I usually don't do this. Between my job and volunteering for rescues, I see a ton of animals in need, and I'm only too painfully aware that no matter how herculean the effort, they can't all have happy endings. However, this was in my news feed, and I just can't ignore it:
Here is the link if it's too small to read.
Whoever owned this horse is beyond reprehensible. From what I can see in the pictures, other than the eye this horse looks relatively healthy.
Owning a horse is not cheap, no matter how much you slash your budget. Feed prices are astronomical, the constant costs such as hoof care and dental have to be budgeted in. And there's physical work involved in horse care. I figure for every hour I spend in the saddle, there's at least 3 hours work involved before I can think about tacking up. Rain or shine, it must be done daily, no matter how you feel or what the weather is like.
I always tell potential new horse owners that if they aren't passionate about horses, it's not worth the trouble. Everyone I know who has the passion drives a used vehicle and budget shops for clothes. And emergency vet bill can mean several months of ramen noodles for meals. All for the passion. If you're not willing, don't bother.
It sickens me that this horse's owner didn't get veterinary care long before the eye got this bad. I can't think of a vet who wouldn't either donate their labor or take payments on the bill to help this horse if money were an issue. Instead this piece of garbage does nothing, and leaves it up to a rescue. Run by an awesome woman who is stumbling under the weight of responsibility for caring for the residents who are already there, she has to clean up the mess of someone who couldn't be bothered to pick up the phone and call the vet. In this bad economy prices are up and donations are down, and she's struggling enough to take care of her own. But she and others like her that truly have the passion, she's working on a way to help Duncan.
Stay tuned either to this blog or on the TIER Facebook Page for updates on Duncan. I'm hoping that very soon I can post some positive updates, especially when he's ready for adoption. I'm sure that eye will have to be removed, but that doesn't mean that Duncan can't live a good life and have a job. There's lots of people who have one eyed or completely blind horses (I was one of them), missing an eye doesn't mean the end of a career-or a life.
To help Duncan, or any of the TIER residents, click here. All donations are tax deductible.
**********UPDATE**************
I have just been notified that Duncan's problem was beyond medical help and he was humanely euthanized. He was a young horse and a perfect gentleman. The update is here.
I would like to thank the tireless volunTIERS at TIER for their hard work in trying to make a difference to Duncan. This is the hardest part of rescue, getting them out of a bad situation only to have to euthanize. Duncan's last moments before crossing the bridge were filled with gentle pats and kind words from people who cared about him. And sometimes, that's all we have to offer.
Thank you for stepping up to pass the word about this lovely horse.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, Duncan was euthanized this afternoon (6/2/2012) as the vet deemed the cancerous tumor inoperable. The tumor had invaded so much of Duncan's face/eye that there just wasn't anything he could do. When the vet first saw Duncan in person, he took a step back and said "Oh Gail, we can't fix this at all."
I guess I was in shock or something because I asked him "Why Not"? Our vet has always been willing to go the extra mile on procedures to help horses. He has done surgeries, skin grafts, hair transplants, massive wound care, etc. I suppose I thought he would be able to wave his magic "Vet Wand" and make Duncan whole again.
He showed Kristy and I the large blood vessels that had developed along Duncan's jaw that had become prominent due to the demand for blood by the tumor. The tumor had destroyed his eye and there was no telling how much invasion there had been.
Our vet, his assistant, myself and Kristy were devastated. This situation was absolutely senseless. Duncan was only about 10 years old!!! He was kind, well mannered, almost 16 hands tall and beautiful. If he had been treated when the tumor first appeared this story most likely would have had a much different ending. The Vet estimated that this had been going on for over a year untreated.
Farewell Dear Duncan. Know that many of us cared and wanted so much more for you.
Donations received to help Duncan will be refunded. Thank you for caring. Duncan was a True Innocent!
Thank you for stepping up to make others aware of Duncan!
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, Duncan was euthanized this afternoon (6/2/2012) as the vet deemed the cancerous tumor inoperable. The tumor had invaded so much of Duncan's face/eye that there just wasn't anything he could do. When the vet first saw Duncan in person, he took a step back and said "Oh Gail, we can't fix this at all."
I guess I was in shock or something because I asked him "Why Not"? Our vet has always been willing to go the extra mile on procedures to help horses. He has done surgeries, skin grafts, hair transplants, massive wound care, etc. I suppose I thought he would be able to wave his magic "Vet Wand" and make Duncan whole again.
He showed Kristy and I the large blood vessels that had developed along Duncan's jaw that had become prominent due to the demand for blood by the tumor. The tumor had destroyed his eye and there was no telling how much invasion there had been.
Our vet, his assistant, myself and Kristy were devastated. This situation was absolutely senseless. Duncan was only about 10 years old!!! He was kind, well mannered, almost 16 hands tall and beautiful. If he had been treated when the tumor first appeared this story most likely would have had a much different ending. The Vet estimated that this had been going on for over a year untreated.
Farewell Dear Duncan. Know that many of us cared and wanted so much more for you.
Donations received to help Duncan will be refunded. Thank you for caring. Duncan was a True Innocent!