Ricky’s Memorial
ARABIAN
Adopted: July 27, 2013
Crossed the Rainbow Bridge: Jul 5, 2023
As the fireworks exploded in the distance and the full moon rose over the night sky, Ricky lay down. I had just given him a couple of carrots and he walked himself down to the end of the pathway. He laid down almost in the same exact spot where Clover had taken his last breath.
All horses need to lie down to rest, but last night was different. Ricky was tired but he was restless. I had been diligently giving him pain meds twice a day, but he was in more discomfort. His breathing was different and I knew it would be our last night together. It was hard to see him restless. But by then, it was midnight. There was nothing to do but wait for Dr. Krstich to respond to my text in the morning. I went inside for a couple of hours and at 2am, I went outside to check on Ricky. I secretly hoped he had passed away in his sleep, but he surprised me. He was not only still alive, but had walked closer to the house.
To ensure we could monitor him better, Ricky has been loose around the ranch. He has been loving hanging out with the volunteers and being the center of attention. He has never been one to spook and has always been good around people and dogs. But last night, he walked past the gate and laid down by our outdoor sink. I gave him more pain medication and he ate a carrot. I led him to his former winter enclosure and I gave him a flake of alfalfa hoping he would eat and he did!
I felt comfortable to go back inside and slept for a few hours. By morning, Dr. K answered my text and we set things in motion. Putting a large animal down takes a bit of logistics. First, we get a vet appointment, then contact a hauling service to pick up the body and we also have to contact CAHFS (California Animal Health and Food Safety Lab) at UC Davis to alert them of the drop-off.
In the early morning, seeing Ricky peer out from his shelter brought me relief. I didn't want him to pass away alone. He waited. But he was tired. His legs buckled under him when he went to lie down again inside the shelter.
I decided to bring Chloé from the pasture to see Ricky. In the 5 minutes that I left, Ricky walked to the far end of the pen. He was ready to go. As soon as he saw Chloé, Ricky let out the most adorable whinny. He was happy to see his friend but I think in his condition and the fact that they have been separated for a few months... she didn't seem to recognize Ricky. I returned Chloé back to the other horses as they whinnied at her to return.
Dr. K arrived and she was going to euthanize Ricky where he lay but in the few minutes that she went to her truck to get the medications, Ricky stood up one more time for me. I wanted him to be in the shade, under the willow tree. I always felt that Ricky understood me. And he got up because that's what I wanted.
Ricky went quickly and I'm grateful for his peaceful passing. Dr. K clipped off a bit of his tail to turn into a memento. I'm not sure what I'll do with it.
He looked so peaceful. No more pain. And together with Revlon and Clover.
Thank you for your love and kindness for our unicorn.
Ricky’s Story
No, you’re not seeing double. There really are 2 of us! I’m Ricky and that’s Clover. We look very much alike and people mix us up all the time! We are the 2 ranch unicorns (even though Dylan likes to pretend he is one too!) I am the original one as I have been here since 2013 after I was rescued by Forgotten Horse Rescue from an auction, saving me from a kill buyer. I was 20 years young then and had some lifelong health issues but none of that stopped them from bringing me to LOR and taking care of me. And a few years ago, they brought home my best bud and twin! I hit the jackpot, that’s for sure!