Sribbles had her stitches out

Good morning!  The time is never correct on the blog- it's 5 am, in Hudson NH.  Scribbles had her stitches out this Wednesday.  It was uneventful, Dr George removed the stitches from her face without incident. I think it felt good for Scribbles to have the stitches removed.  It really looks good.  On the wound on her right inside leg, she has what's called Proud-flesh, where the wound isnt closing up because the flesh that's new is sort of growing up higher than the skin that wants to close around it.  Dr George gave me some cream to put on it to help with this, and then I have to wrap it.  I've become pretty quick at it!  Best of all when Dr George was about to get in his truck to leave, he said "See you next Spring!".  While he and his family are always a pleasure to see, fingers crossed that we dont see Deerfield Veterinary until we're ready for spring shots. 

Kelly is getting a new horse this weekend, we're welcoming Rosa, a Mustang mare from Maine!  Our daughter, Amy taught / worked  at Camp Runoia in Maine (Belgrade Lakes, it's gorgeous!!!!).  They have an amazing array of learning experiences for the girls who attend the camp, and it's such a cool place. Sailing, gardening, tennis, horsebackriding- the list is endless!  Rosa was part of the riding program for six years and a is ready to be a one-person horse.  Knowing this,  Amy wanted to bring her home.  However, with two horses already of our own, we couldnt consider taking home another.  Kelly however is "horseless", as Missie belongs to her daughter!  As Kelly has been searching for her new horse, I recalled Rosa, made a call to Runoia and we are so fortunate that Rosa was still looking for her new "one person" home. I'm so happy for Kelly- and pleased that Pam will let us welcome her home here.

Okay, Kelly knows that Rosa will be showered with loving from all us girls at the barn, but we all share our horses with each other and sufficiently spoil each and every one.  Though when we saddle up, we clearly know whose horse belongs to who- when they're out there being horses, and looking for some attention I am so happy to say there is no distinction as to which horse is loved most! 

New blankets ... for mom?  
Lastly, Mom , I know you're a little behind on reading my blog, but it's here for you to catch up with when you're back to reading the computer.  My mom has trouble seeing well, (macular degeneration) but loves to watch the horses from her windows in her house.  Unfortunately the brown horses blend in with the brown landscape!  So I've ordered some budget friendly blankets for Splash and Scribbles which are lime green and bright pink plaid so mom can spot the horses a mile away!!  You'll know just as soon as they come in, as you'll see our flashy girls out there in the paddocks behind your house :)

Happy Friday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's raining again!

This was Scribbles last May, after coming home from her training.  She's looking good now that she's back at home, and out with the herd.  Not as round as in this picture, but we're feeding her lots and she's slowly gaining back some weight that she lost after the accident.  She loves being outside, but with all this rain, I'm nervous about the wind and rain.  Luckily she can stay in for a few hours in the am, and then get turned out.  Luckily I have a big collection of blankets, so she's constantly protected from the weather!  She's very unhappy cooped up in a stall all day. 

Today Dr George will come to remove Scribbles stitches.  It's really exciting- I'm a little nervous to have them removed as it's such a sensitive area on her face and really it's just skin on bone.  Hopefully it's all healed well and she'll be a good girl for Dr George.  I have a feeling sedatives will be in order!  I'll take pictures of her before and after her stitches, I'm hoping she'll be one step closer to looking like her old self- or her new/old self!

Happy Wednesday!!

November 4th- another rainy day

This is a cuteness alert- our little friend Kayla on our pony, Buddy.  Buddy is currently residing in Rehoboth Mass, with two little girls and his own pasturemate.  Someday he will come back home to Hudson, but for now he is being properly ridden and spoiled by two little girls and a family who is able to give him the attention he deserves.  The horses we love come in all different shapes and sizes, and he is one of our favorites.  He was brought to our home as a companion, but we soon learned he LOVED children.  As a mother of teens, my big kids just didnt cut it for Buddy. 

