings to you and your family--- Tracy |
|
|
|
QueenofQuiteAlot
True Blue Farmgirl
865 Posts
Dalyn
Milk 'n Honey Ranch
Central, WA
USA
865 Posts |
Posted - May 15 2008 : 09:03:06 AM
|
We really were not too sad about this pony. She came here to retire and die peacefully. *U* However, we had an Arabian mare, my daughter's first horse colic, twist a gut, and die a horrible death two years ago. She and I had to hold her for the shot to put her to sleep, and it didn't work, even though she was half gone already, and the vet had to give her another shot. It was all so traumtatic. Myhusband was hunting. I had to help the vet and a neighbor guy put the horse's body in a borrowed trailer to take her away, and it was jus plain awful. I could smell that smell for a week.
Older horses have a hard time in the winter. Sometimes no matter what you do you are going to lose one.
Dalyn
Muckboots 'N Aprons Chapter
~Hick Chicks Soap Barn ~
www.hickchickssoapbarn.com
Homespun Raw Goat Milk Soaps 'n More
http://muckbootsnaprons.blogspot.com/
http://proverbs31nubians.blogspot.com/ |
|
|
|
shepherdgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1008 Posts
Tracy
California
USA
1008 Posts |
Posted - May 15 2008 : 10:15:25 AM
|
So you know what it means when people say "Horses die hard."
I have had two cases of Colic in 2 different horses in the past, butit only happened once in each. If you can catch it early enough, there are ways of bringing them out of it, but you have to act QUICKLY!!
One winter I had a Mare with pretty bad Colic. I found her down in the muddy pasture and had to force her up. I drug that poor horse around in circles through ankle deep mud in the misting rain for nearly an hour. Eventually she started coughing and all this green stuff came shooting out her mouth and both nostrils. I cleaned her face up but I refused to let her rest. Around the pasture we kept going until I was certain she was going to be ok. She was a bit weak and trembly, but her tummy trouble let up and she was no longer in any kind of distress. She suffered no lasting affects.
At the time, I really had no idea what was wrong with her, (though I suspected Colic) but I DID know that if a horse goes down and you don't get it back up onto it's feet quickly the chance of losing it is almost a certainty. I went on pure instinct. I was told by several horse people, AND my vet, that I had done the right thing, that she probably would have died had I not been so persistant and forced her to "Walk it off." Of course, the "Walk it Off" method may not work in every case and a Vet should be called ASAP! When the second horse coliced I had him up and walking right away and his case was pretty mild compared to the Mares, but that time I KNEW what was wrong. I have not had a case of Colic since then.
I've had horses for 18 years and I have been pretty fortunate that I have a good vet who's willing to give me advice right over the phone. He knows that I'm not squemish -- no matter WHAT I have to do! I have also been fortunate that MOST of the animals have been extremely healthy. We have not had too many incidences where I have not been able to treat the animals myself and have had to call the Vet in. It helps that I have a medical background, even though my profession deals with PEOPLE, not animals. But one thing is certain-- the Animals complain A LOT less and they are certainly MORE grateful!!! (LOL) ~~Tracy |
|
|
|
QueenofQuiteAlot
True Blue Farmgirl
865 Posts
Dalyn
Milk 'n Honey Ranch
Central, WA
USA
865 Posts |
Posted - May 15 2008 : 10:35:07 AM
|
Sounds like you are a really good horsewoman *U*
Or poor little mare had colicked at night and was found the next morning shivering and encased in ice. I kid you not. It was so awful. The vet was out twice, but really it was too late by the first morning, we just didn't know yet.
The vet sent me flowers the next day. I could tell he felt very bad for us girls having to do all that.
Dalyn
Muckboots 'N Aprons Chapter
~Hick Chicks Soap Barn ~
www.hickchickssoapbarn.com
Homespun Raw Goat Milk Soaps 'n More
http://muckbootsnaprons.blogspot.com/
http://proverbs31nubians.blogspot.com/ |
|
|
|
shepherdgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1008 Posts
Tracy
California
USA
1008 Posts |
Posted - May 15 2008 : 11:33:07 PM
|
Actually, I'm NOT a good horsewoman Dayln. (but thanks for the compliment!) Honestly, I can't ride a horse to save my soul! I can get on and HANG on, but that's about it (though I plan to remedy that soon). When it comes to caring for animals of ALL kinds, I have an instinct about them that would make your hair STAND ON END!! It's almost like I hear a voice whispering in my ear telling me what to do. (God is that really you?) It doesn't matter what it is, or what kind of animal has the problem (at least FARM animals), I seem to always know what to do. (and sometimes that voice says GET THAT ANIMAL TO THE VET!!)
Not to say that I haven't lost animals over the years, because I HAVE, but for the most part, I've been VERY successful in treating whatever has ailed my critters. I also know when there is NOTHING I can do. Again, it's that voice telling me "Let them go, you can't help them." It kind of freaks people out when they see it first hand. It would be SOOOO creepy if it weren't so cool!!
Sorry about your little mare. It's those moments when we AREN'T looking that bad things usually happen. How sweet of your Vet to be so thoughtful.
I know I would have made a TERRIBLE Vet. Not that I wouldn't have been a GOOD one, it's just that I would have had a hard time not being able to save EVERY animal that came to me in need of a miracle! (LOL) ~~Tracy |
|
|
| |
Barnyard Buddies: Life and Death on the Ranch |
|
Life and Death on the Ranch
