Yesterday, we had to make one of the hardest decisions horse rescuers have to make when caring for horses suffering from severe neglect.
After consultation with our veterinarian when new radiographs revealed that Hoover’s hooves were continuing to deteriorate, we made the decision to allow the lovely chestnut thoroughbred to go to his final rest. Even though alert and apparently healthy, Hoover spent much of his time lying down. When he walked, he was forced to use his hind legs to lift his upper body to ease the pain in his front feet. The vet’s prognosis was that the condition and the pain would get steadily worse until pain medication could no longer mask it, with the possibility that his back feet, under this extraordinary pressure, would also be compromised.
The photo shows Hoover (blanketed) earlier this month with his faithful companion Thor and his new friend Finn, who will miss Hoover as much as we do.
Our comfort is that for the last seven months of life, Hoover had a comfortable place to be, interaction with other horses, and plenty of food and water. We will remember him for his great heart and gentle nature.
