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Post by chaosisapony on Sept 3, 2018 23:51:26 GMT
In 2012 my mom and I had two rescue horses given to us. I've spoken of them here on occasion. We lost the younger one quite unexpectedly in April of 2017 and on Saturday night lost the older one, Rio.
Rio was mine in every undefinable way you can claim ownership of another living being. I didn't know that in saving him, he'd also be saving me. We did not have a storybook horse/owner overcoming the odds tale. But we had a partnership and while he always maintained a lot of independence, he chose to become my friend.
Over the last 5 1/2 years we have had numerous injuries and health scares but it wasn't until our vet visit this spring that I realized how old he really was. Hearing the vet discuss full body arthritis, a heart murmur, missing teeth, and possible liver failure took me from my mindset that age is just a number (he's 30 give or take a couple years) and there was nothing my horse couldn't do; to realizing that he probably didn't have much time left and I needed to focus on keeping him happy and comfortable above all else. We started daily pain medication and within 10 days Rio acted like he was 10 years younger. The transformation was amazing.
He kept his attitude and energy intact all summer. We even went riding last weekend. His coat was shiny, his weight was good, and he had a fresh pedicure. This Friday, for the first time in 5 1/2 years, he didn't eat his breakfast. He passed away Saturday night. I'm devastated but comfortable in knowing that I did absolutely everything I could for him in his golden years and that he passed knowing he was loved. There really isn't anything more we can hope for as pet owners.
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Post by chaosisapony on Sept 4, 2018 0:02:16 GMT
And now, for the vent.
We called the large animal disposal company Sunday morning to come out and pick up Rio. From my research, this is the only company that services most of Northern California. She explained that she had a busy day with a lot of calls to take care of but that she'd be out before the end of the day. At 7pm she called back and explained that she was exhausted and could she come Monday morning instead. That was fine.
So she comes out today and picks him up. What cost us $185 last spring for our other horse's disposal is now $390 due to the "holiday weekend rates". And that is AFTER she gave us a discount since she felt bad that she did not make it out on Sunday.
I understand that no one wants to work on a holiday, I really do. However, I did not ask for my pet to die on a holiday weekend. This was not a planned euthanasia. Whatever happened to having some compassion for people that just lost a pet and have no other options to deal with the body? When this is your business you should understand that you can't always plan death to be convenient for you. Shame on her for having such a huge mark up because it's a holiday. I'm absolutely disgusted by it.
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michellegb
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,915
Location: New England and loving it!
Jun 26, 2014 0:04:59 GMT
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Post by michellegb on Sept 4, 2018 0:04:58 GMT
I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope knowing you loved him well and did your best for him will bring you comfort. Hugs...
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Post by mnmloveli on Sept 4, 2018 0:11:29 GMT
I’m soooo sorry for your loss. I’m sure Rio loved you for how you changed his life and made his last years sooooo much better. You were a blessing to him. Hold on to your memories until you meet again. ((HUGS))
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Post by librarylady on Sept 4, 2018 0:14:13 GMT
Condolences to you. I know you will miss him very much.
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Post by its me mg on Sept 4, 2018 0:14:32 GMT
And now, for the vent. We called the large animal disposal company Sunday morning to come out and pick up Rio. From my research, this is the only company that services most of Northern California. She explained that she had a busy day with a lot of calls to take care of but that she'd be out before the end of the day. At 7pm she called back and explained that she was exhausted and could she come Monday morning instead. That was fine. So she comes out today and picks him up. What cost us $185 last spring for our other horse's disposal is now $390 due to the "holiday weekend rates". And that is AFTER she gave us a discount since she felt bad that she did not make it out on Sunday. I understand that no one wants to work on a holiday, I really do. However, I did not ask for my pet to die on a holiday weekend. This was not a planned euthanasia. Whatever happened to having some compassion for people that just lost a pet and have no other options to deal with the body? When this is your business you should understand that you can't always plan death to be convenient for you. Shame on her for having such a huge mark up because it's a holiday. I'm absolutely disgusted by it. I am so sorry about Rio!! It sounds like he had a great life, and all good things must come to an end. Shame on her for capitalizing on the holiday weekend -- especially when she knows damn well she's the only one around and you don't really have a choice. How irritating!!! |
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Post by originalvanillabean on Sept 4, 2018 0:38:35 GMT
I'm so sorry for your loss.
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eastcoastpea
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,252
Jun 27, 2014 13:05:28 GMT
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Post by eastcoastpea on Sept 4, 2018 0:39:38 GMT
I'm sorry for your loss. Hugs.
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purplebee
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,731 
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Post by purplebee on Sept 4, 2018 0:48:47 GMT
Thank you for giving your equine buddies such a wonderful home. I love horses, and have owned a couple. They do become a part of your heart. I know you will miss them both.
