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Post by ecaitlynn on Jan 10, 2008 16:35:46 GMT -5
Oh, no. I really am hoping that Pie has a few years of comfort and indulgence left in him. Thanks for keeping us posted. If only they could tell us about everything they've experienced. It's tragic that good horses, once loved and cared for, ever come to this kind of situation.
Beth Thompson
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Post by cat67 on Jan 10, 2008 16:59:33 GMT -5
Wow. 48 hours away from death. If anybody ever questions if they should really get involved in a situation like this, now you have your answer. You know what would have happened if we had not all felt such a strong compulsion to do something. I also felt that Pie had a very strong will to live. I truly believe he will recover and have at least some time left to enjoy the good life. I have been around enough elderly horses to recognize the kind of spirit that helps them make a comeback, no matter what the tests show. He totally reminds me of Clover - I knew by the end of the first day that she would come back, and now, a year and three days later, she is fat, shiny and bossing around all the weanlings - and she is definitely 30+.
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Post by Whitewolf821 on Jan 10, 2008 17:12:08 GMT -5
Not that I am condoning mistreatment of animals in any way, shape, or form, but I want to clear something up. I spoke with the person who surrendered these horses to SAFE, and I honestly don't feel this was a malicious act. I know she cared about Pie and what happened to him. She has emailed to ask how they settled in, etc. I truly believe it was lack of knowledge that put Pie and Isabelle in these conditions. Especially in the case of a 30+ year old horse, you need to know how to properly care for them to keep them alive for many years, and unfortunately, there is way too many people out there that don't understand what a horse needs to sustain a long, healthy life. I can also say that she must have cared enough to let them go for free where she knew someone could and would take care of them. It wasn't a case of someone seeing where they could make that $50 off a dying horse. She knew the horses needed help, and that's why she turned them over to us.
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Post by Rose on Jan 10, 2008 17:25:33 GMT -5
I was worried that Pie may have liver failure. Starving old horses is so hard on their system. The younger ones are able to bounce back easier. It's not right in either case.
Whatever life Pie has will be better then the one he left behind. My prayers will be going out to both these Pumkins.
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Post by cat67 on Jan 10, 2008 17:37:15 GMT -5
I don't think it was malicious either...but to a horse, intentions do not matter in the least. They just know they are hungry. The person who had Clover was merely ignorant as well - she did not understand why all of her other horses were fat and Clover was skinny.
I know I've mentioned this before, but I really believe it'd be a good thing for SAFE to put on a clinic regarding elderly horse care. I'd help, Chelsea would help...it would be great to bring out horses like 36 year old Sarge and 30+ Clover and J.R. (who even knows how old he is?) and show people that old does NOT inevitably equal thin! We could clear up a lot of misconceptions and educate about nutrition and what it takes to care for a senior.
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Post by schwung on Jan 10, 2008 17:46:40 GMT -5
I would love to plan something like that Cat. Let's do something this spring. I am sure Dr. Hannah would love to help as well.
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Post by oneidea on Jan 10, 2008 18:05:22 GMT -5
I think a spring "Health and Horsekeeping" fair/clinic would be a great idea. We do one annually for my (dog) breed club and it's a great way to educate, draw new members/supporters, and do a little fundraising.
Our dog clinic usually has a few speakers to address areas of interest to the breed: veterinarians, alternative/holistic practitioners, groomers, speakers on nutrition, etc. We also offer low-cost microchipping which tends to be a big draw for the larger (non-showing) community.
I'd be happy to help with planning and coordination.
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Post by averyacres on Jan 10, 2008 18:08:06 GMT -5
Great idea, Cat! JR would love to participate.
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Post by cat67 on Jan 10, 2008 18:25:13 GMT -5
Besides, then we can get J.R. and Clover together and answer the question, once and for all, of who has the grand prize award winning swayback! Here's Clovie last night...
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Post by averyacres on Jan 10, 2008 18:26:55 GMT -5
I was going to say, I'd bring my measuring tape, but don't think you will need one for that!! Think they are fairly close...what do you think...?
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Post by winterlakesfarm on Jan 10, 2008 19:29:06 GMT -5
So sad about the gelding!!!! But I am not going to give up on him yet.......and the beauty of mush diets is that they do not need their teeth done to gain weight.........I am wishing horsey guardian angels to fly their way to keep them going! We could not have special ordered a better foster for them so I am going to stay optimistic
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Post by Gingersmom-Tate on Jan 10, 2008 21:27:39 GMT -5
I'm not surprized by the complications either, their starving bodies were absorbing protein any way possible. I pray for a positive outcome for Pie. Liver damage can repair itself in time. Sounds like with his positive attitude he may just get the time needed.
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Post by jodycat on Jan 10, 2008 22:46:47 GMT -5
Great idea, Cat! JR would love to participate. I would be happy to help (can't haul horses etc. but could do other things). Maybe feed stores would sponsor or advertise if there were a brochure. What about inviting AC officers? Wouldn't this be something that might help or interest them?
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Post by fototropic on Jan 11, 2008 10:10:14 GMT -5
Inviting AC officers is a great idea. I know that here in Vermont most AC officers know little to nothing about large animals. They are okay with cats and dogs, but anything bigger and they take the owners word for it that horses are supposed to look like that, he's just old, she's nursing and nursing mares are all that skinny, etc. Pam
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Post by jodycat on Jan 11, 2008 19:08:23 GMT -5
Any results on the blood work?
Mary
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