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 I Am Always Right
Posts: 4264
  
Location: stray dump capital of the world | I took in this horse to help a friend. Said friend paid the first two months for the care of the horse and then went into hiding. There was a thread a couple months back where I discussed this situation so I won't drag up that mess. At any rate, this fella got really sick tonight. To the point that I think we may lose him. I contacted said friend and asked if she wanted me to contact a vet for her horse. She responded that at his age, mid 30s, what would be the point and added "sorry." Well for one, I wouldn't have to watch this horse die. He needed more meds than the banamine I had on hand. So, the husband contacted a vet to come out and if need be, put the horse down. He also contacted a grave digger to come out tomorrow and bury the horse if he needed to be put down. Husband is taking tomorrow off of work to monitor the horse and meet vet or grave digger if need be. Still nothing from said friend and owner of horse. This person doesn't even bother to inquire after original "sorry" text message to check on the horse, or come out to see him. Vet felt that horse may be saved and gave him some fluids, tubed him and hit him hard with some pain medication. I naturally will be up all night in and out in freezing temperatures to monitor the horse and I have a full time job to go to tomorrow. If the vet has to come back out it will be to put the horse down. Still nada from said friend and apparently, we are stuck with the vet bill. My heart hurts for this horse. He is such a sweet boy and for her to dump him like garbage just rubs me in such a way that I cannot comprehend the contempt I feel. I hope he makes it. I have grown to love this old man and I'm not ready for him to cross the bridge. I have added pictures of when we brought him out here in June, (2nd picture) nothing but skin and bones, to what he looks like now. Clearly some people should not own animals. Vent over...for now. Please pray for this old guy.
Edited to add that I couldn't get the "before" to load, so added it in a response below. Fat and eating on the round was taken this past weekend.
 This was taken last weekend. Don't you love his "meals on wheels." haha.
Edited by sophiebelle 2014-01-29 5:42 AM
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 Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
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You are a good person and this horse is lucky to have you. As for his owner, karma is coming her way. |
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I Am Always Right
Posts: 4264
Location: stray dump capital of the world | Hopefully the before picture will load now. Just checked him again. He's down in his stall, but head up, ears perked. Thinking just tired. If this picture loads, you can see the change. This is from the end of May.
I don't know why the "before" won't load. Can I email it to someone to post? I really would like y'all to see how far he has come.
Edited by sophiebelle 2014-01-29 9:55 PM
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 Dog Resuce Agent
Posts: 3459
Location: southeast Texas | He came to you for a reason. His previous owner did not respect him. Just enought to send him to you.
You made his final time on this earth, comfortable.
The previous owner is NOT a friend.......
what ever his outcome, he is at peace..... |
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Married to a Louie Lover
Posts: 3303
| What a sweet looking boy.
He certainly came to you for a reason, to make his last days on Earth comfortable and well loved. There are people who own horses and then there are horse people. I strive to be the latter and encourage the former to try another hobby.
Bless you for making this sweet old man comfortable and for doing right by the animal, not the owner (who's friendship I would truly question). |
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 Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
| We read way to many stories on here of people doing kindness for others and end up being taken advantge of. I don't know how these people sleep at night. Your kind heart is now doing it for him and not her. I only hope the generosity and kindness that our world needs is not outweighed by the selfish acts of others. Hugs, he is lucky to have you. |
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  More bootie than waist!
Posts: 18425
Location: Riding Crackhead. | Call her instead of texting her. If it were me I'd go talk to her face to face and let her know of her stupidity in case she doesn't know. If she still doesn't give a rip then your going to have to deal with the situation at hand. Yes its going to cost you lots of lost time, money and energy. But you can rest easy knowing you did everything right. Then your next step is letting as many people as possible in the area where this POS lives know what an idiot she is so she doesn't do this to any more horses and so called friends. |
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I Am Always Right
Posts: 4264
Location: stray dump capital of the world | He is doing well this morning. The vet said it isn't colic and is a bit perplexed. Perhaps the extreme hot to cold weather was hard on him. The fluids and pain medication helped. He has been moving a bit slower this week, but again, it could be the weather and he has arthritis. The episode last night, whatever it was, was sooo scary. We lost one the day before Thanksgiving to colic and I knew I couldn't handle another death so soon. But, as you can see on the round bale, he is still a happy guy.
