Well the news on Melody is not so good.
A good look at her teeth and doc put her age at 23+... he also said that first letter in the tattoo is a Q which is 1987 which is right on.
She has a problem with urine pooling so the infections will be CHRONIC. That may PARTIALLY resolve with putting some weight on but will NOT go away. There is surgery BUT even if she was only 7, doc said he wouldn't recommend it, it usually does NOT work.
She has arthritis in all four legs and will NOT be ridable even if we do get her back into shape. Right now there does not seem to be any pain but she is several hundred pounds underweight and if we put that weight back on, it very well may cause her problems in her legs.
She needs a dental badly but would have to put on AT LEAST 100 pounds before she could safely have the anesthetic. And there is cupping in two places (the gum drawn away from the teeth) and she is holding food there.
She has a lot of sand in her belly.
She has evidence of probable cactus in her lips.
Some of the problems would be fairly minor but some of them, even if they were the only problem, would be a serious issue... but combine them all and we have a mare that will be a constant challenge to keep healthy. At her age the consensus of the vet and Soleil (Arizona Equine Rescue Organization) who has MAJOR experience with horses exactly like this is that the kindest thing for her it to transition her gently... I've been afraid of that since I first saw her, it's NOT my horse and it's NOT a decision I really want to make but there are so many, many horses out there with "easier" issues for people who want pasture pets... and what happens to Melody if someone takes her and then cannot continue in 6 months? The last thing I want to happen is to have her back in this condition again.
Soleil did say that it would not be a bad thing to let her eat and get loved on for a few days, so that the last thing to happen to her was not being dumped. I am good with that as well and there is plenty of donated feed to see her through another week or so while we figure out the best arrangement for handling her euthanasia. So if anyone wants a chance to come visit and love on this sweet mare you will need to make that arrangement soon!
PLEASE if you have donated money or feed and you are not happy about this decision let me know and I will arrange to return or reimburse your donation. My plan for anything not used directly for Melody, whether money or feed, will be to donate it to AERO so that it will still go to help a horse in need.
For the people who were interested in trying to rehab Melody, and would be happy with a pasture pet that cannot be ridden, PLEASE contact Soleil - she knows of many horses that have problems much less serious than Melody's - horses that look gorgeous, don't have multiple medical problems, and may even have lameness conditions that don't really require much if any treatment - just that they can't be ridden.
I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news and even sorrier that some jerk didn't have the decency to do the right thing by this mare instead of forcing someone else to have to take responsibility.
But the most important thing is what is best for Melody in the long run and letting her go peacefully is just that.
I will keep you posted as arrangements develop.
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13 comments:
Sometimes the best for someone is the worst for us. We cant be selfish. Think of her.
It sounds like a well thought out decision, and while it is sad, it is the best you can do for her. Bless you and I hope you continue being an advocate for horses like Melody- actually, I wish there would never be horses like Melody, but you know what I mean.
It is a sad decision to have made; and a sad end for her. One the brighter side; at least she has had days of loving, kind attention and her pain and misery are over.
Its a sad decision, but sounds like the best one for her, at least you are giving her a few nice days.
Oh that absolutely breaks my heart, as I'm sure it does your too! This is a decision that is NEVER easy and you definitely did not ask to have to do something like this, so shame on her owner for leaving this the way they did! But thank God she is in the care of you now and obviously you are making the best choice for her. And I do love the fact that you will give her some time to feel some love, I'm sure that is something she desperately needed!!
Well, shoot....I hate to hear it, but I feel confident that you guys made the right decision. Sounds like she has lots of problems, and euthanasia would be the kindest thing for her. At least she will know what it means to be loved and cared for before she goes over Rainbow Bridge....
http://horsefilleddays.blogspot.com/
Fingers crossed and always hopeful for good news, but I am not surprised. Thank good ess she has had some excellent love and care in her final days. As sad as we all may be from the safety of our keyboards, I can only imagine your sadness at being by her side during this time. God bless you and your family for being willing to take Melody in and see her through to whatever the best, most compassionate end turned out to be.
You are doing what is best for Melody, hard as it is to do. I have set up a candle group, if you would like to stop in and light same candles for her. God Bless.
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=Meldy
I am glad that she leaves this world loved. That's all. I'm sorry.
What a tough decision, but you're doing what is right. Wish I could come over, but no need putting her thru a trimming if she's on her way out. Plus it would break my heart to see her in person. I think everyone is right in their concensus to transition her over. Let me know when you're doing it, if you need any help or anything. Tough thing to have to deal with, but it's the right thing to do.
Thank you so much for helping Melody. This wasn't your problem but you took it on anyway and I am sorry that you are having to make such a heartbreaking decision and having to clean up somebody else's mess. And it sounds like your are making the right decision. Melody will get the chance to go peacefully. Thank you again for your compassion, kindness, and courage.
thank you all for your kinds words and support. i've been remiss about updating but will try to catch up today... and i think tomorrow will be Melody's day.
We will continue to pray for Melody and you, and all who love her. Please stop in and light a candle for her. Thanks.
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=Meldy
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