The hits just keep on coming! Our transporter arrived in OK on 8/20/2022 to pick up CALVIN & GUS. That very morning before Marlene arrived, CALVIN was down in his stall and resisted Jennie’s efforts to get him up. He was drooling a bit. A call was put in to the only vet who does farm calls, but she was in another county and wouldn’t be able to make it out. Marlene was about 15 minutes out when this occurred and said she would try to help Jennie get him up, and if needed, transport him to another vet. By the time Marlene got there, CALVIN was up and acting like nothing was wrong.
Jennie & Marlene observed him for some time and he seemed okay. Marlene, Jennie and I made the decision to NOT transport the boys that day. If CALVIN went down in the trailer in the middle of nowhere, it would most likely not end well. Transport is now put off for another month. BIG thank you to Marlene for hanging out for awhile to be on hand if needed for CALVIN!
I looked long and hard at the costs involved in keeping the boys in OK for another month. As you know, we are financially struggling more than we have in YEARS. We thank those of you who have been so generous with your contributions to help TIER in these difficult times. You have helped immensely, but the bills keep coming and prices are still at an all time high for feed, vet, fuel, medications, etc. Thankfully, CALVIN seems to be ok.
We made the decision to send CALVIN & GUS to Texas to stay with Kathy for the next month. In the long run, this will save us about 250. Boarding costs are less in Tx AND transport from Tx to CA is a bit cheaper than from OK to CA. Transport from OK to TX is 685 for both of the boys. Steve from Steve's Horse Transportation LLC gave us a good price because he was the same one who had hauled Shadow to TX for us. Thank you Steve!!
The boys arrived safely at Kathy’s on 9/2/2022 in the middle of a much needed downpour! They have settled in well with the exception of CALVIN having soft stools. Kathy will be giving him some Bio Sponge over the next few days as we are thinking he might have ulcers. It is not diarrhea, just very soft manure. GUS still needs to gain some weight/conditioning. Hoping that his recovery continues to improve.
Truthfully, I’m glad that CALVIN’s little episode caused us to reschedule transport. The heat has been brutal and I’m not sure either of them would have done well on the trip to TIER. Especially GUS!