Jubilie

Jubilie, Mike's horse, is going to be put down today.   She is just the sweetest horse.  Even I was able to ride her without the slightest fear.  But over just the past few months, she's developed an inability to breathe.  They haven't been able to determine what's causing it, and the medication given to help her breathe (dexamethasone, I think) has caused serious laminitis as a side effect.  And now it's so bad that they just can't justify the misery she's in any longer.  

Poor Janet has been steeling herself for Impreso's death (he's her Peruvian Paso with DSLD) for the last four years now, but this happening to Jubilie came as such a shock.  She was a beautiful, big, sturdy, healthy girl right up until this summer.  They think her problems may have originated at their old place.  Their neighbor, despite constant calls to the EPA by them and by other neighbors, kept a fire burning constantly, burning everything but especially barn muck.  And the horses (and people, for that matter) couldn't escape all that smoke.  They've been gone from there now for most of this year, but that may still have been the original cause of Jubilie's problems.  But regardless of the reason, it has to be a particularly horrible day for Mike.  She was his only horse.  Janet tells me he says he doesn't ever want another horse, so he must really be hurting. 

Sorrow is the memory

of a happy yesterday.

Our memories live on in time

while sorrow fades away.

Words, however kind they are,

can't mend the heartache

of losing a beloved horse,

But those who care

and share your loss,

wish you comfort

and peace of mind.

Nothing touches you

like the love of a horse.

You have our deepest sympathy.

I called Mark.  He said he's going to go give our horses a hug for Jubilie.