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(Date Posted:04/29/2007 7:59 AM)
It is tough making that final decision. In 2006, I've had to help 3 dogs go to the "rainbow bridge". Two with aggressive cancer and one that decided his time had come (14 years old). Now, I am faced with the same problem, but this time with a Kiger.
Cheyenne has been a wonderful mare. She was captured as a 10 year old from Riddle HMA (originally born on Kiger HMA). She was injured during her first years in captivity and it left her with a locked stifle and arthitis. We purchased her in 2000 bred to El Duc. The day after we bought her, she delivered a gorgeous grulla filly (Sarita del Duc). She took a few years off and with help with hormones foaled a Cherokee baby, Navajo. Navajo's dorsal and leg barring were apparent when he was younger, but he is so dark now, he looks like a off black (melanistic grulla?). She loves babies. She loves being pregnant. When she was pregnant, most of her symptoms disappeared. Kind of like human mothers with MS.
She has always had free range of the property. This accomplished many things: it kept her moving/exercising which reduced her arthitis symptoms, allowed her to interact and visit with horses without the risk of injury (since she couldn't handle normal horse rough-housing). And its kept her fat and sassy (as she could eat anything she liked). She has a couple of buddies that she keeps company with...two 13 & 14 year old Shetland ewes plus "Hoppy" our amputee lamb. It is quite a sight to see a horse followed by her "crew" of sheep. They graze the grass together, raid the alfalfa and snooze together.
She is 24 this year. She's had a good life. She is happy and content, but I see something in her face, her eye. She is much more reserved and reluctant this past couple of months. Her arthitis has struck with a vengence and supplements and asprin aren't helping anymore. She struggles to get up and is stiff for a while after getting up. The arthitis in that leg is keeping her from enjoying life lately.
I think it is time for her to be helped to the rainbow bridge. I am starting to make arrangments and have a special day of treats, loving and messages planned for her. I know it is the right thing. I know it is time. She will be sorely missed. She will always hold a special place in our hearts. She has given us two gorgeous Kigers that will be an asset to our herd for years to come.
Has anyone else had to deal with putting down a cherished equine? What special things did you do for him/her during those teasured last hours?
Jillian
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