Our beautiful girl Tufty was put to sleep late yesterday evening. We've had a really tough few days. She colicked again on Sunday and we had the vet out again - Tufty was still perky and had gut sounds on both sides. The vet warned that it was possible that she might have a pendunculated lipoma but we were all agreed that Tufty should have some more drugs to see if the colic, or possible blockage, would pass. As soon as she'd had the drugs, Tufty was back to eating again and feeling more comfortable. We thought she was through it on Sunday night when she passed some manure.
On Monday she had a lovely day (without need for pain relief) in the field with her friends and had a day enjoying life as a normal pony. In the evening when she came in from the field just before 9pm she was uncomfortable and within an hour was in immense pain. The vet came and confirmed this. Tufty's heart rate was incredibly high, and she had no gut sounds on one side. She wasn't our Tufty - something was very wrong and I think she was very clear that it was time to go. It was really tough but it was what she wanted and she had a wonderful last day. She went peacefully and with dignity and I know she had a really wonderful 7 months with us...we loved her very much, I know she felt loved and that we felt like home to her. She was such a good pony and with all the vets who came she knew we were trying to help her.
Tufty's been such a strong character in our yard - always first at the feed store door for breakfast and although she was considered "elderly" in the horse world (probably mid 30s!), I don't think she ever felt old...she was certainly more than capable of telling the boys "what for". She'd transformed in health since she first arrived with us, and we were so pleased that she wasn't showing any signs of sweet-itch this year - we've all enjoyed seeing her with a lovely mane and tail.
These past 4 weeks Tufty really enjoyed her privileges of having her own lush grazing in the goose field and doing a wonderful job of grazing the pathways and banks in Jenny's garden. She's also helped Topsy to feel more independent too. Topsy and Tufty have been best friends for a long time and Tufty's laid back nature was always reassuring to Topsy.
We've been helping Topsy to cope with Tufty's passing and she's been so brave and is doing really well...Tufty will definitely always be in our hearts and I feel that we did everything just right for her at the end.
Thank you everyone who has sent text messages and emails of support for us - and a big thank you to Ted and Jenny - they have been a tremendous support to Faye through this weekend, and even accommodated Kes the dog who is staying with Faye at the moment.
To send a message or ask a question, please click on the 'comments' link below
Posts
2 comments:
I was so very sorry to hear about Tufty. It makes it easier to bear knowing that she was so obviously happy with her friends, both human and equine, at people4ponies.
Also, because she had had all that beneficial rehabilitation handling she didn't have to suffer the fear of close contact with humans in the final stages of her life. Well done all at p4p but especially Paul and Faye for given her the confidence to cope with life.
You live on in our hearts, Tufty. You were very special and you enjoyed our human contact, even though it was difficult for you as it still spooked you due to the awful experiences you went through when young. May those who cause such suffering learn speedily that it is not necessary in this day and age.
Post a Comment