More bits and pieces...

During Patches first summer, Kentucky was suffering from a devastating drought.  My feed store kept me in alfalfa hay for him though, which got him through such a critical time.  However, Patches had a problem necessitating emergency surgery at the worst possible time.  Normally, he would have been gelded (neutered) in the fall or winter when flies have gone, and when he was older.  But Patches had a problem that would soon compromise his urinary function.  There was no choice but to geld him right smack in the midst of a horribly dusty fly ridden intensely hot drought summer.

We had to do it in a flat area of a dried up pasture.  The vet and assistant first injected Patches with a dose of anesthesia, then I walked him in a circle.  As soon as he began wobbling, the assistant was ready with a sterile sheet.  Just as Patches began going down, the sheet was placed under him.  He was injected with a bit more anesthesia.  I remained at Patches head protecting his eyes from the sun and flies, as the vet went to work.

By the time the last stitch was put in, Patches began waking up.  Horses are flight animals, so when scared, they want to get away...even if they can hardly walk.  They become terrified by the effects of the anesthesia, so keeping them from injuring themselves is critical during this dangerous time.

I began rubbing Patches head somewhat hard and as I kept talking to him.  For a few moments I had to really hold onto him, as he wanted to get away by staggering off.  I kept talking and making him look at me.  Gradually, his eyes came back into focus, and I could see he was beginning to recognize me.  Then he began really rubbing his head up and down me.  Patches was going to be all right.

Dr. Stone who had known me for quite some time, said, "You know, Adelaide, it never ceases to amaze me the bond you have with your horses...especially this little one.  How did you two come together?"

So I told him how Patches, the tiny three month old "dangerous runt without a future," and I came together, immediately bonding.

"Wow.  You really should write about this, you know?"

"Maybe I will someday.  After all, our journey has only just begun."🙃

Eighteen months later Patches and I did The Ride, and thousands soon took us both into their hearts.  Dr. Stone was the vet who did the paperwork we needed to cross state lines.

"You really need to write this story now, promise?"

"Don't worry, I will!  I promise!"  And I did.  Many years later in this blog legacy.  It took years, but I kept my promise to Dr. Stone though, who has lived to finally see it happen!😃