Monday, April 23, 2012

Goodbye Lo Lo

Well, this past weekend was a sad one.



































Loretta returned to her previous owner. To make a long story short, it was the best decision as I did not fully own Loretta yet and since she was not getting better, I had to let her go back to her previous owner. I could not continue to pay for Loretta and pay for the feed, treatment, and future vet care that Loretta might need to get better.

And sometimes, just a change in scenery, feed, and lifestyle can be huge to help horses with her issues get better. I know it will be stressful for her at first, but I am hopeful that after she settles in, she will continue to show improvement as she has the past week.


Sunday morning, as I made her mash for her one last time and carried it to her pasture, I began sobbing. You see, I had come to terms with this final decision and had the past week to live with it, and I had been okay. Regardless, I have done nothing but throw myself into taking care of this mare. I haven't wanted to leave town because feeding her is a bit complicated and I want to do it myself. I have watched and logged and tracked her every symptom. It had become my life. And although I am ready for her to go, at the same time it is letting go of your hopes and dreams.....it is still difficult. It will take a while to have closure. Honestly, it's almost worse than having her put down. Because that is what I would have done with her had she not gotten better in the next few months. Now, I really won't know what will happen to her if she does not get better, or gets worse. Those decisions will not be mine to make.
 

The horses nickered as the empty trailer rattled into the driveway. Riley knew that she was leaving when she got into the trailer. He knew the difference from when she is just walking down the road and would be returning.He whinnied and ran around quite a bit.  It only took her 10 minutes of coaxing to get her to jump in the trailer.

After she was gone, I let him into the upper (Loretta's) pasture. He ran around and sniffed all her poop, then found a good place to roll.


Don't fall in the ditch, silly boy!!

I knew when he jumped up he'd take off running, so I grabbed my phone and managed to get a decent shot.


Arthritic hocks, my hiney!!

After that, he settled down and nibbled, just whinnying once in a while.

They say when one (barn) door closes, another one opens. Right? I'm not giving up hope that I will find that perfect up and coming mare for me. I told my dad on the phone last night that I'm not going to go looking, rather, I'm waiting for the right horse to "find me."  So we'll see.......I'll keep you posted.


Ranch Girl

14 comments:

Louisa Valentina; said...

I can understand why that would be so hard, the fact that you aren't putting down your girl but letting go of responsibility and placing it in the hands of another person can be so, so hard. (No matter how much you trust them)

On a side note - your blog is beautiful, I am a relatively new reader and envy your HTML skills ;)

Hope your horse finds you sooner than later.

baystatebrumby said...

Oh god, I would have sobbed too. because even though she is leaving, you will always ask, but will she get the same care as when I had her? You just want the best for her, you know? You fall in love and falling in love is one risky thing to do!

Anonymous said...

It is very hard. Hope you find the right one soon.

Laura said...

Ah, that must have been such a tough thing to do. Sorry it had to work out that way. I like the idea of waiting for a horse to come to you... I hope you can enjoy working with your boy and some of the ranch horses until the right one comes your way.

Reddunappy said...

Sorry, its tough to lose those dreams and goals.

I hope the right one finds you soon, and you have your Boy!!!

Crystal said...

Aww that is sad, even if it is the right decision. Im sure you will find a perfect horse. Love the shot of Riley jumping up and running

Sherry Sikstrom said...

So sorry it went this way, but a good decision I think.Hugs, to you it must have been so hard and funny I was thinking when I saw the pick of your spotted Pill leaping in the air,Arthritic??? hardly at least not feeling it here!

cdncowgirl said...

I'm sorry. And I understand all too well what you mean about feeling like you're giving up some hopes & dreams.

BrownEyed Cowgirl said...

Tough decision. I know how much effort you invested into bringing Lo back around, even though you knew she was most likely going back to her previous owner. That is far more than most would have done, so don't forget that.

Tara said...

I feel so bad for you. I know you tried and tried and tried. That must have been just awful loading her up and saying goodbye. Hopefully she will show improvement and then you won't have to feel so sad about letting her go back.

Desert Rose said...

Ahhhh...I am so sorry! I know how much of yourself you have put into Loretta's health and welfare and its been rough emotionally for you. Hopefully all will turn out well for you and Loretta both. BTW...anytime you want a mare fix...you can ride my Lady mare :)))

dusty devoe said...

So sorry it did not work out for u sweetie. I totally understand how hard this has been and all the heartache. She will be in your heart forever.

dusty devoe said...

So sorry it did not work out for u sweetie. I totally understand how hard this has been and all the heartache. She will be in your heart forever.

dusty devoe said...

So sorry it did not work out for u sweetie. I totally understand how hard this has been and all the heartache. She will be in your heart forever.