Ciaran

Arrival Date:  October 2015

Farewell Date:   January 3, 2025

 

In October 2015, Animal Services rescued a stray mini-mule in San Diego’s far East County. His feet had been terribly deformed due to long-term neglect.  The hooves on three of his feet had grown forward into long “slippers.” Unfortunately, his fourth foot was much worse. This hoof had turned under and was growing backwards, causing him to walk on the top of his hoof, where it connects with his leg. It took months of careful care to reshape the four long slipper hooves. The fourth hoof could not be corrected, but careful farrier work provided supportive care.

Initial x-rays raised serious questions about his quality of life and his ability to be comfortable. But Dr. Oman took note of Ciaran’s spunk and outgoing personality. While this was in stark contrast to this clinical diagnosis, Dr. Oman felt it would be worth trying to improve this little fellow’s quality of life. At the time we acknowledged that the long-term neglect he suffered from would almost certainly shorten his life expectancy. But Ciaran seemed determined to make the best of every day. Soon after arriving at the sanctuary, he formed a strong bond with Puck, our visually impaired mini-Shetland cross. They were inseparable and neither of them let their disabilities slow them down.

As a stray, Ciaran was transferred to our care without a name.  He is our second miniature mule.  The first was Ban, whose name in Gaelic means “white.”  So the name Ciaran was chosen for this little fellow.  Ciaran is a term of endearment that means “little dark one.”

 

Farewell Date:  January 3, 2025

 

On Friday, January 3, 2025, we said goodbye to Ciaran.

Over the New Year’s holiday there was a change in Ciaran’s “bad” leg. It didn’t seem to cause him any pain, but X-rays showed a change in his fetlock joint. The supporting tissue that held Ciaran’s damaged leg in an acceptable position had failed.  Rather, than walking on his hoof, Ciaran’s leg contacting the ground. This was not acceptable, and it was not reversable.  At only twenty-two years old, Dr. Oman’s warning proved true, that his bad leg would shorten his life expectancy.  We are so grateful though for Dr. Oman giving Ciaran the NINE years he had with us!

We lost Puck in October 2019.  It eases the pain in our heart to know that Ciaran is once again with his best friend Puck and both of the boys are without pain and able to run freely on the grassy hills that we know are found across the Rainbow Bridge.  Run free boys, we love you!