Joe Went Down....

The temps are getting higher and the mosquitoes are still bad. I mowed where Joe, Thor, Tommy, and Skippy hung out in the lawn. I'm hoping mowing the lawn pasture will bring the grass back and keep the mosquitoes down.

We've had Joe and Thor now for over a month now. I'd like to think Joe is putting on the pounds but it's always such a slow process. When I got home yesterday after work, I couldn't find Joe. I thought maybe he'd busted through the electric. Nope, he was standing with his nose in the corner of the leanto. I think he prefers it in there, soft ground, shade, and a view of his buddy.

I've been worried about Joe's hip from the day after we brought him home. I started him on bute. I had to bute him every day at first and now it's every other day or so. He now isn't walking crooked which makes me happy. He's still off and sore in the back. But last night he shocked me. I turned my back on Joe to look at something and when I turned around he was down. Not down as in colic or in pain. He was down TO ROLL!!!!!! And he did it in his fly sheet!

I didn't know if Joe went down if he'd ever be able to get back up! He proved that he can! I'm sure it's the bute speaking but i'll take what I can get. I was so excited to see Joe roll that I had to stand there and watch. So even though the hip pains him, he can still move around. I really thought I would have to put him down immediately. But with the bute, and now standing in the lawn pasture with a bit softer ground (I think), he's doing alright.

I had planned to euthanize him before our vacation early August but I may hold off and let him enjoy the entire summer. I know I'm putting off the inevitable but I can't do it. I can't put him down with those hips and ribs showing. I'd rather pay extra in rendering fees and have him cross over the Rainbow Bridge fat and sassy then skinny and hungry.

Tomorrow is the Lake County Saddle Club Poker Ride. I'm a bit nervous. I'm not sure who to take. I keep thinking Maverick but I've not ridden him out of the drylot, let alone a huge trail ride. The temps are supposed to be high (92) so I thought maybe I'd take Maverick anyway since it'll be too hot for him to do much. But then they mentioned wind. I'm just not sure now. I'm too chicken. We'll see what happens tomorrow.