Godwilling in Greener Pastures

"It been said that there is no grief like the grief which does not speak..." -Longfellow

UPDATE: 2/25/08 2pm It is with a heavy heart that I have to write that sweet Godwilling was peacefully euthanised this afternoon. She did pretty well last night at the clinic, but this morning, she began to go downhill. Her seizures were becoming more violent and she was beginning to hurt herself, and those caring for her, with her flailing hooves. She could no longer sit up and would just lay flat, even while eating.

This was a really heartbreaking case, Godwilling was such a sweet mare, who had been through so much. We did everything we could, spared no expense to give her a chance, but her abuse and neglect was just too advanced. Coupled with her advanced stage of starvation, she was most lilekly suffering from some sort of disease, whether it was West Nile or an Encephlyopothy. The vet will be sending in her blood to have it checked, so maybe we will know what she was suffering from.

But, whatever it was, Godwilling deserved better than she was given in her life. Her suffering before she came to Shiloh was intense. But, the last days and hours, she knew only kind hands, comforting words, food, and the presence of caring people. Shiloh wishes to thank all the vets, vet techs, visitors, and volunteers who helped with her. Her rescue came to late, but we all still made a difference to her life. For that we have to be grateful and we are sure that she knew we were trying to help her.

Godwilling passed very softly, simply went to sleep while being comforted by Jill and Sharil. She still had Equine Senior in her mouth when she arrrived on the Greener Pastures. Never again will she know hunger, pain, or unkindness.

With angered hearts and tearful eyes,
We tried to hold you tall,
Your mind was more then willing,
But your body could only fall

Your soul was rich with courage
Despite your journey, so hard to bare,
Cruel hands stole your essence
And turned you into a crippled mare.

Your spirit has truley touched us,
Though we met you recently,
Your good nature was so forgiving,
As you struggled just to be.

Then sad news came on the website
All we could do is weep.
And pray you've found serenity
In you everlasting sleep.

We hope you are at peace Godwilling, jeannette, Renee, and Cassie

UPDATE: 2/25/08 Godwilling is in the vet clinic, fighting for her life! She went down yesterday and could not get back up. She was also having small seizures and then would almost pass out. With the help of 10 visitors and volunteers, we lifted her to her feet using a blanket, but she just did not have the strength to stand on her own. We had to physically lift her into the horse trailer and brought her into the clinic. We then had to pull her out of the trailer and drag her on a blanket into a stall at the clinic. She was hooked up to IVs and blood was drawn. The vets think there is a possibility, that as well as being starved almost to death, that she may be suffering from West Nile which is causing her neurologic problems. She continued to have seizures, but at times would eat and whinny when you brought feed to her. She remained in the clinic all night, where she was flipped every 2 hours to keep her muscles from breaking down.

We are waiting for an update within the hour from the vet, but at last call, she was still down and had not shown much improvement, although she is still eating and whinnying. We have decided, as long as she wants to fight, so will we. Her vet bill is at almost $2,000 already and if she lives, we will create a vet fund for her.

You can keep updated on her progress on our blog!

Down at Shiloh

In the trailer

Being pulled out of the trailer at the vet. She is wearing a head bumper for her protection.

Being examined 

Resting after having her catheter put in

Hooked up and eating

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Arrived at Shiloh 2/23/08

Godwilling has been starved almost to the point of death by her former owner. She arrived at Shiloh with Godspeed, an emaciated TB gelding. These two horses have been starved for a long time. Their former owner, someone who it is believed participates in Mexican Rodeos, abandoned both horses and left town. At some point the two horses were kept in a horse trailer without food or water, probably to hide their condition. A caring horse woman, Kimberly from Pahrump, NV, found out about these two horses and contacted Shiloh to ask if we could take them in.

While absolutely emaciated and lethargic, they still have an appetite which is a very good sign. When a starved horse no longer wants to eat, it is usually too late to save them. Godspeed and Godwilling are going to be given every chance to recover. They are currently in the Bungalows with heavily bedded stalls for comfort and protection. They both have large pressure sores on their bony areas from laying down. They are also wearing blankets to keep them warm as they have no fat and little muscle left.

Godwilling is very sweet and gentle. Visitors and volunteers, please spend some extra time with these sweet horses, they need all the love they can get.

More comfortable, blanketed and eating grass hay.