How We Met

Mackie came into my life when I needed him most. I had just spent almost 4 years with a horse that was all wrong for me. Mackie was such a willing partner, he made having a horse such a treat. He tried to please no matter what you asked of him. Knowing what I know now, I realize that life was really tough for Mackie. He had many health issues, everything from mild colic to choke, to allergic reaction to a vacinne and then a reaction to the antibiotic. His biggest challenge was getting and surviving EPM not once but twice. As a result of the EPM meds he developed gastric ulcers, it just went on and on. Thru all of this Mackie never once complained. It looked like we were finally on our way to enjoying ourselves, when his behavior changed, nothing drastic, just a little off. After a consultation with our vet, an appointment was made at the University Equine Hospital for Mackie to see a cardioligist. The night before our appointment I told Mackie that we were going to get some answers, in my heart I knew it was not good, but I had hope because after all, these people were specialists. I was a very long day, filled with tons of tests and information overload. When all the info had been gathered, we sat down and they explained to me that he was in heart failure, only one of his four heart valves was functioning. They felt that this condition had been present for years, they said for me not to beat myself up, it was not something that either Dr. Cook or I missed. Typically horses don't show symptoms because they just keep trying, they said Mackie never gave up, his heart did. His prognosis was poor to hopeless, I had 3 options, 1. leave him at the hospital and treat, however, they told me that they did not recommend treatment, even if it did help, it would be short lived. 2. take him home and let him die, but it would not be a peaceful death. 3. I could let him go now. I choose to let him go, I stayed with him, at his side the whole time, it was important to me that my face and my voice be the last he saw and heard. I held him and told him how much he was loved, I came home alone that day. He was only 12. I donated his body to the University Hospital, I got great comfort from knowing that his heart might help someone else's horse. I miss him everyday. Love you Mackie. We will meet again.

Mackie was Angel HOTD Dec 26/2012

Thanks Sadie for vote 100
Thanks Angel PF Vote 500.