I have written this person off and will have no more dealings with her
or her family. You guys are right. God sent him here for a reason. He is much loved and his last hours, days, weeks, or years, whatever they may be, will be comfortable.
I appreciate the ability to vent. I'll update later. Got to get to work. I don't know the cost of the vet bill yet, so gotta earn some moolah. lol
thanks for letting me vent. |
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 Midget Lover
Location: Kentucky | He looks like a sweet, sweet boy. I'm glad you took him in. It's pathetic how people can be sometimes. |
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More bootie than waist!
Posts: 18425
Location: Riding Crackhead. | If he's in his 30's he needs to be put down. Wait until it gets warmer and set up a time when it works for you and your husband. He deserves to go out with respect. He actually looks pretty good for his age. |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 407
| Why does he need to be put down just because he is in his 30's? |
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I Am Always Right
Posts: 4264
Location: stray dump capital of the world | Exactly... Why put him down? He is fat and sassy. The only health problem he has displayed in the last 8 months was last night. I agree, he is in his 30s, and if the time arises that he is suffering (or we have another episode like last night) then certainly we will do the right thing by this guy.
So far so good for the day. The husband says the horse is doing well which is more than I can say for me. lol. I am soooo sleepy. It's almost time to go home.
Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughts. |
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 Water Weight Barbie
Posts: 6829
Location: Oz, Kansas | Prayers for your old man. I hope he feels better soon. Being the spiteful person that I am, I would keep track of all of your expenses & after he crosses over the rainbow file a small claims suit against your ex-friend. She deserves some responsibility for this horse. You may never get a dime but at least she will know that she didn't get away with abandoning her horse. |
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Love the Worn and Ugly (Saddles)
Posts: 1937
| lookout hill - 2014-01-29 3:50 PM Prayers for your old man. I hope he feels better soon. Being the spiteful person that I am, I would keep track of all of your expenses & after he crosses over the rainbow file a small claims suit against your ex-friend. She deserves some responsibility for this horse. You may never get a dime but at least she will know that she didn't get away with abandoning her horse.
I agree with this. I would not put him down if he is healthy. We all have bad days when we get old but until the bad outweigh the good there's no reason if you can take care of him like you have. Bless you for doing what you can for him. What is the reason for the above poster to say that he needs to be put down? |
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 Born not Made
Posts: 2931
Location: North Dakota | Text messages are nice because you have written proof for a court of law. A phone conversation can be "made up". If money is an issue, then I would sue your "friend" for the vet bills.
If not, then do what you need to do for the horse.
God bless you for taking such good care of him.  |
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 Expert
Posts: 1218
Location: Great NW | Age does not determine when you need to put them down. They will tell you. Yes the older they are the more care they take - but do we not owe it to them for everything they give us. I am sorry she dumped him on you. It sounds like you needed him as much as he needed you. I wish you the best. |
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 Experienced Mouse Trapper
Posts: 3106
Location: North Dakota | He's a pretty boy! Glad he is feeling better. I guess I would chalk this up to another life lesson, delete your contacts from this person and give up on her-some people just aren't worth it! Had a very intelligient man give me some great advice once, "education is never free, whether a piece of paper or the realization about people and their actions either good or bad" |
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 Expert
Posts: 2154
Location: USA | I have a retired halter champion mare who is in her mid 30's. She is the most bullheaded yet loving horse. She has arthritis, 4 teeth, and cushings. We manage her diet. We tried the cushings supplements but she quit eating if they were in her food. We tried making her a mash and she ate it for awhile but then quit eating. So she gets dry senior feed. She was given to me several years ago in fair condition and I wasn't sure if she would make it through the winter. However, she gained weight and is doing great. She will tell me when she's ready to go and I assure you, as of today, she isn't ready. If she needs emergency vet care for a colic or what have you, she would get it. We owe that to her. She has been great for kids who are new to horses and shown me to appreciate the oldies.
