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Posted by Gail-TIER
on 2/25/2009, 8:09 am
71.84.91.231
Jake's Story
Jake arrived at TIER on 10-23-1999. He left us on 2-21-09.
One would think that having to make this decision so many times over
the years, it would be not be so difficult as time goes on. Not the
case with Jake. I fell apart and am still on the roller coaster ride
of emotions. Sigh.
After speaking to the vet this morning and understanding that Jake's
body was just unable to repair itself and function properly, the
decision was made to help him cross the Rainbow Bridge.
Peggy, a volunteer who has been with us for many years accompanied me
to the vet clinic. Jake had been a favorite of hers for years and
she wanted to be there to say goodby. We brought carrots and many,
many hugs. I had not seen him for a couple days and when I walked up
to his enclosure he turned to look at me for a long moment, then
promptly walked over. When he made that turn and gave me that look,
I knew we were doing the right thing. He just wasn't happy. Who
would be happy if you couldn't poop and had to rely on manual
relief??? We had really hoped that he would regain functionality.
There was a chance that it would get better and we gave it a shot.
Jake scarfed up the carrots Peggy gave him and wanted more! He was
rather rude in his attempts to find more carrots! HA! I put my arms
around his neck, rubbed his chest & withers and talked to him. Jake
was never a snuggly horse. He had always been ready to do the job.
He was level headed, a teacher of children, adults, a calming
influence for excited/unsure horses. He taught children and
unexperienced adults how to lead a horse, how to pick up and clean
hooves, how to bathe a horse, how to halter a horse, how to groom a
horse. If he was out roaming the area he would only bother you if
you had goodies and he did that with respect and good manners.
When I hugged him yesterday, this stoic, solid, level headed horse
that didn't care for snuggling put his head on my shoulder and leaned
into me for quite awhile. I knew he was once again doing his job.
Telling me it was okay, thanks for the memories and he was ready to
go.
The vet and I were concerned that with Jake's heart condition it
would take some time for the injection to work. Jake once more did
the job at hand in his most efficient manner. He went quickly, with
grace, dignity and respect.
I really feel the loss. I am so grateful to have had him in my life
and the life of others. He was most certainly a shining gift.
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True Innocents Equine Rescue (T.I.E.R)
8920 Limonite Ave, #123
Riverside, CA 92509