Ch.245 Lakota, My Horse, Just Died
April 14, 2024
I visited Lakota early yesterday morning. He greeted me with a full-throated neigh and heartedly ate my treats, apple slices and soft biscuits, both good signs. But after three weeks he still couldn’t put any weight on his injured left front leg, and he had lost a lot of weight. Not good. The antibiotics he had been taking since the injury didn’t seem to be working. I waited until afternoon and then sent Samantha a text sharing my concerns. She immediately called me. Lakota had just fallen and couldn’t get back on his feet. They were giving him a shot of cortisol to energize him, but things didn’t look good. Then, 15 minutes later: “Ron, could you come now? We think it would be a comfort to Lakota.” Lakota was dying.
I got there in time to pet Lakota and help him get ready to pass. Samantha told me that Lakota calmed down once he heard my voice. I cried, as did Samantha and a woman named Crystal who had been caring a lot for Lakota. They told me that everyone at the stable loved Lakota and I could hear the truth in their voices. Samatha said she had been able to help Lakota hobble out to nuzzle noses with his stablemates yesterday and he had a chance to eat a little grass a couple days ago. Acts of kindness that I’m positive he appreciated.
It took about thirty minutes for the veterinarian to arrive. She administered three shots, the first to calm Lakota, the second to render him unconscious, and the third to help him quit breathing. It was over in minutes; my friend for 25 years was gone.
Levi’s been comforting me the best he can, licking my hands when I cry. After I finish writing this piece we’re going to visit Pat’s grave. I was going there anyhow on this beautiful 70-degree spring day. Together we’ll sit for a while, then take a turn walking around the cemetery, and sit again. I’ll buy him lunch on the way home.