Latest Update on Rocky

3/23/2012

HI YA'LL

Sorry it has taken so long to do another update. We have been on the
typical orphan foal roller coaster. Two days ago (I think - they are
kind of blurring together), he was pretty lethargic and not feeling
well. When I checked his temp he was running a fever. So we treated
him for that, but he was still having intestinal issues. (He is still
having those, but that is kind of to be expected. He was colicky for
a couple of nights, but seems to be over that right now.) But this is
why we stay with them literally 24/7 (although we do run to the
bathroom haha). He had started rolling when he was colicky so it is
very important that he is monitored, as we don't want him twisting his
gut.

The good news is that he is happy and perky and eating well. His eyes
are bright and he is getting into everything. I finally got to lay
down last night in bed, and then I felt it. The MILK MONSTER was
approaching. He seems to think (just like Honey Bandit and Chilly
Pepper did) that it is great entertainment to get a mouth full of milk
and slowly dribble it on my face, pillow, hair etc. Then he lay down
and was right next to the day bed I am sleeping on. I just started to
drift off (after I had gotten up, changed his diapers and fed him, and
was just starting to relax when I heard this little clangy noise. He
was playing with the bed. So now I am paranoid thinking he will hit
the release and the bed will drop and he will get hurt. So again, I
get up and I put a box underneath the bed so even if he did hit it,
nothing could possibly happen.

I am pretty sure that God made the women the "moms", as we hear every
little thing and every little noise. Guess that is one of the reasons
He picked Shirley Allen and I to do this. We both have chronic pain,
so we don't sleep much anyway. So we pretty much hear every little
movement they make. PTL for that, because if Rocky had kept rolling,
he could have twisted his gut and it could have been fatal.

Now the not so good news. Rocky has a major "cold", for want of a
better word. He is coughing and sounds kind of like a seal. He is
basically a "snot factory" (sorry to be so indelicate), and we are
watching him like a hawk as usual. Shirley just went through the same
thing with her latest orphan foal "Rainy" (short for Rainbow). They
went through it for two weeks. Her Doc told her that the coughing is
actually good, although heartbreaking to hear, because they have to
get the stuff out of their lungs so it doesn't progress into
pneumonia. It is also extremely beneficial for him to get rid of the
mucous so his lungs don't fill up.

This is where ya'll come in. If anyone wants to help Rocky, we are
going through propane, tissues and baby wipes at an alarming rate.
But it is imperative that we keep him in an environment that is stable
temperature wise. We also need lots and lots and lots of prayers.
If he was left behind on purpose, this could be part of the reason.
It is all part of the wait and see period you go through, waiting for
whatever is going to come out.. We have made it through the 3 day
window, the eight day window and our next hurdle is the 3 week
timeline. The goofy weather most likely contributed to Little
Mister's pneumonia, and we are praying that Rocky fights through this.
We do not want pneumonia again! Like I mentioned prior though, the
good news is that he is feeling perky, eating well and is pretty much
bright eyed and bushy tailed - especially around 1 a.m., 2 a.m., 3
a..m., (you get the picture.)

I have to say that it is a privilege to be able to care for these
babies. (Albeit a kind of gooey one right now.) We are so blessed to
be part of such a "community rescue" and have the support of all of
the 'extended family". Again it is all because of ya'll that these
babies have a chance to survive, and to be surrounded by the love and
care that they are given. I was talking to Shirley this a.m., and I
don't know how she does it. She had 3 or more foals at one time, and
I know her washer and dryer did not stop and was running 24/7. Then
you add the lights as she was giving round the clock care, and all the
extra heat etc. and I think her electric bill doubled. It's funny how
everything you do in life ends up being so costly. She also had to
buy lots of laundry soap and disinfectant. Those are some of the
hidden costs with these guys. I have been lucky with Rocky so far,
and only had to run a couple loads of laundry. Will keep ya'll
updated. Thanks again for being part of this and stay safe and kiss
your critters!

Hugs

Palomino

p.s. It has been over a week now with not so much sleep, so if I say
anything goofier than usual, just bear with me :)