March 8, 2013

Scary morning...

The most beautiful sight in the world to me right now is seeing Willow back on her feet....

Michael checked on Willow at midnight, and she seemed the same... up on her feet but she hadn't eaten anything.  Of course, we were worried... but nothing like how I felt to find Willow flat on the ground, eyes half open, and breathing very hard.  We were both very worried since we'd never seen her like that before...

She wouldn't get up, and she refused carrots (which really isn't like her).  I called Martha, both vets, and then tried all my friends who know a lot about horses... but it was before 7am, and no one answered... I felt so helpless and scared.  Could it be colic, laminitis, pneumonia, what?

Thankfully Martha came over quickly... and Willow got up shortly before she arrived.  We are thinking she must have been in a very deep sleep to have such labored breathing and hope that's what it was.  She lays down a lot, and for extended periods of time. But she is healing and still in pain, so she must need that right now.

Dr. Ruggles and Dr. Kimmons do not think her x-rays show founder, but Martha is still concerned this may be the start of laminitis.   Dr. Hawthorne will probably come by later to see her... maybe some accupuncture, etc.

There just isn't anything I wouldn't do for my sweet horse.  She's a fighter, a beauty, and a queen... and probably the smartest horse in the world.  As we stood with Willow, I told Martha that I think a lot about sappy horse movies... you know the kind-  the horse is dying on the barn floor, and people almost give up hope, and then all of a sudden the horse leaps up, shakes her head and everything is better? That is what I want to see happen here...  So, Martha and I prayed together with Willow, and we talked to her.  We talked about wanting her to eat and drink water (as she seemed a bit dehydrated).  And Willow looked at us.  Then she walked over to her hay and had a bite....  then she ate a bit of grain.  Then she splashed and drank some of her water... and then she even licked her mineral salt block, and she looked at us again.... as if to say, "There! And even though you forgot to mention it, I licked some salt too!"   ♥   

Willow.  She is a miracle, I just know it....

45 comments:

  1. Lol!!! That Willow is just a mess! She showed you, Mom! As if to say, "There! Are ya happy?"

    Can horses receive IVs to get fluids and nutrients in them?

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  2. Great to hear. :) It's an exhausting roller coaster ride, hang in there!

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  3. Such a relief. Yes , she is exceptional. :-) There are bound to be ups and downs as she heals, but she proves time and again that she is a fighter with a very strong spirit.

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  4. Nancy Craig Hebert3/8/13, 10:39 AM

    With you and Willow all the way, Shana Rae.....over every mountain and through every valley. Praying for all concerned daily....

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  5. I pray for Willow, you and everyone that is around her everyday!! It is a relief to read this, that she is up on her feet, and that she like Martha ( above ) said " She showed you, Mom!" lol. She is such a beautiful and strong horse, a survivor! And you are a truly incredible woman, who takes amazing care of her ( as well as your husband, Martha and all the vets etc ) I will of course continue to keep you all in my prayers. =)

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  6. Shana! I am so relieved she ate a bit and seems to be a bit better than when you found her! I am checking your update during my lunch break because I was hoping to you would have some news.
    Keep imagining what you see in those horse movies - the power of positive thinking!!!
    Willow WILL get better!
    Take care!

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  7. WOW... thank you, Willow, for showing everyone that you are still in control..lol
    I know you must be exhausted, Shana. Willow has shown you this morning that she listens to you and responds to your prayers. She is quite a girl. I bet we're ALL breathing a little easier after reading your post. Thank you for keeping us updated when you can. I know everyone is throwing suggestions at you and you probably don't need one more, but here goes...my vet puts a few drops of "Peace and Calm" essential oils on a cotton ball and places it close to my animals. You can also put a few drops in water in a spray bottle and just mist the air. It's calming, for you and for Willow. Also, are you using Bach's Rescue Remedy with her? It was developed for horses. It's made from the essence of flowers. It too is calming and used for stressful situations. She, and her body, is going through a lot of stress. You might read about this and try it. I have seen it work wonders. Continued prayers for all of you <3

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  8. So glad to read she finally got up and ate for you and Martha! Maybe she really was in a deep sleep and got enough rest to eat and drink a bit! One day at a time Willow! You got this girl!

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  9. this brought tears to my eyes and a smile to my face ... keep fighting sweet willow! we all want to see you well!! ~amy

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  10. have I mentioned I feel like a stalker since finding this story? I am here way too much checking, reading, praying & crying. so very in love with willow, her story & your spirit! prayers for a better afternoon & weekend!

    ~mijalai

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  11. YAY! I'm glad she's doing better. I know Martha does massage work for you. Have you ever had acupuncture done for Willow? Willow is a fighter and so are you! Hang strong :)

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    1. Yes, Dr. Hawthorne does accupuncture on her :)

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    2. Awesome! I'm sure it helps.

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  12. Baby steps are huge- extraordinary isn't a grand gesture it is all of the little steps along the journey. Yea Willow and everyone who loves her!

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  13. Do you know how many people love this horse? How many people are praying for her and you and everyone involved in her life? How wonderful for her. I read her updates with tears in my eyes every time. I'm so happy to see a good report today. You keep doing what you do and we'll all keep doing what we do, and between all of us and her, she will recover.

