Buttermilk now renamed & known as Angel is a larger pony (about 13hh tall) then what I'm used to taking in but I couldn't help but to bring her home after meeting her! She is a SWEET SWEET pony! She's thought to be in her 30's & has been used by many kids over the years. She's been in the show ring and has taught many youngsters how to ride for their very first time! I got a call to come get her or else she was on her way to the slaughter house! She was going to be hauled away due to having degenerative arthritis. The guy who had her, bought her for his daughter who came to visit him on a regular basis. The daughter was very attached to Angel but the Father didn't want to be known as "the guy with a limping horse in his pasture" so, he decided to call the kill guy before his daughter came back to visit again. Needless to say, I was pretty upset about the whole situation! Angel was good enough for his pasture for all the years she took care of his daughter but now that she is older & in pain he sure was quick to take the easy way out! Anyway, I brought her home and she's doing okay. She is in some pain & I'm having to give her bute on a daily basis. She has major tooth loss but I'm glad to see her weight is good since winter is almost here. I bought her a big thick warm blanket but I'm still worried about her. I'm giving her alfalfa pellets, equine senior, whole oats, MSM, bute & lots of love!!! I guess, I just have to hope that's enough to get her through! I want her to be happy and feel good but some days I wonder just how good she really does feel. I want to do right by her & I certainly don't want to prolong her life if she is suffering needlessly. I guess at this point only time will tell .... I feel like I owe her at least a chance to keep living a good life. When & if she starts having more bad days then good ones ... then it will probably be time to let her go in peace. I'll keep you updated on her situation. UPDATE: Well, looks like all my efforts went to a GREAT cause! Angel responded so well to the MSM that I was able to take her off the bute! She was recently adopted by a kind hearted neighbor who has three daughters who love to spoil her! :*) I am soooo HAPPY that she will spend her last years in the care of a loving home! She is one very LUCKY pony! UPDATE Feburary 2009: Angel is still doing awesome in her new home! She's making it through winter just fine! There's no way around the fact that she is an OLD pony but for now she still seems happy & healthy! God Bless Jeanice & her wonderful family for taking her in and giving her a second chance to retire with dignity!! UPDATE: Oct. 2010 they still have her & she's still doing good!!! :*) |