This is NOT the update post I want to be making, but it looks like it has to be made.
We had to take Pepsi to the vet school today because he wasn't eating his breakfast and was showing neurological symptoms. (He couldn't seem to figure out where his hind end was, what to do with his hind legs, etc.) They gave us a range of possible diagnoses, anywhere from a bone spur impinging on his nerve (from which he would probably heal completely) to EPM/EEE/West Nile Virus, which we couldn't have really done anything about.
When I left him ~2:30 this afternoon he was eating hay and seemed fairly content. Lindsay (who works at the vet school) called about 3:30 to say that she & Rachael went back to check on him before they went home and that he had a catheter in him to help him pee, but was otherwise still in good condition and was being an absolute gentleman about everything.
I basically thought we'd have to make some hard decisions Monday (which is when we were going to run all the diagnostics to avoid an emergency diagnostic fee on the weekend), but never got the chance. I got a call tonight about 8:30 that he had fallen down in the stall and couldn't get back up. The vet also said that he couldn't pee or poop on his own, so I decided to put him down.
My mom and I drove to the vet school, and I was there with him while they put him down. He was laying down in the stall, looking around and being his normal sweet & mouthy self when we got there. They gave him some hay and a giant bowl of cookies to eat, and he was quite happy with all of the food around him to munch on, and kept nosing me for more. I was there right beside him as they gave him the drugs, and he was enjoying his cookies up to the very end.
The ironic thing is that he'd been SO good lately, and we'd really started to work on some of our last remaining issues. I was SO looking forward to taking lessons on him, to taking him to different clinics, and to get him started on Adequan so that he could keep going strong.
The good news is that at least now he's able to run freely in green pastures, and he can have all the cookies he wants forever.
So everyone, go kiss your horses, tell them you love them, and then give them a carrot or a cookie from me.
~Mary
***Run free through green pastures sweetheart. I will always love you, and now you can go play with Bandit...until I see you both again over the rainbow.***
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9 comments:
I stop by here and read to get inspired and to keep up with all of you - and am so sorry, Mary, to read about Pepsi. It must be heartbreaking but it sounds like things were going downhill and I'm glad he was able to have hay, cookies, and you with him right up to the end. Sending him good wishes as he heads off to the Big Lush Field and to you too during this difficult time.
Mary, I'm so sorry to hear about Pepsi! You had to make such a difficult decision, but you did what was right for Pepsi. Too bad more horse owners aren't like you. Prayers and well wishes for you and all who loved Pepsi.
I remember him at the clinic last year... such a silly boy! :) I know you'll miss him dearly.
I'm shocked! And so very sorry for your loss...Pepsi certainly was a special one, and left you with many great memories and a wealth of experience.
I will certainly go hug my horse, like you said.
Oh no, that's awful! You and your Pepsi stories always entertained me and it's terrible to think he's gone.
I'm glad that it doesn't sound like he suffered much and that he made it long enough for you to be there with him.
Oh Mary I am so sorry to hear this. It is shocking news! I know how hard that decision is, I had to do it at the very same place for Sam. Whether you see it coming or it is totally unexpected it is hard, although I think the latter situation is much harder. I hope you can rest assured that you did the right thing for Pepsi, and now he is running happily on the other side of that Rainbow Bridge with friends both old and new.
I will definitely give my pony some extra love, hugs, kisses, and cookies tomorrow and tell him some are from you too.
Hang in there...and (((hugs))) from Jay and me to you. I know you were looking forward to the future with Pepsi...when you are ready I am sure there is a special someone out there for you. You are in my thoughts.
OMG I'm so sorry to read this! I can't believe this happened. If there is anything I can do please let me know.
OH, Mary - I am SO sorry to hear this: ( I know how heartbreaking it is to put down a best furry friend.
My thoughts are with you. I know Pepsi knew he was loved before he went to greener pastures...
Mary, I am so sorry to hear this. How terrible it is to go through something like this. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Aw, Mary, I'm so sorry -- I just hate this for you, though I'm glad that you were able to be there with him and make his passing more comfortable. Keeping you in my thoughts.
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