Silver – Farewell on January 11, 2020

On August 23, 2014, County of San Diego Department of Animal Services seized 31 horses from a property in Valley Center. At the time of the rescue, the horses were several hundred pounds underweight, and many were long overdue for hoof care. After weeks of care, the horses regained weight and recovered to the point that they were ready for new homes. All of the horses from this seizure were adopted into new homes or placed with non-profit equine welfare organizations.

Unfortunately, about a month after her adoption, one horse was returned by her adopters due to lameness. After a series of diagnostic tests, it became clear that she was not an adoption candidate for a home where people would be riding her. Although her x-rays were fairly clear, she has long-term soft tissue damage in all of her legs. While this damage doesn’t prevent her from enjoying retirement, she cannot carry a rider. In addition, she becomes very nervous when she doesn’t have a horse neighbor. This means she would not be a good candidate to become a companion horse unless the other horse was also retired. Of course at Horses of Tir Na Nog, all of her neighbors are retired.

Silver arrived at Horses of Tir Na Nog on April 1, 2015, just in time to help us to kick-off our month-long celebration of the ASPCA® national Help a Horse Day. Our partnership with Animal Services has allowed us to help dozens of horses over the years. Silver is now part of a very special group of alumni that our friends and donors help every day. Thank you for being her silver lining!

 

Farewell – January 11, 2020

We all know how cruel life can be. Yesterday we were reminded of just how cruel. Tom found Silver down in the morning. Silver being down and unable to get up was fairly common with this girl. We’ve learnt that after a couple of tries getting her up we need to call
ECLAP because she will be dehydrated and need fluids. Before we could even attempt to get her up, she managed it on her own and then went right back down. Tom administered Banamine and it was soon obvious it wasn’t resolving her discomfort. Tammy and Kelly kept Silver company while we waited for Dr. Bear.

Dr. Bear quickly confirmed a very high heart rate and complete lack of gut sounds. A brief rectal exam confirmed a torsion colic and we found ourselves once again saying good bye to a beloved ranch resident. As with Jewel, Silver was surrounded by people who loved her
as she left us.

Silver arrived at the ranch in 2015 as an 18-year-old mare that was part of the same group of 31 horses that Cora was part of. Animal Services had seized all 31 from a single, neglectful owner.

Silver had initially been adopted from Animal Services but a month later returned by her adopters due to lameness. After a series of diagnostic tests, it became clear that she was not an adoption candidate for a home where people would be riding her. In addition to her arthritis, Silver was also diagnosed with Cushing’s disease a couple of years ago. Her woolly coat led to skin issues, but she weathered all of these medical challenges like the grand old dame she was. She had a huge personality and was very good at letting people know when she was happy, and when she was not. She complained loudly about every neighbor she ever had, all while secretly falling heads over heels in love with each and every one of them. She very bonded to Jewel who we lost on Tuesday. So, while Dr. Bear might list the cause of death as a torsion colic, those of us who knew her have no doubt that she died of a broken heart from missing Jewel.

This week heaven gained two beautiful grey mares, as unalike as two horses can be but bound forever in love.