Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Oreo's Story

Hello,

It is with a heavy heart that I must notify everyone who cared so much
that Oreo was not able to survive her episode of colic.

After consultations with four veterinarians, along with two clinics who
even refused to see her because they demanded "$5,000 up front for her to
even walk in the door", everyone worked as best they could to help Oreo
remain comfortable and hope for a good outcome.

Many thanks to Dr. Jim Hartman for taking time out of his Easter to come
and see her. Thanks to Dr. Terry Miller (both are from Cashton Vet
Clinic) for coming out yesterday. Two vets refused to make a farm call
even though they have 24 hour "emergency services". Cashton Vet Clinic
always seems to come through for our horses and for that we are forever
grateful.

Thanks, especially, to Shannon and Dr. Jan in Winona for accepting Oreo
into care last night, and working as best they could to figure out what
exactly was wrong with Oreo. Oreo made the trip to Winona like a trooper,
looking out the back window of the trailer at her owners who were
following in their car. She walked out of the trailer and into the barn,
whinnying at the other horses who are boarded at Shannon's. You would
have never been able to tell that she was running over 103 degree
temperature, and becoming septic.

The diagnosis was a displaced intestine, not twisted. There was no way,
without surgery, to correct it. The decision as not mine to make on
surgery vs. no.......I simply shook my head upon hearing, basically, the
death sentence, and walked out to my truck to cry.

The owners of Oreo and friends came out crying, feeling helpless and
unable to make a decision to end her life. Eventually, after much
thought, the humane decision was made. Dr. Jan gave Oreo a sedative, and
left the barn while the owners laid by her side to say their "good-bye's".
I could not go in. I spent my time getting to know some of the fantastic
horses Shannon has boarded at her farm, including a Gypsy Vanner named
Harry and newborn Thoroughbreds. My heart was heavy, as was Shannon and
Dr. Jan's. Through discussion, it was comforting to hear that Dr. Jan
does believe all animals go to heaven, and that they are waiting for us
there.

I had to leave when the backhoe arrived. Oreo was buried at Shannon's
farm last night, while I took the interstate east, headed home. The echo
of the sorrow and tears will be with me forever.

Thank you Andy, and Kathy, and Jamie, and Dennis, for being there with
Oreo. It wasn't supposed to end like this. I am sure she is running in
green pastures with our God now, and understands what we were all trying
to do with her these past few days.