I decided I couldn't stand sitting in bed for one more day, so I went out to Shiloh just to get out of my house. I thought I would stay for just a few minutes, but as usual, plans just don't ever work out the way you think they will when you run a rescue...
When I arrived, Sally and the gang were working hard to try to get Gummie Vista up on to her feet. Vista is an estimated 36 or 37 years old and she has really been slowing down the past few months. But, she has stayed happy and active in with the Gummies and has lived at Shiloh for the past 6-7 years. Today, she was down and just couldn't get up. We were able to get her up at first but she was showing nuerological signs and couldn't hold herself up or walk straight. We decided that she needed to go into the vet and would most likely have to be put down. We used the new Ed Sled, which really made it much easier to get her moved around and she got into the trailer...
At one point, everyone helped her get up, but it was very obvious that her quality of life was too affected and her advanced age had caught up to her. We were very sad to send her into the clinic but we all knew we didn't have a choice. Vista made the trip into the clinic and was euthanised in the trailer while still lying down. She was brought back to Shiloh to be buried. This is always one of the saddest and most difficult parts of rescuing.
The other Gummies crowded around. Here is Melvyn stealing some of Vista's Equine Senior from Donna...
While Orlando snuck up from behind...
The other Gummies watched from a distance. Left to right: Yep, Whiskey, Canyon.
When I arrived, Sally and the gang were working hard to try to get Gummie Vista up on to her feet. Vista is an estimated 36 or 37 years old and she has really been slowing down the past few months. But, she has stayed happy and active in with the Gummies and has lived at Shiloh for the past 6-7 years. Today, she was down and just couldn't get up. We were able to get her up at first but she was showing nuerological signs and couldn't hold herself up or walk straight. We decided that she needed to go into the vet and would most likely have to be put down. We used the new Ed Sled, which really made it much easier to get her moved around and she got into the trailer...
At one point, everyone helped her get up, but it was very obvious that her quality of life was too affected and her advanced age had caught up to her. We were very sad to send her into the clinic but we all knew we didn't have a choice. Vista made the trip into the clinic and was euthanised in the trailer while still lying down. She was brought back to Shiloh to be buried. This is always one of the saddest and most difficult parts of rescuing.
The other Gummies crowded around. Here is Melvyn stealing some of Vista's Equine Senior from Donna...
While Orlando snuck up from behind...
The other Gummies watched from a distance. Left to right: Yep, Whiskey, Canyon.
3 comments:
Good that Vista had such caring friends to send her on her next journey. You all did the right thing for her--she let you know it was time, and you listened.
God bless you all.
Everyone at Shiloh will miss Vista, and her equine family( and you also) will know she was so well cared for right till the very end.Sadness in saying goodbye, but joy in knowing she had many years of happiness with you .caring and loving our animals will bring grief at the end, but happiness in memories. Fond greetings from Jean in NZ ( Read your post via Lori's)
Vista was ready for her next adventure over the Rainbow Bridge. How wonderful that she left this life surrounded by love and compassion.
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