Little E, Forever in our Hearts

I apologize for taking so long to explain what happened with Little E. I haven’t been adjusting very well to the new normal here without him. He was the first horse we’d look for each morning before breakfast and the last we’d see each night, for his 11pm feeding. And in between breakfast and the last meal of the day, he received four additional soft mushy meals. His teeth had been worn down to next to nothing before he came to us.

You could tell the time of day here because Little E would show up and let you know it was time for his next meal – he was quite the character.

Often, you could find him standing alongside Magic’s fence line, even during the hottest and sunniest of days, or standing beneath the Friendship Tree. He’d also show up under the tree on Frosty’s Knoll when it was time to be fed. Sometimes, when you’d walk with him, he’d “chit chat” with a deep whinny that vibrated throughout the air. I miss him, and that deep grumbling whinny, so very much.

After Little E had a seizure last Saturday afternoon, he improved and stabilized. On Sunday morning, he looked good and he ate breakfast. A couple of hours later, he took a turn for the worse and it started again – aimlessly walking and spinning, muscle tremors, and sweating.

I contacted Dr. Templeton right away and asked her to come out. There’s not much you can safely do to help a horse when the horse is having a seizure, especially if they are spinning in circles and unsteady on their feet. But we were able to halter Little E and we stood with him for awhile. Then he started walking and slowly spinning again – he was exhausted and finally went down and he did so pretty gently, thankfully. While waiting for the vet to arrive, I checked his vitals. I also checked his eyes and there was no menace response, my heart was very heavy. I stayed with him, holding his head while talking to him, and prayed for a miracle.

When Dr. Templeton arrived, we reviewed blood test results from the day before – everything was pretty much normal. As we talked about options, prognosis, etc., I was still holding onto Little E, watching and listening for any sign of hope from him, but it never came. Quality of life is so very important and doing what is in the best interest of each horse, after consulting with our care team and considering all options, is the path we take.

We loved Little E enough to let him leave this world as a proud Arabian with grace and dignity, while surrounded by a whole lot of love. It was the last and greatest gift we could give to him.

Bob and I were thankful that our daughter, Katie, and our son, Joshua, were home and got to say their farewells along with Jenny and Kathy. I’m sure Little E knew we were all there and that he was loved, so very much. I never let go of him and, as he transitioned to Rainbow Bridge, I told him how much he was loved and that he’d soon be with his old friends Jake, Gentleman, Solace, Point to Ponder, Hope, Princess, Granny Jewels, Abby, Matilda, Momma Sue, Cookie, Betsy Rose, and so many others, in a place where there would be no suffering, hunger, or pain. Little E went very peacefully to Rainbow Bridge. He was buried next to his very good friend, Bria.

Little E had been with us since August 2007, a year after Beauty’s Haven officially began. He became entwined in our hearts and lives and was part of the very soul of this rescue. He quickly became a self appointed Ambassador, our “meeter and greeter,” for anyone that showed up at the gate, be it human, horse, or other four-legged animal.

When new horses arrived, after being in quarantine, they would sometimes live with Little E on the two acres around our house and up on Frosty’s Knoll for awhile. They were free to wander about and had access to a number of paddocks where they had shelter if they wanted it. I loved watching them everyday. From orphan babies like Buttercup, to seniors like Bria, Little E was there for them. And for many, most recently, Bria and Nina, he was with them to the very end. The Friendship Tree will never be the same. In my mind’s eye, I still see him there.

Little E was a wise old soul and, for many humans, he was very therapeutic. He would listen as they shared their thoughts and stories with him and he’d make faces like he knew what they were saying – he simply made you feel good. He loved his mushy meals and Ginger Snaps but he didn’t care for his fly mask. We are very grateful for the time we had with him. It was a true blessing.

We appreciate everyone’s good thoughts and prayers – your support means a lot. We also appreciate Dr. Templeton’s support, very much, and our awesome volunteers who are also feeling the loss of a beloved soul.

Over the weekend, I hope to be able to sit and read the many lovely messages we have received. I’ve tried a couple of times but ended up in tears and had to walk away. Letting any horse go is so very difficult but I continue to hold on to the belief that someday, we’ll see our loved ones again. Little E may be gone but he will be with me always – he’s forever in my heart.

Sincerely,
Theresa