Just experienced our first long distance drama...

[MikeTangas]

and I really hope there aren't any repeats.

Got a phone call from the wife, she's crying and can only say something a disaster. I got pretty worried because her Mom had been diagnosed with cancer shortly before I left for Michigan...so naturally my thoughts went that direction. When my wife finally calmed enough for me to understand what she was saying I was relieved to learn her Mom was fine, but my turn to tear up came quickly.

Our "disaster" centered around one of the horses, the oldest horse, the one the oldest daughter has learned to ride on. My wife went out to groom the horses and found Opal shivering in the warm California sun, her head was hanging and she was unsteady on her feet. My wife called the Vet out and the news wasn't good. Judging by her shivering and lethargy, coupled with the fact she hasn't shed her winter coat (while the others have) all signs pointed to a brain tumor according to the Vet. The decision while tough to make was made and she was put down by the Vet .

This horse, a Whelsh Pony, was a guestimated 30 years old and loved to run. Meaner than all get out toward adults but gentle with kids. A hard headed old nag who always tried to get her way. The oldest daughter, almost 8 now, learned to ride on her and learn to extert control over a willful horse. She loved this horse.

Opal had been an English Jumper in her youth which gave her a very distinctive canter. She loved to run as much as our daughter loved to ride her. They would spend hours riding around the arena at a canter, so much so that at times I worried the old girl might go down while my daughter was riding. My daughter learned to control Opal well enough that she could leave the arena for open fields, she loved it when I would saddle up our other mare and we'd ride out together.

The whole ordeal was sad, and it made me even more sad because I knew how hard the news would be on Barbara. My wife had to be the one to break the news, we discussed how best to do it. My daughter is very upset, upset enough that she didn't even want to talk to me on the phone. I wish I could have been there to help, but sacrafices must be made.

I hope I'm not boring everyone...I just had to vent a little bit


The only picture I have available

[bjcsc]

Sorry to hear that Mike. Fortunately I have never had to put one of mine down, but I have had friends in similar situations. About 9 years ago, we sort of adopted a horse with mild recurrent health problems (Ted), basically they would flare up every couple of years. His owners could not afford to keep him anymore. 3 years ago he got sick, pretty much on schedule, and despite all of our efforts and money (5K), he passed on. It was very hard for all of us and I know exactly how you feel. We all loved that horse. You have to take comfort in the fact that you give them the best care they can get, and no matter what, you both have enriched each others lives. We have 15 now, and the oldest is 18. 30 years of age is the result of great care on your part. Recognize her death, but celebrate her life. I'm very sorry for you and your family.

[Botnst]

We used to have a saddle horse and two 1/2 arab-quarter horses. All three mares. Wife and I raised two of them and the third was orphaned and bottle fed before we bought her. Used to love to ride those horses. The arab-quarter mixes were like rally cars while the saddlebred was like a Crown Vic.

As we had children had decreasing time and energy for livestock, priorities shifted. One of the saddest days of our marriage was when we finally sold the two 1/2 arabs. All three horses found good homes. I never would have thought I'd get so attached to a bunch of dumb animals. Its a lot different from the relationship with a family dog, touches a different part of the human heart.

B

[MikeTangas]

Well, Opal was a rescued horse too. She had been in the hands of some druggie types who treated her bad. Probably some of the reason for her attitude toward adults. We learned some time back that she had a stablemate named Dolly. Opal and Dolly were close and the druggie types let Dolly succumb to colic, then left the body in their shared paddock. We got Opal shortly after.

Opal was a very social horse and HAD to have another horse nearby, if she was stabled in an area alone she would become upset and she didn't like it when the horses changed in the neighboring paddocks.

After posting last night my wife called again and was able to tell me more of the story as things had calmed down.

When she walked out to Opal's stall Opal sort of perked up and came over to where my wife was, nuzzled up to her as if to apologize for kicking the wife last weekend. They talked until the vet arrived. When the time came, it was decided to put her down in the field rather than the paddock for ease of removal. On the walk out to the field Opal stopped and talked to every horse along the way as if to say good-bye. We are certain she knew her time had come...horses are pretty smart for dumb animals.

When the time came for the injection she stood proud. The Vet was surprised because injection should have had a quick effect, a matter of seconds actually, but it took over a minute before she laid down. The Vet surmises this was due to an enlarged heart, another symptom of the brain tumor.

We still have Cocoa, our 8 year old Quarter, who is in foal (should be a Paint) and should drop next month. Plus, we have the yearling, Shasta, a beautiful Paint. There is still plenty of riding in our future, we just have to wait a little while.

Like Botnst said, horses touch a different part of the human heart.

[Jim Anderson]

My 9 year old daughters first pet, a rat she named Angel, died just about time I left for a weekend camping trip (out of phone range) with some friends last weekend. She was pretty upset about it, and I feel bad about not being there. Services are this weekend.

[Lebenz]

Sorry for your loss, Mike! Nothing more painful than loosing a member of the family....

[Botnst]

Jim, That's funny. I had mice when I was a kid and liked the foolish little things. You can train them to all kinds of tricks.

Nowadays when we get mice they go down Elvis' throat. Elvis is my girl's corn snake.

B

[elau]

Mike,
Sorry for the lost. All animals are precious and they all have a special place in our hearts. I just wish I can do more for them.

No Mike, the post was not a bore. It just plain sucks to lose a member of the family, even of the four legged variety. My condolances for your loss. Focus on the many happy memories that she brought all of you. I know that helped me when I was dealing with Chance's passing.