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Puck

Gender: Gelding

Breed: Mini Shetland Pony Cross

Approximate Date of Birth: 1/11998

Sponsor:

Arrival Date:  November 2013

 

Puck came to us from Animal Services in November 2013. This little mini-Shetland pony cross was originally found in Vista as a stray. It was hoped that the people who found him would adopt him, however, they decided against it. At the time he was found, he was underweight and his feet were overgrown. While those issues were relatively easy to fix, his eyes were another story. He developed fairly common eye problems. However, we suspect that these problems were not treated and that lead to him suffering vision loss.

Puck

 

While we were confident he still has some vision, it was limited. His recurrent anterior uveitis was a chronic condition for him, requiring regular treatment.

While his vision reduction caused him to startle more easily than other horses, this little guy got around very well. He seems enjoyed a good game of "catch me if you can." However, once he felt safe with you, he loved being pet and brushed. It is this blend of mischief and adorability that lead to him being named Puck by our youth volunteers.

 

Farewell Date: October 25, 2019

 

Over the six years with us, Puck was diagnosed with Cushing's disease. On October 25, 2019 we said goodbye to little Puck. While we have been able to manage his Cushing's, insulin and metabolic issues, a long history of rotation of his coffin bones in both his front feet caught up with him. It was hard to hear that the cumulative impact of his rotation was causing issues that we could not treat. Dr. Harlan explained that basically the physics of his feet simply wasn't going to allow him to be comfortable again going forward, in spite of our pain management protocols.

His last few months had been challenging but this little guy fought the good fight. He was believed to be about 21 years of age. Between his metabolic issues, blindness, and laminitis, he has long been considered one of our most acute medical cases. But most people who met him never realized this, he was such a happy little guy.
We are so grateful to Dr. Harlan and the other veterinarians at East County Large and Small Animal Practice ECLAP that worked so hard to provide Puck with the highest quality of life possible, for as long as we could.  If you knew Puck you knew his very best buddy was Ciaran, one of our miniature mules. Since Puck has been on stall rest for the last few weeks, Dr. Harlan was kind enough to allow these two boys to spend time together yesterday before we said goodbye. How they loved to groom each other and mouth wrestle. The first photo was taken yesterday by Linda. The other two are favorites from happier, healthier times. Puck is on the left in each photo.
We were so blessed to share six years with this clever. mischievous, adorable fairy, we only wished he could have cast his magic spell for across our dreams for eternity.

I am that merry wanderer of the night.
I jest to Oberon and make him smile
When I a fat and bean-fed horse beguile,
Neighing in likeness of a filly foal
A Midsummer Night's Dream