Penelope – Farewell on August 23, 2019

Penelope arrived at the ranch in June of 2016 from Ventura County Department of Animal Services. We knew at the time that she has a number of melanomas around her rectum, as well as other areas, but we agreed with Animal Services that she still had a wonderful quality of life. She spent the last three years proving us right! This off-track thoroughbred has a quiet presence about her. She absolutely loved being brushed by the volunteers and often made it clear that she wasn’t willing to share her grooming time with her neighbors!

 

Farewell – August 23, 2019

It is with heavy hearts that we share that Penelope’ journey came to an end yesterday. We were so hopeful on Wednesday that the treatments had worked. On Thursday we recognized that we were experiencing a setback, but we hoped Penelope would rally. Sadly, by Friday morning her vital signs were worse than they were on Tuesday with the original rectal impaction.

Her examination by Dr. Harlan on Friday morning revealed a partially torn rectal mucosa with an impaction much deeper in. We believe that a melanoma was putting pressure on the rectum, leading to the tear. The tear, combined with the the melanoma wasn’t something that Penelope would be able to recover from.

Penelope arrived at the ranch in June of 2016 from Ventura County Department of Animal Services. We knew at the time that she has a number of melanomas around her rectum, as well as other areas, but we agreed with Animal Services that she still had a wonderful quality of life. She spent the last three years proving us right! This off-track thoroughbred has a quiet presence about her. She absolutely loved being brushed by the volunteers and often made it clear that she wasn’t willing to share her grooming time with her neighbors!

As we said goodbye to Penelope, Linda reminded her that her best friend Luna would be waiting for her at the Rainbow Bridge. No doubt our two beautiful grey girls are together again, kicking up their heels and flirting with the boys. Farewell beautiful Penelope. Thank you for being such a beautiful part of our herd.

A Special Request: Penelope’s passing leaves Fintan without either of his girls. Please hold him in your thoughts. He called to Penelope for quite a while after she passed. Fortunately, Dr. Harlan anticipated Fintan’s reaction and gave him a sedative. We also moved Margie next to Fintan in hopes that a neighbor will help him during this difficult time. As much as we love the friendships that develop at the ranch, our hearts hurt for those left behind.