Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Poco 19XX-2009

Today we sadly said goodbye to Poco. My parents spared no expense and gave him every chance they could, and the vets spared no effort and exhausted all of their resources. Poco began to exhibit severe neurological symptoms in addition to the mystery breathing issues we had been trying to treat. His liver had basically stopped functioning as well. The decision was unanimous between myself, my parents and his attending veterinarians to humanely euthanize him today. I am very appreciative to the entire staff at Tennessee Equine Hospital for their thorough and loving care of Poco.

Poco had been a part of our family for nine years. My dad was making a quick trip to a Tractor Supply Store and noticed a thin, unhappy pony tied to a rusted out trailer at the flea market across from the TSC store. He said he could not leave the sad little pony behind and purchased him and paid a delivery fee to have him transported to our farm. My mom and dad both spoiled him rotten with their constant treats and rare reprimands of his very "ponyish" behavior. I was the bad guy in Poco's life since I expected him to at least partly behave himself. We know nothing of his history prior to his purchase as the sellers offered no information and we don't know his exact age either. We think he was young, in his early teens, but that is a guess from his teeth.

Poco had a great life here at the farm with his best buddy, Sparky the donkey. He was adored by many of the horses who also always tolerated his ponyish ways and never made him mind his manners. I was always amazed at what the horses would let Poco get away with.

Rest in peace Poco, we all miss you.

One of my favorite videos of the farm because it captures the carefree life of the horses who live here. I have posted it before but here it is again. Poco and What playing and racing through the field in fall 2007





Poco attempting to steal Faune's feed bag; I've posted this picture before and my comment was that Faune would have a "come to Jesus" talk with anyone else about this. He let Poco get away with it though.

He had any number of cute and adorable expressionsPoco grazing with What

Poco declining to have his medication one January morning; I finally got it in him after a little Poco/Melissa rodeo. Biting Gwen on the arm while he has his feet trimmed A lazy afternoon in the shed

Another lazy afternoon with a big yawn
Poco out in the pasture
Poco and his best friend in the world, Sparky

14 comments:

Megs said...

I am so sorry for your loss. What a cutie he was. He was a very lucky pony to have such an amazing and caring family.

Amber Mac said...

I'm sooo sorry about Poco!!! He had a great life at your farm, and he was a very lucky boy. Rest In Peace Poco! We all loved you!

Anonymous said...

It sounds like he had a very good life with you and was very happy - and that you also enjoyed having him around. I am very sorry for the loss that you, Jason and your parents have suffered. He was a very cute one - and clearly all pony - I particularly liked the photo where he's biting the arm of the farrier!

LuLo Designs/Blue Eyed Tango said...

Oh Melissa, the video made me cry....I had not seen it before. So sorry that you had to put him down.....he was lucky to have you all!

ZionFarm said...

oh Melissa, my heart sank when I saw this post title. I am so sorry to hear about poor Poco. That video of him and what is my all time favorite.

ezra_pandora said...

Such big personality for a little guy. I am sorry for the loss of your friend. The other mare at our barn passed away on Monday morning too. You gave him the most magnificent life he could ever have hoped for I'm sure.

Ambi said...

Oh, Melissa, I'm so sorry. Poco couldn't have found a better, more loving home to live out his life in. I'm sure all the horses will miss him terribly, even if they won't admit it.

Holly Ratcliff said...

Awww, Melissa. I'm sorry to hear this. He was such a little rascal and you really gave him the opportunity to be a unique and special little pony. Rest assured that you did the right thing for him.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for your loss! Love that video of him, it's clear he had a blast living with you all.

Amy Bennett said...

How is Sparky doing now that he is gone? I am so sad to hear about Poco. He was such a cutie & had such a large personality! He was such a little clown! Sometimes our pets will hang on longer just for us. They always want to please us & be there for us. He had quite the cushie life for the last part of his life, and you can bet that he enjoyed every minute of it & was very grateful!

R.I.P. Poco!

Java's Mom said...

Oh no, I'm sorry to hear about Poco! What a nice tribute post, what a good punk, as a truly great pony can be. You took absolutely wonderful care of him. Sorry :(

allhorsestuff said...

I came over from Soitare mare's..
I loved the video of Poco and the gray! He reminds me of my foirst pony, also a pinto.
Bless your heart for loving him soo and being such a wonderful steward of his pony life!
He will be missed by equine and folk alike!
KacyK

Vivian, Apollo's Mom said...

Melissa, I am so sorry about Poco. I spent some nice time with him when we were up for our first visit and he just got sick when we came up last October. I know Apollo loved him as well. I know he had a wonderful life with you and you and your family did all you could. Our heartfelt condolences...

Fantastyk Voyager said...

Aw, I'm sorry to read this. At least he lived a good life with you.