And shame on the disposal company for taking advantage of people who are definitely between a rock and a hard spot.
Hugs to you...
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Post by 950nancy on Sept 4, 2018 1:14:23 GMT
Awww, to be owned by a horse... I am so sorry for your loss, but how lucky you were to have found each other. Hugs.
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Sarah*H
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,977
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Post by Sarah*H on Sept 4, 2018 1:20:35 GMT
I am so sorry for your loss. He was beautiful.
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Post by Outspoken on Sept 4, 2018 1:28:28 GMT
I am so sorry for your loss. It seems as though you loved him well, and he loved you, too. Run healthy and free, Rio!
And as for the vent, I am angry with you!
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Post by crazy4scraps on Sept 4, 2018 1:33:12 GMT
I’m so very sorry. I know from your previous posts that he was special to you. And I’m sorry too that it cost so much extra because of the unfortunate timing.  |
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julie5
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,611
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Post by julie5 on Sept 4, 2018 1:34:11 GMT
I’m angry with you. What a crappy thing to do.
I’m so sorry about Rios passing. <3
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Post by Horse scrap on Sept 4, 2018 1:37:45 GMT
Thank you for taking such good care of such an amazing creature. He is such a beautiful boy and you can see the love and feel the love in your picture and post. We are blessed to have been owned by horses. Gentle hugs to you!
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scrapngranny
Pearl Clutcher
Only slightly senile
Posts: 4,763
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Post by scrapngranny on Sept 4, 2018 1:40:08 GMT
I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s heart wrenching you had to deal with issues to have him removed on top of your loss.
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Post by happyOCgirl on Sept 4, 2018 1:52:46 GMT
Thank you for sharing the story of Rio. Honestly, I didn't know horses could live that long! He truly was living it up in his golden years!
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Post by jenjie on Sept 4, 2018 1:59:51 GMT
You loved each other well. I’m so sorry. And I agree about the “service” taking advantage of you.
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Mary Kay Lady
Pearl Clutcher
PeaNut 367,913 Refupea number 1,638
Posts: 3,073
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Post by Mary Kay Lady on Sept 4, 2018 2:54:41 GMT
I'm sorry for your loss.
I do understand your frustration in having a beloved pet die unexpectedly on a holiday weekend. 4th of July weekend 2017 my son's 60 pound dog died unexpectedly. We live in a large city and you can't just bury your deceased dog in the backyard. We had to drive an hour away to the only reasonably priced open pet cemetery. It was not fun.
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Post by patin on Sept 4, 2018 2:54:43 GMT
What a beautiful horse! Rio has kind eyes. I am so sorry for your loss & that extra charge is unjust.
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Post by leannec on Sept 4, 2018 2:58:04 GMT
What a sweet face  I'm so very sorry for your loss |
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Post by pjaye on Sept 4, 2018 3:18:19 GMT
I'm very sorry for the loss of your much loved Rio. You already know you gave him the best few years of his life and that's a great gift for both of you.
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Post by scrapmaven on Sept 4, 2018 4:06:37 GMT
I'm so very sorry. Horses are remarkable animals and very beloved friends.
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Post by beebee on Sept 4, 2018 4:28:00 GMT
I am so sorry! What a precious picture of him!
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Post by miominmio on Sept 4, 2018 4:48:35 GMT
((Hugs))
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rodeomom
Pearl Clutcher
Refupee # 380 "I don't have to run fast, I just have to run faster than you."
Posts: 3,661
Location: Chickasaw Nation, Oklahoma
Jun 25, 2014 23:34:38 GMT
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Post by rodeomom on Sept 4, 2018 4:53:28 GMT
I'm so sorry for the loss of your beautiful friend.
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FurryP
Drama Llama
To pea or not to pea...
Posts: 6,969
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 19:58:26 GMT
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Post by FurryP on Sept 4, 2018 6:48:52 GMT
What a beautiful horse! Rio has kind eyes. I am so sorry for your loss & that extra charge is unjust. What she said. Rio is beautiful. |
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valincal
Drama Llama
Southern Alberta
Posts: 5,633
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Post by valincal on Sept 4, 2018 7:30:55 GMT
😢 So sorry for your loss.
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Post by Patter on Sept 4, 2018 10:26:54 GMT
Oh I am SO sorry for your tremendous loss! He looks a lot like the horse we had for a while. He was 27. I pray you comforted in the days ahead. Hugs and prayers!
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Post by gailoh on Sept 4, 2018 10:37:57 GMT
I am so sorry for your loss, they are family not just a pet...they give us a lot of love and comfort...
As for that person, shame on her...death does not take a holiday...
Hugs to you and your 4 legged son...
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