It's never easy to write the following words.
Raven was put down today. At about 0930, he began showing
signs of colic.
The vet came out and worked with him until noon, when it
became apparent that this wasn't colic.
It was a twisted intestine.
I got there about 1100. He was drooling like a leaky hose.
You could see that he was in pain. But he still…believe it or not…asked me for
carrots.
I held his lead rope…completely unnecessary, and sang to
him. I sing to my animals when they're anxious or in pain. Whether it made a
difference or not to him, I don't know, but I like to think it did.
At noon, it was decided to take him to the vet's clinic.
Despite being in pain, Raven willingly loaded. Sue was with him.
No, I didn't go. I've been ill and am on medication that
needs to be taken at specific times.
She'd said in the past she wouldn't put him through surgery.
When it was found that it was definitely a twisted
intestine, Sue made the decision.
There was no need to put him through anymore pain.
As they walked out to the back pasture of the clinic, Raven
reached down and snatched a mouthful of grass.
Raven was a wonderful horse. He was just perfect for someone
like me. He taught me so much. He put up with my fumbling. He taught me what
collection feels like. He was my friend.
He was 25 years old.
Thank you, Raven. I love you.
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| Raven Hanoverian 1994-2019 |
