posted
If you want, send an e-mail note to Ivygirl (ivygirl AT iwichita DOT com)
Two weeks ago, as with the rest of this year, we had three horses: Joey, Henry and Festus (Joey and Festus actually belong to my sister and we just take care of them full-time).
Late last week, Festus died. This was not a surprise to us-- he was very very old, and the last time the vet was out, she said he wouldn't last very much longer. He didn't.
But then suddenly this week, Henry, who is also an old horse, began to act sick. (Henry is actually totally owned by Ivygirl). He began to refuse to eat and drink. The vet came out earlier today and we tried all sorts of things -- checked for "chokes", took temp -- he had very rapid heartbeat and labored breathing etc. The vet did everything she could think of.
But tonight he died.
So we've gone from 3 horses to 1 horse in just one week.
Ivygirl is acting like it isn't bothering her, but I know it has just been a lousy week for her all-around. So if you want to drop her an e-mail, it might cheer her up. She has been way too busy and snowed with homework to have any desire to check Hatrack.
posted
Well now we know how much you actually read or care about the posts we post Chad. On top of getting the remaining live horse's name wrong don't you think that is a tad insensitive?
*hugs Ivygirl* I'd be bawling my eyes out, no question about it.
My wife just leased her horse out and said goodbye to him as he was moved a couple of hours away. I know how sad it was for her, but losing two horses in such a short time has got to be heavy on the heart.
Growing up, my family ran a breeding and show barn. I always got more attached to the older horses because they were more gentle and relaxed. Retirement seems to suit horses in their old age better than most humans.
Take care and know that they are at rest now, and the old aches and pains are gone from them. And I'm sure, at least in their later days, they were well taken care of and loved.
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Do you know Farmgirl and Ivygirl? They live in Kansas, on their family farm. Ivygirl is a lovely, intelligent girl who loves her animals. There are some great pictures of her on foobonic. She's kind of shy, so she won't tell Hatrack herself about things, but her mother keeps us informed. This isn't a situation to make light of - someone important - a couple someones - important to Ivygirl has died.
That's not good, Ivygirl. I'm sorry.
Posts: 26077 | Registered: Mar 2000
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posted
Again, I'm sorry to hear that. I was out of line and apologize. I was in a "silly" mood and read her "cheering up" request with the wrong intent.
Again, I am sorry Farmgirl and Ivy.
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posted
(Yes. Sorry - you had apologized and Banna had already said something. Sara reminds me of my manners, as usual. I'm sorry - I'm having a not-good day.)
I haven't really had pets, and sometimes I wonder if it's because I don't think I can take this sorrow of them. Take care, Ivygirl.
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posted
Sounds like Ivygirl isn't going to be reading this thread anytime soon, so emails might be a better way of reaching her.
Farmgirl, how are you doing? How close were you to these horses?
Kat--it is incredibly painful. I still miss my last dog terribly, and he died...what, 6 years ago? My ferrets died in '98, and I miss them horribly as well. Christine and I swore off pets after they died, but recently a cat adopted us, and we find ourselves once again loving having a pet. I've caught myself eyeing ferrets and dogs on animal rescue websites too.
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posted
Thanks to all of you -- and to those of you who have sent her an e-mail (she hasn't checked her e-mail yet -- will probably do so later tonight).
Chad - I was not upset with you at all. I saw that you posted very quickly after I started the thread-- probably to catch me before I signed off (since I'm trying to stay Hatrack-less during vacation) and simply got the surviving horse name mixed up.
Joey, the surviving horse, is having a hard time with this today. He keeps running around the pasture whinny-ing. He is a very young and very healthy horse (our thoroughbred), so there are no worries there.
The two which passed on were both very old -- we had got them from a ranch for foster kids -- where they use the horses to help the foster kids learn responsibility and caring, etc. They were retired from that service before coming here. So we don't know their exact age except they were probably between 25 and 30. The vet says the deaths being that close together is coincidence -- it isn't an epidemic or anything.
posted
Farmgirl, I can't get an e-mail to go through to Ivygirl; it keeps coming back as undeliverable. Please let her know that I'm very sorry for the loss. If she needs to talk or there's anything I can do just let me know. I'll be thinking about both of you.
posted
Space Opera, what number is referenced in the delivery failure report? I sent her a message this morning, and it hasn't bounced back, so I'm wondering if she got deluged with sympathy emails, and her mailbox is full.
Posts: 16059 | Registered: Aug 2000
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Thank you everyone for thinking of me. It has been a rather rough week, and particularly trying when I couldn't be home with my horses when the vet came out and they died. However, with as many animals as I have, I try to remain unattached and yet attached so it isn't as hard when they die. In this case, though, I didn't fully suceed, even though both Henry and Festus weren't particulary people horses and like to be alone, but with the other horses there. They were a lot of fun to take care of and ride, though, so I will and do sorely miss them. I am thankful right now that we do still have Joey left, especially because he is a very large, gorgeous, sweet people horse who will always come up to me and likes to lay his head on my shoulder. It's very comforting. Again, thank you all very much!
Kat-thanks for the very flattering description of myself. I didn't know I made that much of an impact in the two days at KamaCon!
Chad-You're fine, I wasn't at all bothered by it. I rather thought it was kinda sad and funny at the same time, if that is possible. I've been having emotional roller coasters, so that may explain part of it. Thank you for trying to cheer me up. ((Chad))
posted
I read farmgirl's post and had to leave this thread in tears. Ivygirl, my email is bouncing so I can't email you, but I can only imagine how hard this is. Last year the horse I took lessons on from birth (well not quite) till I was 16, was diagnosed with Cushings, and has been totally retired. She's 28 and not doing very well so we know it will be within the next year. I cried for days with that diagnosis, and Cody isn't mine. ((((((ivygirl, farmigirl, and aunt)))))))You are in my thoughts.
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