26 days... Stress and Miracles

October, my favorite month of the year, is here. In Florida, it's generally not cold till, well, EVER. But with the first of the month, a wonderful chill settled in and constantly breezes by (if only for the mornings). This month has been beautiful and a blessing because one of the most important creatures in my life faced a life and death struggle and is still fighting the odds.

My childhood pony found himself in a dangerous predicament on September 30th. Neighbors discovered him trapped in a fence after at least a day of struggle. When I had checked on him two weeks prior to get all his veterinary work up, he had been fine. He currently resides on my father's property with the agreement that any money my father is supposed to put towards my schooling, health care, and the wedding, should go to Danny, the horse that was to be my 'wedding present'. The horse has been held over my head since he was 'given' to me when I was 12 years old.

When I learned of his entrapment I rushed to him. When I arrived on scene, I found him at least a hundred pounds underweight, dehydrated, bloodied and bruised. My poor boy could barely stand. Animal control was present as well as our vet, who informed me that he had been trapped for at least a day, if not two, and had buckets of maggots pouring out of his sheath. I was horrified to imagine the graphic details of that moment, but his current condition was enough to send me over the edge as it was. My father was grilled and threatened with charges of animal neglect and I had no mercy for him. This was my baby, and he was going to get what was justly due.

The vet left me with specific instructions for his over night care. She gave him a 50/50 chance of survival. The next morning (after staying up all night and sleeping outside as a chill came in), Danny's mood seemed a bit lighter. He was definately ginger on his feet, barely baring any weight on either back hooves.

The next few days involved round the clock care. I called out of work to ensure I would be with Danny through his toughest hours. My father was relentless on ensuring he was doing his part to 'make up' for the neglect he not only disposed upon my horse, but myself.

Exactly a week after the incident, just when I thought he was making some progress, Danny starts limping one three legs. His scabbing has come off pre-maturely. The vet examined his swollen leg and pussy hoof. She looks at me dismally and declares that he's worse than she thought. The back part of his hoof is so thin that he's so susceptible to infection she only gives him a 25% chance of survival, and that's being generous. If he gets infected, he could lose his hoof, just like an infected nail bed would mean the loss of a nail. Losing a hoff spells death for a horse. She leaves me with syringes and fluids, bute powder for pain, and oral antibiotics and says it would be a miracle if he survives.

Another week and a half later and constant care on my and my father's behalf and we've reached a deep sigh moment. Danny seems to be over the big hump, so long as he doesn't reopen his wounds. The vet is pleasantly surprised by the pictures and stories I've been telling her of Danny's progression. He is bearing weight on all four legs, he's walking with a barely noticeable limp, and he's healing remarkably well. His feet are nice and pink and new skin seems to be growing in. His weight is coming back beautifully, and his spirit is back in full fledge.

 (posing!)

 (KNOCK KNOCK!)

My little miracle man is doing his best to stay well for me and that's more than I can ask for such a tough guy. As soon as he's able, he will be moving in with my in-laws at their 10 acre home. My fiance has been working on a fence and shelter for him for months (this accident came right before we were going to move him...) and is just about ready for his arrival. While he may never be able to ride again, he will be alive, and healthy, and close to me and my new family.