I have to say that I am more than slightly obssessed about all of my animals now.
My worry levels are through the roof and all I can ask myself is “what did I do wrong? What happened?” I think they are all dead when they lie down. Obviously they aren’t but even so.
Why did this happen? I have no answers and there was no post-mortem. Just “One of Those Things” is what I am told.
The horses are pragmatic. They said their goodbyes at the time, they watched what happened, walked away and never looked back or struggled with the end. As it should be.
They have got their heads around things. I haven’t.
Eurovision was a good diverting entertainment and I made The Cake (raspberry version).
It was a fun evening for Daisy and me. OH has nothing to do with it. Raspberry gin shots every time anyone lay down to sing on the floor, and a shot for the word “super” during the scoring.
And I have been keeping myself busy, so I don’t think, going through stuff to sell for the huge vet and digger bill. It is time for a good clear out, anyway.
Frances, almost certainly nothing you could have done to prevent what happened. I do think colic is even worse than laminitis – it comes on so unexpectedly whereas with lami, there are usually warning signs. I know how hard it is to stop fretting about the ‘what ifs’ but please try to focus on what a lovely life you provide for all your animals. And the best gift you give them is making the right decision to let them go at the right moment.xx
Ah, horses have lessons to teach us. Just watching a thing about horse therapy on Countryfile. You haven’t done anything wrong. Death is part of life, as it were.
I like your cake! We watched a lot of last night’s Eurovision event but went to bed before most of the results were in. I did think the choice of “You’ll never Walk Alone” was inspired; support for Ukraine without a single political statement being made. Good old Liviverpool. I loved the way the audience joined in – and were in tune!
that cake is spectacular! and I bet it was every bit as delicious as it looked.
Having lost 3 horses to colic in my life, all elderly, interestingly, all after a sharp weather change, I’ve done a lot of second guessing. Sometimes things just happen, no matter how careful you are. It doesn’t make a darn bit of difference, it still hurts for a long time.
Oh Frances, I sure can’t blame you for feeling the way you are feeling. I’m sure I would be doing the same. I hope and pray that time will be a friend to you and help to ease your pain and anxiety. So sorry you’re going through this. But glad you and Daisy had a nice diversion!
Nothing will change the way you feel about it, but I’m sure that you did all you could, and any critter (or human) who makes it to your house is very lucky.
Animals dont’ give us the signals we want at times. Hard to not second guess one’s self but our critters can be private about their health. Glad to know you have Eurovision to watch.
Sitting and thinking is the worst. Keeping busy with projects and animal needs (and wants!) helps so very much. But you already know this, so you’ll be fine. It just takes awhile for life to settle down.
Frances, it’s very clear that you give the best of care to all the creatures around you (human and otherwise). Please allow yourself some care too.
I remember when you rescued the minions, with knowledge and hard work for the ponies and tact and empathy for the person not able to give your level of care at the time. You jump in and help. Repeatedly. Things are better because of the efforts of you and your family. None of us can achieve perfect results, but making things better is pretty darn amazing.
Hope you go out and get some nose-kisses.
Frances – it would be lovely to have a ‘pragmatic’ response to the loss of your dear Klaengur ….. but good thing our DNA is wired the way it is , Your worries and regrets and grief are what makes you an even better steward of your herd. It makes all (most) of us worry about the climate, about forests and water. It’s made you a wonderful mother to your beautiful girls and all of your creatures.
Shelley