Yesterday morning Pepper laid down and thru out the day tried a few times to get up but couldn't make it. Around 2pm we tried to help him up, but weren't making any progress. Amy and her son came to clean pens and with their help he finally made it to his feet. Of course he was stiff from laying down so long, so really looked pathetic. But immediately started mugging us for cookies. We were feeding early to go watch the races at the dirt track, so went ahead fed and took off. As we were leaving we noticed he was out of his pen walking around in the wash. Amy said after we left, he laid down in the wash and managed to get up without help. That's a very small step forward at this stage unfortunately. His front feet are cold, which I assume means the circulation isn't good. Between his bad hip and 2 bad front feet, he's just about out of options.
This is how he looks this morning eating prickly pear cactus, you will notice his stance, looks very uncomfortable, although it doesn't stop him from roaming around. To him, it seems to be a minor problem in his day to day ritual, he presses on with his business as best he can, with the ears up and the eyes bright.
Not being able to get up is about the final straw in this journey. Granted, Amy said he got up in the wash, which is very soft small gravel. So many of these old guys realize when they can no longer get up, and will try to stay on their feet, which of course means they don't get their heavy REM sleep. Just adds another level of being uncomfortable to their lives.
The vet will be here Friday at noon, to help him on his final journey. Can't tell you how much we will miss him.
11 comments:
I am so sorry, he looks so uncomfortable standing in the pic. Age and abuse in his early years seems to be taking it's toll on him. I know you love this guy and it hurts but it hurts to see him suffer too. Just knowing the good life you gave him will help a bit.
He's such a character, we'll always have stories to tell about him. We had some kids here today to groom and he was laying in the wash. They asked why and I told them, about him and that he was going to be euthanized Friday. They all spent lots of time with him, brushing and just petting him. He ate it up, when they went away, he got up and toddled up to where they were for some more attention and I gave them some animal crackers to feed him. Having a few days to spoil him isn't a bad thing, I just hope his legs hold out.
Makes me sad there will be no more new Pepper stories, but the memories and the old ones are great ones. So sorry, but agree with your decision, it's time.
Oh Tish! Such a hard decision to make. My heart goes out to you. I can't find the words & I know you have heard them all before. Like he was lucky to be with you, you made his last years happy ones, etc. It still hurts.
Big hugs to you & John & Pepper, of course.
I'll be glad when this week is over, then we remember him as he was and laugh at the memories.
I sure am happy these donkeys have you guys. I hope to be able to visit the next time I am in Benson.
Bless you Ol'Pep! You were a gift to us who enjoyed your antics and stories. You will be missed.
I just looked out a few minutes ago saw him stagger to his feet, in the sandy area by the dog pen. It's deep sand and all the donkeys love to lay there. It's real easy to say "oh look he can get up on his own, maybe we can postpone this". But that would not be fair to him. I just hope these last few days are good for him. I know they are filled with animal crackers. The last few days he has quickly figured out that humans come bearing cookies and insists on getting them. When Amy and Joseph got him up in his pen yesterday I didn't have any cookies on me. He started swinging that head at all of us, trying to figure out who was holding out. Of course I ran (which probably was an interesting site) to the feed room and got a handful.
Your running is probably a better sight then when I try to run. I think you would call what I do a hobble. Sometimes I think I can run, jump or whatever and then have to laugh at myself for even trying but I will be 70 this Friday.
Happy Birthday Ellie and many many more......!!
Thinking about you this morning, be strong you are doing the best thing for this ole guy. you gave your all for him and now it is rest and pain free for him.
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