Savannah – Farewell on February 1, 2020

In January 2018, Ferdinand’s Familia, San Diego’s only all-species rescue, contacted us about two ponies that have been in a foster home. Unfortunately, due to a change in circumstances, the foster could no longer keep the ponies. Since these two needed a quiet
environment, Ferdinand’s Familia asked us to take them in. Savannah was thought to be in her 30’s and her son, Billy was in his 20s. Obviously these two have been together Billy’s entire life. Savannah was a wonderfully gentle, kind girl, very much the calm to Billy’s high energy and antics.

 

Farewell – February 1, 2020

“When it rains, it pours . . .” is how we started the Facebook post in January 2018 announcing the arrival of Savannah and her son Billy. It is an eerily appropriate way to share the news that Savannah left us yesterday. Her passing is far too close to the passing of Jewel and Silver last month.

Yesterday morning, Tom walked by while Savannah was getting a drink of water and took time to scratch her face — her favorite treat. Moments later Savannah was on the ground, her limbs rigid. Over the next few minutes, our veterinarian was called, pain medication was administered, and Courtney and Kelly were asked to help turn her so that we could try to get her on her feet. While working with her, Savannah had a seizure and passed away with all of us there beside her.

Dr. Manring from ECLAP suspects Savannah “had a sudden cardiovascular event.  This led to poor perfusion of her brain and then the subsequent seizure and death” Dr. Manring went on to explain that “this is a fairly painless death and she was unlikely to be aware of what was happening,” which we think is a wonderful blessing to a gentle, kind girl.

During his time at the ranch Savannah’s son Billy has a wonderful support system with Ciaran, Wyoming and Cody. He seems to be handling Savannah’s passing as well as can be expected. We are of course keeping a close eye on him. Interestingly, Wyoming stayed close to Savannah the entire time she was down. When Savannah passed Wyoming rubbed his nose against the tarp covering her. We wonder if his blindness lead to his need to touch Savannah. Regardless it was clear that these two shared a very special bond.