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  14. Melissa Harjo3/8/13, 12:35 PM

    I'm praying for you guys. Keep your head up. There are bound to be plenty of ups and downs but don't give up.

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  15. I am so happy to see her UP! Thank you Jesus!

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  16. What a wonderful update! So happy to hear that Willow is up and having a bite. Moment by moment, day by day. Continuing prayers for Willow and all her family.♥

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  17. Roberta Goodman3/8/13, 1:54 PM

    So glad she's having a better day. Sleep is good - it is such a restorative.

    It is so scary to see them lying down - they look so ungainly and so lifeless. I remember going for a hack with a friend on a gray-ish day and one of the horses on paddock turnout was lying next to its water trough, utterly motionless. Other horses were careening around, whinnying, trains were going by, etc, and NOTHING. This went on for what seemed like 15 minutes. We were really concerned that something was terribly wrong and were on the verge of going for help when the horse jumped to its feet, shook itself, and wandered off to graze. We felt so silly!

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  18. Yes, you can believe that we care a lot about Willow and your other horses and your family, even from far away like Argentina:-)
    I keep looking for updates all the time and must say that I was worried at noon...now reading the update I feel better! Stay strong
    Yam

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  19. I know that you keep hearing this, but hang in there! She trusts you, and is in a better place knowing that you are there advocating for her! She feels your love, I am sure that is giving her strength! Keep talking with her, hugging her, petting her, encouraging her. ... and most importantly keep taking care of your self! You cannot help her through this if you run yourself so down that you end up sick! I know you know all this! We in cyber space are here supporting you and Willow... and I am sure Prince Funny Face is there doing his best to help as well! I wish there was more that I personally could do to help! But I live in WA state, and well I know that words of encouragement is all that I can offer! Hugs! Take Care!

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  20. What an effect this story has on me... I keep waiting for updates, and it continues to be an emotional journey each time I read, mainly because of all of the love everyone has for this strong horse. Willow is truly amazing! And so are you Shana (and family, vets, barn cats, etc)...xoxo..

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  21. Thank you so much for keeping us posted - we may not have ever met you or your horses, but we now know and love you all! So many are hoping and praying for Willow and for you and your family! Keep the faith!

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  22. I was anxious to get home from work today so I could see how Willow was doing. So good to hear that she is taking a few bites here and there - she DOES sound like a very smart horse, ha,ha. I know she will be ok because you are such a great horse mom and she is such a strong horse! Hugs to Willow!

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  23. So beautiful Shana. I am so happy to hear good news. :)

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  24. Just wanted to let you know again that I'm praying for your girl. I want to see her running through the fields healthy again.:)

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  25. You and Willow are true fighters! Hang in there ... Your strength gives her strength. Y'all are in my prayers.
    Kasandra

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  26. I just started reading about you and Willow. I pray she grows stronger everyday. I love Friesian horses. They are so majestic and full of beauty. Willow sounds like an amazing soul and I pray daily for her and you.

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  27. I follow your story but never say anything... I just could never imagine... well I guess I could! I lost my daughter when she was 22. She was murdered. Like you love Willow unconditionally... I love my daughter so when I read, I cry, almost as if I am crying with you.. Amazing , complete strangers feeling the same pain that comes with love only a different kind, or is it! Best wishes to you and Willow! I sure hope she makes a full recovery and soon.. I love your cheerful updates...<3

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    1. And now, I am crying with you... I am so so sorry... I can't even imagine your pain. Thank you for your kind words... you know, perhaps your precious daughter is one of the angels watching over Willow? (((Hugs)))) to you... and please know that I am here for you if you need me...

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    2. My prayers are with you. I have tears reading about your daughter. Hugs and love also

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    3. My prayers are with you. I have tears reading about your daughter. Hugs and love also

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    4. you are in my thoughts; cannot imagine how I would feel when in your place; so sorry for this loss; these things should not happen .... hugs, love and care from Belgium Europe

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  28. Just started following and am glad that things are a bit better. Just remember that pain can take away the appetite and hugs and prayers can sometimes be the food for her soul. Express your love for her in physical ways and she will grow better.

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  29. Glad to hear she is doing better. I have going on line twice a day to read your story. Know she is in all our thoughts and prayers.

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  32. Praying, praying, and then praying some more. Sweet beautiful girl... it's been a tough few weeks on top of years of abuse. BUT... the difference for her is that YOU have her, and she had a bit of time with you, wrapped in a warm blanket of love, before she faced this terrible challenge. I don't think she would have made it without you; her life had been too bleak for too long. But she has a REASON to fight and to want to live; she knows she is "home" and loved.

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  33. Cindy Easton3/8/13, 11:25 PM

    May God bless you and your horse......just reading this is so heart wrenching. I know nothing about horses, but I can tell, you and Willow both have big hearts. It's people like you, your friends, family and doctors that make this earth a better place.

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  34. the love and the bond between a horse and a human can sometimes achieve more than any meds .... Willow definitely has the right spirit as well as you; no more words needed .... <3

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  35. Best news Ive heard this week!!!!!!!"

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  36. I am worried to see no update........ (((((LOVE)))))))

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  37. oh no two days and no update

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