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Goodbye Bebe
Jan. 30th, 2006 11:52 amSunday was a typical day at the barn, with one exception. I found out that Don had to put Bebe down.
Bebe's been retired and up at the farm for a couple years. He's had some knee issues, which is what led to his retirement in the first place. That's not why Don made the choice to put him down though. For the past 3 or 4 years, it's been a challenge keeping weight on Bebe. He'll eat some of his hay or grain and just leave the rest. Toward the end of his time working, he'd eat his morning grain, but ignore the evening portion. His teeth were checked a number of times, to see if there were any issues there, but they were okay. Actually, for his age, they were in astoundingly good shape.
Grazing in the pasture all day during retirment helped some, but Bebe still wouldn't put weight back on. Still, he was doing okay health-wise and seemed happy. He apparently was top dog in the little retiree herd. A few weeks ago, though, he started losing more weight. About 200 pounds in 3 weeks. According to Don he looked awful, even though he seemed happy. Don called the vet out, who couldn't find a cause for the sudden drop in weight. The vet thought Bebe would probably last a few more weeks without being in any real discomfort at the current rate.
After putting some thought into it, Don decided it was best to have Bebe put down the Friday before last, while the weather was unseasonably warm and before Bebe actually did start suffering.
Bebe has always been among my favorites at the barn. He was generally a quick horse, though now and then he'd get into slowpoke moods. After I had knee surgery, years ago, he was the first horse I rode. I asked for him because I knew he'd require very little leg. I credit a good bit of my recovery on my time in Bebe's saddle.
I'll miss the old bay fella. At 31, he had a long life. I think it was a happy one, too. He was a bright, friendly horse and I owe him a lot for putting up with me when I was just learning to ride.
I can't find a proper picture of Bebe online right now. I do believe that's his butt on the left in this picture, though.
( Tails )
Bebe's been retired and up at the farm for a couple years. He's had some knee issues, which is what led to his retirement in the first place. That's not why Don made the choice to put him down though. For the past 3 or 4 years, it's been a challenge keeping weight on Bebe. He'll eat some of his hay or grain and just leave the rest. Toward the end of his time working, he'd eat his morning grain, but ignore the evening portion. His teeth were checked a number of times, to see if there were any issues there, but they were okay. Actually, for his age, they were in astoundingly good shape.
Grazing in the pasture all day during retirment helped some, but Bebe still wouldn't put weight back on. Still, he was doing okay health-wise and seemed happy. He apparently was top dog in the little retiree herd. A few weeks ago, though, he started losing more weight. About 200 pounds in 3 weeks. According to Don he looked awful, even though he seemed happy. Don called the vet out, who couldn't find a cause for the sudden drop in weight. The vet thought Bebe would probably last a few more weeks without being in any real discomfort at the current rate.
After putting some thought into it, Don decided it was best to have Bebe put down the Friday before last, while the weather was unseasonably warm and before Bebe actually did start suffering.
Bebe has always been among my favorites at the barn. He was generally a quick horse, though now and then he'd get into slowpoke moods. After I had knee surgery, years ago, he was the first horse I rode. I asked for him because I knew he'd require very little leg. I credit a good bit of my recovery on my time in Bebe's saddle.
I'll miss the old bay fella. At 31, he had a long life. I think it was a happy one, too. He was a bright, friendly horse and I owe him a lot for putting up with me when I was just learning to ride.
I can't find a proper picture of Bebe online right now. I do believe that's his butt on the left in this picture, though.
( Tails )