Many prayers for your horse. Glad to hear he is doing better and bless you for taking care of him in his time of need. |
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 Neat Freak
Posts: 11216
Location: Wonderful Wyoming | My old mare, well my dad's old mare is going to be 33 this June. She looks about 16. My husband's old gelding is going to be 29 or so and looks pretty good. Both horses get only mush, but they are some of the few that have earned their right to retirement. |
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Go Get Em!
Posts: 13502
Location: OH. IO | I would jut count my loses with said "friend" and call him my own.you wont get anything from her,but ,you will get a thank you from that beautiful old guy,and ,you will have peace in your heart. |
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 Branded for Life
Posts: 1924
| My mom and I once paid $800.00 for a sweet Appy gelding that was eat up with cancer, had strangles, had foundered to the point that he could barely walk and also had Cushing's. We took him home and he lived comfortably in a nice warm/clean stall, fresh water and food and all the love he wanted for 6 months and then we put him down.
My point is.... My mom and I knew that he was dying, but we also knew that we could never forgive ourselves if we didn't take him home. It was the best $800.00 we ever spent. That happened back in 2003 and I still to this day smile when I see his picture hanging on our wall. :)
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 Famous for Not Complaining
Posts: 8848
Location: Broxton, Ga | You cannot make your friend do what is right...........so glad you were able to be there for him....... |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 907
Location: a secret | You will be blessed for doing what is right for the horse sometimes our journey blesses us with burdens that we just don't understand . Thanks for caring for him. |
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I Am Always Right
Posts: 4264
Location: stray dump capital of the world | OklahomaCowgirl - 2014-01-29 4:56 PM My mom and I once paid $800.00 for a sweet Appy gelding that was eat up with cancer, had strangles, had foundered to the point that he could barely walk and also had Cushing's. We took him home and he lived comfortably in a nice warm/clean stall, fresh water and food and all the love he wanted for 6 months and then we put him down. My point is.... My mom and I knew that he was dying, but we also knew that we could never forgive ourselves if we didn't take him home. It was the best $800.00 we ever spent. That happened back in 2003 and I still to this day smile when I see his picture hanging on our wall. :)
Wow...what a beautiful story! What a lucky horse to have you take an interest in him and he knew love at the end. You and your mom are very special people.
That is what is important here. This boy knows love. My future daughter-in-law is about as city as city can get and she adores him. She comes out, brushes him, feeds him treats, and loves all over him. As soon as the horse sees her car, he comes to the gate to greet her. He follows her all over the place like a dog, and she is just so love struck. |
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 I Want a "MAN"
Posts: 3610
Location: MD | He's so handsome for an old guy I would have loved to see him in his prime he looks like he was a nice horse. |
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I Am Always Right
Posts: 4264
Location: stray dump capital of the world | CE's wrapn3 - 2014-01-29 8:45 PM He's so handsome for an old guy I would have loved to see him in his prime he looks like he was a nice horse.
When I watch him or look in his eyes, I wish he could talk and tell me his life story. He looks like some old ranch horse with his big bones and thick legs. I bet he has some stories in that ole head of his. lol
This is what I came home to today. He didn't get any feed last night because once he refused it and went down, we took it away. The vet said only 1/2 this morning, and our grass is limited. The vet said to pull him off the round bale today just to be sure he is ok, so I bet he was hungry!
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 304
Location: Up and over to the right | What a handsome old man :)
He seems happy with you, I'd say let him live his life out with you if he's happy and pain free. Hoping he's feeling better! |
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I Am Always Right
Posts: 4264
Location: stray dump capital of the world | Here is another one with his entourage...
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 Veteran
Posts: 215
Location: The money window | God bless you for your kind heart.
We spend our lives asking things from horses, and they give, give, give.
When they grow old and can no longer win us saddles or take us on thrill rides, it is our time to start giving back to them.
They might not give in the same way they used to, with earnings or fame, but what they can give is love, friendship, and peace of mind. Anyone who neglects an old horse doesn't deserve to work with any horses, regardless of age, ever. |
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 Expert
Posts: 2308
Location: Viola, IL | I'm with everyone else, give him what he needs, and when it's over worth sue your friend.
