Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Arson

Sad news as we did have to have Arson euthanised today at Shiloh.

After a long consultation and weighing any and all options, we decided to let him go peacefully. If it were just the one foot that we were dealing with, there was a small possibility we could save him- but his opposite foot was starting the same breakdown and we just could not let him be in any more pain. He fought so hard and for so long, but it was time for him to be at peace. It was an excruciating decision for all of us, including the vet and all the vet techs from Desert Pines who have helped us care for him over the past year.

Daria and Jimmy Dean spent some quiet time with Arson before the vet arrived. He was fed as much Equine Senior as he wanted and tons of carrots and apples...

Dr Schur examining him.

Both of Arson's front feet were blocked (a nerve block) so that he would have some time pain free. He was sedated and then he was put to sleep with many tears and loving hands easing him on his way. A very difficult morning for all of us at Shiloh.

Arson will be buried at Shiloh near Chief. We always wanted Arson to be able to become a Wanderer and now Chief and Arson are wandering together pain free. I am sure Chief will show him all of the good spots to explore and the soft places to lay...

But, Rescue continues on. Dr Schur re-examined Providence's growths.

And then we had new arrivals, Pippi Longstockings and Vortex checked for pregnancies. BOTH ARE PREGNANT! Pippi (pictured above) is 8 months along...

Vortex is about 6 months along.

Both mares were moved into the Mare Motel and their older babies, Sedona and Sherlock, stayed behind with Fancy in the big Isolation turnout. There was some calling back and forth- but the babies soon settled down to eat. Now both mares can get all of the nutrition they need for their upcoming foals.


This sad and frustrating situation shows you what we have to deal with regarding horse slaughter. All of these horses were heading to slaughter: Both mares pregnant again, weanling babies at their side. Neither babies have ever been handled- why were the mares bred back?! It is absolutely ridiculous and true waste of life!!!!

10 comments:

the 4 D's said...

Jill and Sally Im glad that I was able to say good by to arson this morning ,as I have always said you and sally have hearts of gold and have made the choice to give arson a new beginning where life begins FREE from slaughter and running free as all the horses in the world should have .... FREEDOM....

PattiKnowles said...

Jill and Sally I am very happy that you are able to make these hard choices, so many try to protect their own hearts and not that of the beloved pet.
As one door closes on an old friend, we now find two more doors opening on future friends.

Elaine said...

Very sad, Arson was a beautiful horse. You guys did all you could for him, he enjoyed a great life at Shiloh and received that love till the end. Thank God you went to Fallon and rescued these other two mothers who would not have had such a happy ending and you not been their to save them and their unborn fouls. Who could do such a terrible thing to these horses, send their fouls their unborn fouls all to slaughter. Even allowing these mares to be pregnant again is just unconscionable. Thank heaven for Jill, Sally and all the crew at Shiloh. WOW.

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry about Arson, and glad he was surrounded by so much love as he made his way from this place to the next...

Sue said...

So sorry about Arson. Thank you for doing the right thing for him.

Mikey said...

So very sorry about Arson. I know you all tried so hard for him, and he tried so hard too. Such sadness.
The pregnant mares. Oh my goodness. I can't believe it! I wish people would quit breeding. It's just ridiculous.

Beanie Mouse said...

Sorry to hear about Arson, but as you said, he'll be kicking his heels up with ol' Chiefy now!!

Angela Kulig said...

I am so sorry that Arson is gone but so glad he doesn't have to suffer!

As for the pregnant Mares; I don't even know what to say about that. Some people can't even be responsible for themselves it's a shame they get to be around animals.

Cheryl Ann said...

I was so sad to read of Arson's passing, but I realize it was probably the best thing for him, poor baby! I remember him from when he first arrived and have followed his story. May he run in the green fields of Heaven!

Jo Deibel said...

Am so sorry to learn about Arson's passing...I know he could not have been better taken care of, or better loved, than he was with you and Sally and all the Shiloh volunteers...

Big Hugs,

Jo