March 14, 2015

  • Missing the Old Gray Mare

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    It's been nearly two months now since Gemela died and still the empty stall seems strange.

    Florentino, her half brother, who had never been separated from her since birth, did not appear to be unduly concerned about her disappearance. He is still as neurotic and hyper active as always but I fear his death isn't far off as he suffers from the same melanoma tumors that probably took his sister.

    I almost wish it were over so I could stop worrying about his possible discomfort. Horses are so stoic about their pain.

    FYI the dark patches on her shoulder is her black skin showing where she wears the hair off rubbing on the stall door. She had very sensitive skin.

Comments (9)

  • So sorry to hear she has died. Horses can live well into their 20s making our bonds with them so strong.

    • Yes, it didn't seem to make any difference that her papers said she belonged to someone else. I loved her like my own. What not owning her meant was that when the vet said she was terminal, I couldn't authorize him to euthanize her on the spot. She had to suffer through another day and night working her way out of life on her own. Steve is never inclined to put an animal down until way too late.

  • I'm so sorry, Judy! I didn't realize, though I should have, that horses are susceptible to such scourges as melanoma.

  • Sad news . I have in my family, people loving horses and I wonder what will happen when one of the horse dies.
    Love
    Michel

    • We know it's inevitable when we take them into our hearts and yet we do it blithely. Rather like having children. You know they are going to cause you worry but you only envision the pleasure.

  • RYC ; about beer ;

  • RYC : about beer . I do not like it iced , or too much cold . Simply refreshed to keep the scent and the taste that are a large part of the pleasure. :)
    On another topic I hope Florentino keeps well .
    Love
    Michel

  • I certainly understand the waiting as I face that with both of my birds who are over 19 yrs. old. I think any animal instinctively will not let you know, but especially birds.

    • I think it's easier with animals you have in the house with you day and night. You can observe every little change in behavior. I've distanced myself from Florentino, checking on him once a week or so, but leaving his care to Steve and his staff at the house. It's just too hard to invest myself knowing what's to come. The vet came out last week to check on him and suggested that he check him once a month to monitor the growth of the new tumor on his penis. So far, it hasn't impaired his ability to urinate but when it does, things could go downhill quickly. I hope Steve will comply with the vet's suggestion.

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