About 9 years ago, I went to look at horse on our local classifieds page. She was a gorgeous black mare, and looked beautiful in her picture. I'd watched her for months and decided she deserved someone to love her. Her name was Lady. :)
When I got there to see Lady, with the lady I was working for, she was a bag of bones. I didn't even think she'd live to make it home. I gave the woman $50 and came back immediately for her. I felt so terrible.
I took her to the place I was boarding, and we turned her out in a small pasture, with a blanket and a couple horses. It was snowing and I felt terrible that she had to stand in it.
At some point in time, during the night, she wandered off, to what I think, was going to be her restig place. Somehow she rolled and got caught in the fence. I got a call from the barn manager in the morning to come help him. We helped her up with the tractor, and took her into the indoor.
For three days I called into work, and slept by her side with the heater. I had a cattle vet that wouldn't examine her and just gave her liquids. After three days I felt terrible and called our local expensive equine vet. Upon a long examination we found that she had punctured her lung, and she had to be put down.
That ol' gal cost me $1,000. But it was the best $1,000 I ever spent! I know in her last days she was as loved as she had ever been. |
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More bootie than waist!
Posts: 18425
Location: Riding Crackhead. | sophiebelle - 2014-01-29 2:43 PM Exactly... Why put him down? He is fat and sassy. The only health problem he has displayed in the last 8 months was last night. I agree, he is in his 30s, and if the time arises that he is suffering (or we have another episode like last night) then certainly we will do the right thing by this guy.
So far so good for the day. The husband says the horse is doing well which is more than I can say for me. lol. I am soooo sleepy. It's almost time to go home.
Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughts.
As you can see I posted that before you came back on and said he was doing better. The 15 people that gave me a dislike, I'd hate to be an animal at the end of its life with you if you would rather watch them suffer than treated with respect.
If he's suffering I think they deserve to go out with respect instead of suffering. Call me stupid but when they get to a point they are having a hard time getting up, hard time keeping weight on, seem weak and lose the look in their eye, then yes I put them down. I don't do it lightly. A couple years ago I had an old timer that had been a member of my family for many years that I posted about on this board and got so many prayers and help with feeds on keeping her going. I appreciated it so much I can't find words to describe it. We got her through the winter and before the next winter set it I made the adult choice to put her down humanely so she didn't have to suffer. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1074
| God bless you and your husband. You have definitely given the horse a wonderful life. Many prayers that he continues to do well. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 602
| Even though vet bills are a pain to deal with, you are a great person and providing the best environment for this old guy is awesome. Not only have you helped him out but you also gave the city gal (daughter in law) a friend. To me..... thats a win-win. Its a blessing in disguise.  |
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 Rebel Without a Cause
Posts: 2758
Location: Adopt a homeless pet - www.petfinder.com! | CYA Ranch - 2014-01-30 8:22 AM sophiebelle - 2014-01-29 2:43 PM Exactly... Why put him down? He is fat and sassy. The only health problem he has displayed in the last 8 months was last night. I agree, he is in his 30s, and if the time arises that he is suffering (or we have another episode like last night) then certainly we will do the right thing by this guy.
So far so good for the day. The husband says the horse is doing well which is more than I can say for me. lol. I am soooo sleepy. It's almost time to go home.
Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughts. As you can see I posted that before you came back on and said he was doing better. The 15 people that gave me a dislike, I'd hate to be an animal at the end of its life with you if you would rather watch them suffer than treated with respect.
If he's suffering I think they deserve to go out with respect instead of suffering. Call me stupid but when they get to a point they are having a hard time getting up, hard time keeping weight on, seem weak and lose the look in their eye, then yes I put them down. I don't do it lightly. A couple years ago I had an old timer that had been a member of my family for many years that I posted about on this board and got so many prayers and help with feeds on keeping her going. I appreciated it so much I can't find words to describe it. We got her through the winter and before the next winter set it I made the adult choice to put her down humanely so she didn't have to suffer.
