I’m a little late to this thread since I’ve been out of the office, but I’m glad to hear your crisis is over. I know exactly how you feel about the old horses because I have 3 lawn ornaments of that age myself who are equally useless except for my general amusement. They are members of the family and no one else can understand why they are still around after all these years. But when something happens to one of them it is devastating. Give Promise a hug for me.
Glad to hear the good news!
I am so glad that Promise is OK. You are fortunate to have a clinic that was able to keep her hydrated and monitored.
You are doing all you can. Get that through your head! Promise is lucky to have an owner who is as loving and caring as you.
When people such as you commit to animals they always think that there is something more that could be done. You are being realistic and practical about a sad possiblity. Promise is fighting and may pull through. If she can’t, you will hurt and cry but we are all here for you and understand.
HUGS HUGS HUGS HUGS HUGS HUGS!
[This message was edited by Everythingbutwings on Apr. 04, 2001 at 10:19 AM.]
Louise, it’s been a few years, but we had to make exactly the same decision with our 17 yr. old mare: do everything, short of surgery. We based it not just on financial considerations, but with our vet evaluated the potential for complications, the mare’s overall soundness and health, etc. Our mare ended up with torsion, so we had her euthanized. I still remember sitting in her stall, her head in my lap.
I felt regret and sadness, but not guilt.
I’m sending all my hopes and wishes and prayers your way that good ol’ Promise makes a full recovery. She sounds like a tough mare! 
Louise, I will only echo all the others and say that my thoughts are with you and Promise and I hope all turns out well. I agree with many who say that with our animals we have an opportunity to let them go with dignity. If it does come to that, even though it will hurt, you will be doing the right thing!
If I were in your shoes, I would make the same decision. Even if I had enough money to pay for the colic surgery.
JumpHigh83 is absolutely right. Recovering from colic surgery is certainly no picnic - especially for an older horse.
Truthfully…I was afraid to look here for a while but PLEASED and RELIEVED to see a happy ending!!! Way to go!!! Everything happens for a reason, just sometimes we aren’t “let in” on that reason! You will have your Promise awhile longer!!! ALRIGHT! The sun is finally out, AND some good news on the BB!!!
Betsy
Great news Louise!!!
