Tough decisions

So here we are, approaching the anniversary of the death of our beautiful Debi and it seems we are now facing the loss of another of our precious equine companions. Bados' condition deteriorated over the weekend and my wonderful vet came and assessed him for me this afternoon and gave me the news that I knew, in my heart, was coming.

Unfortunately his condition, which is not all that uncommon in horses of such advanced years, is not treatable so it is really just a case of keeping an eye on him and making the call when enough is enough. I believe, in my heart, that the fact that we can choose for our beloved pets to meet a dignified end without pain and suffering is a wonderful gift but it really does not make it any easier!

The good news is that I have been assured that he is in no pain at all - the nerves that are pinched and the associated numbness are what is making it difficult for him to walk properly and it will slowly worsen (as the disc continues to calcify) until one day he lies down, and is unable to rise again. I therefore have to make the hardest of decisions for him BEFORE this happens. For now he is on a flat paddock with plenty of hay and anti inflammatory medication and I get to spoil and fuss over him for how ever long he has left.

He's just the most wonderful old soldier with the gentlest soul wrapped in a cast iron body that is finally beginning to fail him. The spark of life is still very bright in his eye which is why it seems so very cruel that his body should start to fail him like this. I only hope I can make the decision for him before it is too late and it is made for us both...

TGIF

Today Hooty was dropped off so that she can foal here and Pippa arrived for Robbie so, it's all on here. Unfortunately the arrival of both mares coincided with the arrival of (much needed) rain which meant that Reilly took the opportunity to completely TRASH his new paddock 'showing off' for the ladies *sigh*.

Hooty looks fabulous and Keryn who is leasing her has clearly taken wonderful care of her whilst she has been living with her - It's so nice to know that she has been pampered and loved while she was away and I was lucky to get regular photos and emails letting me know how she was getting on - Leases really can work!

Pippa was covered within minutes of being re-introduced to Robbie so, fingers and toes crossed, that Pippa's owners now have another lovely Robbie foal is in the making.

Note for myself - Libby's LDOS was 20.09.09 so, if she has conceived, we will have a due date of 25.08.10.

The grass in Hooty's paddock - Good for mares and foals!

Hooty eating the grass in her paddock!

Awww, welcome back girl

Pippa

Robbie makin' a move on Pippa

San Barbados has taken a tumble ...

but he hasn't fallen from grace, rather it would appear he has fallen over and hurt himself or been bashed into (by a certain orange yearling Irish gelding who thinks he's 'the man'), damn! Bados is 28 years old and will be 29 on the 1st of January next year and he's my horse hero, my equine rock, my 'one in a million' super special boy and I adore him! He's not allowed to hurt himself because he's going to live forever!

He's very cross with me right now because I have taken him away from 'his' babies, Aine and Rory because they play too rough plus I keep visiting him and poking at him. My friend Jane has very kindly loaned (I would buy one but it is out of the budget at present sadly) me her 'Back on Track' back pad so he is wearing that for a few hours every day plus he is on anti inflammatory medication. I am going to try and get a therapist to him as soon as possible as well. I have everything crossed this is just a blip on the radar of his life.

Beautiful Bados

His current standing position

It seems this is more comfy

Gorgeous BOT model