He will be missed...
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I know that Pegster passed along that Cincy (aka Snowflake, the gray horse from Park Hall) died early Thursday morning. As his adoptive mom, I can't tell you how much I miss him and how much I wish I had been able to give him just a few more long happy years, instead of a few short happy months.
To make a very long story of a week short...on Monday, Cincy was down in the pasture and I was unable to get him up - until Dr. Benedict from Tidewater threatened to tube him to treat him for colic and deliver fluids, at which point he quickly got up on his own - and drank. We got through the colic with Banamine, and started treating a myriad of potential causes of his illness (toxemia?, septicemia?, tumor somewhere?, etc) with strong antibiotics. Through the colic, getting cast, dehydration (all of this in the rain and cold of earlier this week), etc, he seemed to be improving - at least, he was on his feet and grumpy again. I've never been so happy to have a horse give me an attitude.
Dr. B was set to come out yesterday morning to deliver IV fluids (still too sick to sedate for a NG tube), but Cincy had already passed. To my regret, I was not with him when (it looked like) he simply laid down and went to sleep. There was no struggle. Although his body was on the mend, his heart could no longer handle the strain.
We buried him last night in a beautiful spot in the pasture. I'm not talented to enough to post pics, but I'll pass the pic I took of him on the Saturday before he died to someone who can - and you all can see what a beautiful horse the world lost yesterday.
He was truly special and will be missed.
Some really incredible people started the Snowflake Society to benefit hoofed animals in Southern Maryland. There are so many dog and cat lovers who are willing to open their hearts and homes, but very few who are able to take on a horse (space, cost, etc.). Even if you don't ride, it'll be a fun day (and a GREAT BBQ!).