Thursday, February 4, 2010

Veteran and Today's Happenings...

Some days Horse Rescue is just too sad.

This morning, after feeling and looking fine during the night, Veteran was acting a bit colicy again. Nothing too severe, just uncomfortable and not himself. Since we had him treated yesterday at Shiloh, we decided he had to go into the clinic immediately for further treatment today. At the clinic, a Belly Tap was performed so that they could check his abdominal fluid- it came back as filled with pus, which indicates a peritonitis. Blood work was drawn and it further showed an internal infection and anemia. All signs pointed toward a growth of some kind. This is what we had feared and we had hoped it was just a normal impaction colic that would clear up with treatment. This may be why he was so thin when he was rescued two months ago. Sadly, we had to make the decision to have him put down. He passed at the clinic...

In Rescue, they say that death or emergency vet problems come in threes. Strangely it usually does. This time it was Arson, Jackson and Veteran. And we can't forget the paint colt who died on the feedlot. Weeks like this we wonder why we even started a rescue. But then we think about how these horses would have ended up, and we know we are doing the best by all of them. Veteran knew comfort, food, care and love the last few months of his life, sometimes that is all we can offer. That is what keeps us doing what we do.

As always, in the midst of sadness, Rescue goes on...

Moonshine left for his adoptive home today! He is heading to a wonderful facility in Oregon. From the dry deserts of NV to the lush grass of OR- not bad! He watched the trailer arrive to pick him up...
We all gave him a hug and wished him well on his new adventure!

Then he hopped in and off he went. We hate to say good bye, but we love knowing that the horses move on to new lives.

Over in Okay Corral, old Seemore hung out...

While Stretch ate his breakfast...

Apache was moved into the Okay Corral from the Bungalows. She had a great time galloping around with her buddy, Will.

Like I said, Rescue just continues on. We have lost cherished old friends this past week, but late tonight seven more Fallon Feedlot horses will arrive at the rescue to begin their Shiloh Journey, and hopefully find new homes and futures...


I guess that is what rescue is all about and we can all find some peace in that.




7 comments:

Cheryl Ann said...

Jill, I am so sad to hear about Veteran and the colt and Arson, but remember ALL the other horses you have rescued! (((BIG HUG))) from them! Keep up the good work.

the 4 D's said...

Jill and Sally ! What I would give to be able to be at shiloh every day and to help rescue. as in the past I hate when our friends have to be put down, but I have learned from you and Sally that when a friend leaves shiloh I know that they have had a great journey and a peaceful ending. a new journey will start for a new shiloh Horse and always we will spoil all the new guys .

shilohsally said...

Some days it is so hard to find peace in rescue or in life. Rest in peace Arson, Jackson, Veteran, Young colt, Rocky and Marshmellow.
Not a good week for sure. You all are loved and will be missed!

Elaine said...

I agree. I cry every time one of our friends passes on. I sometimes wonder how you can go on. But thank God you do go on, because you mean everything to these horses, what you do is a blessing and I am so honored you have allowed me to be a little part of it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you do and the joy you bring horses and people because of who you are and what you believe. Thanks will never be enough. Hugs & kisses to you both. e

Leah said...

To Jill and Sally- Journey and I send our love and horsey hugs and kisses. Thank you so much for helping Journey to her new life with us here in CA.
You give love and care and you are loved in return by many people friends and all of the many, many, horses whose lives you have touched. Thank you both for putting your love of horses into action.

helga said...

So sad with Veteran’s passing today, also so close to resent loss of Arson. I could feel the sadness at Shiloh today, but when I left I turned around at the gate, looking back at all these wonderful horses being taken so good care of. I felt a warm feeling in my heart, and I am just so glad a place like this exists. Warm blessings to Jill and Sally, and rest of staff at Shiloh.

Mikey said...

Oh, so sad!! I'm so very sorry for all your recent losses. At least they had kindness and care with you in their last days. God Bless you all!