PEOPLE WHO ARE VIOLENT TO ANIMALS RARELY STOP THERE!

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Saying good-bye to Augusta

Saying good-bye is never an easy thing to do, but after seeing and spending some time with Augusta tonight I see it as a necessary step to be taken to make her better. Would I have loved to have her around many more years? Of course, after all she was only 10 years old. Augusta came in the Fall of 2009 and she had some major health issues, one being uveitis, a chronic eye condition that would eventually lead to blindness, she also had some hoof problems and some at that point not yet so much apparent neurologicial problems. Despite vigorous efforts by the vet and the staff, Augusta's eyesight started to fail very rapidly, and what was only a slight loss of eyesight in one eye, turned soon into complete blindness in that eye very quickly. Once that happened, all her neurologicial problems were getting more visible, she was constantly stumbling, which still was at first thought of being a learning process of her blindness. We had blind donkeys before, and they adjusted amazingly to their new circumstances and got around pretty well. Seems like the other animals kind of always took care of them especially. After many weeks with the vet and many tests and overnight stays at the University of Guelph Animal hospital, the tests finally came back with not giving much hope of her ever getting  better and she really went down hill fast. She was in a lot of  pain and received the highest safest amount of painkillers, the best of care and a lot of love. They were still waiting for the final test results last week when I had a discussion with Cate about the tremendous and pricey medical attention Augusta was receiving and that really no stone was left unturned to get her the best help for the best possible outcome.  The final test results were not good and the decision was made that for Augusta's sake it was time to end her suffering.
I was standing at the fence today watching the donkeys mingle with people and enjoying the sunshine, when Kim came over to speak to me, first I was a little nervous about what she wanted to see me about, but  it soon was apparent that she knew how much I cared about Augusta and she wanted to let me know in person about what is going to happen tomorrow, she didn't want me to be informed via email after the fact. She told me that if I wanted I could spend some time with Augusta after work up in Halfway Haven. After four everybody had left but with Cate's permission I could go up to Augusta and spent as much time with her as I wanted. I grabbed a handful of carrots and walked up to Halfway Haven. I haven't really seen Augusta that much in the last few weeks, because she was up in the special care and really only staff is allowed up there. She was there with one other donkey and two of the goats. Of course she smelt right away that I had carrots on me and started nipping at me, because she can't see she feels everything out with her lips and was constantly chewing on me. She ate the carrots and then I just stood there and hugged her for a while, talked to her, scratched her ears and her butt and just loved her. I made so many attempts to leave only to go back for one more donkey hug, and I just couldn't leave. She finally laid down as she was really shaky on her legs, and had trouble standing up. So I sat with her in the sand pit and petted her face and massaged her legs. She was laying there so peaceful and relaxed and I thought it would be so nice for you to just go now, I could feel her hot breath from her nostrils hitting my legs as I talked to her. I could have stayed the whole night to sit with her. Every time I said her name, her ear would just perk up, even though her head was flat on the ground. We sat there for good an hour, it was so nice just to be with her and yet so sad because I knew it was the last time I was going to see her. After a few more hugs and kisses it was time for my final good-bye to her. I told her that I loved her and that she will be in a better place, even though were she was, is a great place, and that she will be ok. I will miss that sweet donkey face so very  much. She was such a loving donkey, so full of curiosity and always there for a hug. She was the first donkey to give me a donkey hug and I just loved her affection.

6 comments:

Louise said...

I'm sorry. It's always so hard to let our beloved critters go, even when it is best for them. The Sanctuary and you have indeed been there for Augusta, and she will leave for the Rainbow Bridge knowing that she was loved at the end of her days.

Melodie said...

I am so sorry...just reading about it made me cry....

Sharon said...

I am terribly sorry, it's heart breaking, I know. Remember the good times and try to forget the bad. She will no longer have the pain.

Special hugs for you!

Inger said...

I'm so sorry -- I'm crying too. But what a lovely tribute you wrote for Augusta.--Inger

AJ-OAKS said...

Took me a few tries to finish reading. As hard as it is to say goodbye, you know in your heart it was the kindest thing to be done. She left with love, dignity and respect.
Big, big hugs to you.

Tina said...

Thank you to you all for your support
Louise-yes she was loved indeed at the end of her time, even her former owner came today to say good bye.
Melodie-made me cry writing it too.
Sharon-despite all the pain meds she was on and the hightest dosage she stil showed signs of pain. So it really was time for her.
Inger-She was a very special girl that's for sure.
CIndy-after seeing her yesterday I surely knew it was the best for her no matter how much I wished and hoped for a different outcome. And yes it was the kindest thing to do but it sitll hurts like hell.