Edited by Calangelo 2014-01-30 10:11 AM
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I Am Always Right
Posts: 4264
Location: stray dump capital of the world | CYA Ranch - 2014-01-30 8:22 AM sophiebelle - 2014-01-29 2:43 PM Exactly... Why put him down? He is fat and sassy. The only health problem he has displayed in the last 8 months was last night. I agree, he is in his 30s, and if the time arises that he is suffering (or we have another episode like last night) then certainly we will do the right thing by this guy.
So far so good for the day. The husband says the horse is doing well which is more than I can say for me. lol. I am soooo sleepy. It's almost time to go home.
Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughts. As you can see I posted that before you came back on and said he was doing better. The 15 people that gave me a dislike, I'd hate to be an animal at the end of its life with you if you would rather watch them suffer than treated with respect.
If he's suffering I think they deserve to go out with respect instead of suffering. Call me stupid but when they get to a point they are having a hard time getting up, hard time keeping weight on, seem weak and lose the look in their eye, then yes I put them down. I don't do it lightly. A couple years ago I had an old timer that had been a member of my family for many years that I posted about on this board and got so many prayers and help with feeds on keeping her going. I appreciated it so much I can't find words to describe it. We got her through the winter and before the next winter set it I made the adult choice to put her down humanely so she didn't have to suffer.
Perhaps I didn't word my response correctly. I had been up for 32 hours straight so probably had no business around the keyboard.
I wondered too about the putting him down comment, but then added that if he continued to deteriorate, we certainly would. I didn't intend to come back as harsh towards you, so if I did, I apologize. I also did not give you a dislike.
Initially, when the vet was called out, it was to put him down. We still are unsure of what set off his episode, but when the decision was made to contact the vet, it was because of his eyes and the pain he appeared to be in. I wanted him to go without pain. The vet is the one who determined that he wasn't ready to go yet and asked us to give him a day. Naturally, by the time the vet was able to get to us, the banamine must have calmed whatever was ailing him. I promise, I would never let him suffer. The person who left him here apparently was going to, though. I'm not angry that I had to spend money on him or that I will likely continue to spend money. My anger is directed at the sloth who left him out here without any intention of caring for him. Her harshness, stupidity and lack of compassion angers me.
Thankfully, he is back to normal today, and for that I am grateful. |
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More bootie than waist!
Posts: 18425
Location: Riding Crackhead. | Calangelo - 2014-01-30 10:10 AM CYA Ranch - 2014-01-30 8:22 AM sophiebelle - 2014-01-29 2:43 PM Exactly... Why put him down? He is fat and sassy. The only health problem he has displayed in the last 8 months was last night. I agree, he is in his 30s, and if the time arises that he is suffering (or we have another episode like last night) then certainly we will do the right thing by this guy.
So far so good for the day. The husband says the horse is doing well which is more than I can say for me. lol. I am soooo sleepy. It's almost time to go home.
Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughts. As you can see I posted that before you came back on and said he was doing better. The 15 people that gave me a dislike, I'd hate to be an animal at the end of its life with you if you would rather watch them suffer than treated with respect.
If he's suffering I think they deserve to go out with respect instead of suffering. Call me stupid but when they get to a point they are having a hard time getting up, hard time keeping weight on, seem weak and lose the look in their eye, then yes I put them down. I don't do it lightly. A couple years ago I had an old timer that had been a member of my family for many years that I posted about on this board and got so many prayers and help with feeds on keeping her going. I appreciated it so much I can't find words to describe it. We got her through the winter and before the next winter set it I made the adult choice to put her down humanely so she didn't have to suffer.
I have a way of having a conversation in my head that sometimes doesn't relay to the keyboard.
My daughters favorite horse died on our place at the ripe old age of 38, she was a daughter of Poco Speedy. She led a very full, happy, healthy life that had a never give up attitude. Cripes she chased our dog across the yard the week before she passed on because the dog must have looked at her wrong. The following week she kept going down and always needed lots of help getting up so we made a very hard decision. As I posted before I DO NOT take putting them down lightly but when it needs to be done, I do it. |
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So I took in this horse...VENT and prayers needed