OneGuyFromBarlick

Very sad news Ian. At least she didn't suffer for long.

Very sad for you all. RIP Millie.

It's hard when old companions have to go. It's the price we pay Ian. Hard luck.....

Just catching up. Always very sad to lose a family member. RIP Millie.

I think I've mentioned that since his attacks Jack has been strangely vacant at times. Nothing to worry about but a change. Yesterday I got close to home and realised he wasn't with me. (I always let him run free when we get onto the Pioneer car park) A lady came back to tell me he was running about on the car park and was evidently agitated. We went back and sure enough he was looking for me, he had evidently been distracted and lost me. I called him and he shot across the park and straight home. I will have to keep a closer eye on him when he is running free.

Dennis isn't well, he is lethargic and off his food. The vet thinks it is a virus and I have been giving him anti-inflammatory drugs since last Thursday. He isn't picking up yet and I fear his age has finally caught up with him.

Having said that, I've just been out to give them their breakfast and he has eaten every scrap of hay and last night's tea that he ignored yesterday. He is tucking into his breakfast ....perhaps there is some hope after all.

Oh Animals, and what they do to us.
I hope all stays well Wendy.

We've lost a horse, dog and cat in the last 12 months, the only downside of having animals.

He does seem to have perked up this morning, probably because I asked the vet to come out again! His temperature has dropped back to normal and his heart rate has slowed down. She has taken blood tests to see if they can discover what's going on....

Dennis has all my thoughts (and Sparky as well). How old is he Wendy?

He is 36 going on 37 and Sparky will be 33 this year. He was much brighter yesterday evening, starting to respond more to what was going on around him. Fingers crossed he is pulling through!

From your mouth to God's ear!

A very good age Wendy, ponies seem to carry on a lot longer than most horses.

Gloria, part of me looks forward to a time when my life isn't dominated by looking after them and i can be free to do other things, but the loss will be huge when they finally go! As soon as I feel they are suffering and not enjoying life they will be euthanized. That's easy to say but hard to do, I hope I have no choice when the time comes.

Luckily or not so, I had no choice with the horse, totally unexpected, it came right out of the blue. One minute she was fine, next minute in middle of field, down and couldn't get up, wasn't sweating, no real sign of pain, probably a stroke. Got vet straight away and she put her to sleep. No time to dwell on anything, over and done with. Leaves a big hole, but life goes on.

It's the price we pay for unconditional, uncomplicated love. I think it's worth it and just think of what Wendy has given to those two old lads. It could have been very different. As I often say, treasures in heaven!

The blood tests didn't show up any major issues, a touch of anaemia and inflammatory markers which could both be signs he is fighting an infection. He was almost back to his bright and cheeky self by last night so I will carry on with the 2 doses of anti inflammatory powders (mixed with warm water and black treacle then syringed into his mouth) and we will hold off on antibiotics unless he gets worse.
I've had Dennis for 22 years now and he has always found it uncomfortable to have his back legs picked up, my farrier was trimming his feet yesterday and he had no problem with the back feet.....one benefit of all the pain killers!

Lovely, fingers crossed here! Good decision to avoid the antibiotics I reckon.....

Anti inflammatory powders, are they still bute? Wonderful stuff.
They've both been very lucky to have you.

Yes Gloria, it is Bute. Dennis can sniff it out a mile off in the tastiest of foods which is why I have to syringe it down him! Not the most efficient way as it doesn't dissolve in fluid and I end up with residue in the syringe and the pot I mix it up in... but some must be finding its way into him!

He must have a nose like the proverbial Sam Herb, whoever he was???

Get him hooked on sausages, then he'll swallow anything! (Well, it works with Jack....)

Here's a photo to cheer Stanley up. Dennis waiting for the vet to come yesterday and do some more blood tests. He is almost back to his old self, moving better and enjoying a roll in the mud when he is outside. The bloods are to check if the anaemia and inflammatory markers are still there.
Never thought he would make it through this one...

Oh Bless’em. Good news.