Though many little girls locally fell in love with him, sharing him at home took up my weekends and my own time to dote on my big horses.  Scribbles has never met Buddy.  Someday, I hope my younger sister Beth, and her family move back to NH- and Buddy will come home to be my niece, Brooke's pony.  But until then, many years from now, he is being loved and cared for as he should be by two very special little girls.

Scribbles is doing well today.  She and her pasturemates spent the day with rain sheets on and outside.  They were quite content!  I still fret about a tree falling on Scribbles, but hopefully this weekend will be nice and Phil can cut down the most scary trees.  After the accident, they all look scary to me- but Scribbles isnt phased at all!

 She's lost some weight, I'm working on helping her to put it back on.  I think that her body is working hard to heal, so it's using lots of calories in that way.  I went down tonight to check on her, take off her wet blanket.  She was out of hay, so I gave her more hay, grain and hay stretcher-and carrots.  That horse can eat!!  I like my animals pleasantly round- and though she has a lean build, going into winter I'de like a little fat on those ribs.  Her progress astounds us- and I look forward to seeing her get stronger and stronger.

A month ago today

 Tonight I wrote more thankyou's for the love and support from others- friends old and new who wrote to wish us well, and send hope to Scribbles. It's appreciated more than I can possibly put into words, but I continue to try!!

                                                                              

 Somehow my wonderful husband (who has been my love for 31 years) thought to go  online to find our wedding song on You Tube.  Our wedding song brings me back to being 18, and before that- growing up in the 70's in a rural part of town.

We listened to Melanie over and over, and our wedding song is from Melanie's album, StoneGround Words~    "Together Alone".  So for those of you who are old and hippie enough to remember Melanie, and Brand New Key and Lay Down- and on and on- it brings back memories of being so young.  (Thanks mom and dad for my inner crunchy hippie animal loving spirit!!)  

Hearing the songs, it is very sweet and emotional,  as I am so thankful for the support of my husband with his horse-crazy wife- I brought Scribbles home without asking, knowing I couldnt leave her where she was.  Phil instantly connected with her, and we both wanted to save this little horse, not knowing she'de be saved twice by so many!  So as I was deep in thought about Scribbles journey this last month, and how thankful I am, leave it to Phil to put on a song to bring tears to my eyes!

Okay, enough of the mushy stuff...   Back to Scribbles, First picture:  here she is the day of the accident, Friday, Oct 1st standing up with Dr Georges encouragement, then on October 3rd at Myhre...

And lastly,  here she is at home, her first night home with our trusty lab, Max,  to welcome her- and wait patiently in front of her stall to pick up any treats she may drop! 

Welcome Home Scribbles!!!!!



Scribbles, Beckett and Splash

 The end of the day, Sunday.  Tonight I emailed Ellen Degeneres, for the fourth time.  Her and Portia are animal lovers and I know they would love to hear Scribbles story of a horse with such strength and determination.  While I wont be putting Scribbles on an airplane to make her debut on a big televsion show, I just know the story would be heartwarming to Ellen.  I figure she's just been super busy, and hasnt had time to return my emails ;). 

In the middle of this picture, is Scribbles boyfriend Beckett.  He is tall, dark and handsome but loves to roll in a small pile of sand we have in a corner of the paddock. It was supposed to be spread all around, but we leave it there as the horses cant resist a good roll in the dirt every day.  Beckett leaves his clean stall, bedded with pine shaving to go and roll in the sand!!  Go figure.  So his lighter parts, are really just dusty.  Her blanket was donated to our tack sale.  It didnt sell, but needing a light turnout sheet, this is perfect for Scribbles.  Thank you to the person who kindly donated the blanket. 

Notice Scribbles tail and how straight it is hanging!  Just last week she would hold it off to the left, a sign of a neurologic issue.    When we rescued her, her tail  was all scraggly and tangled.  After a good brushing I couldnt believe what a goregous, long and healthy tail she had!  So this is a good picture, of a pretty part of her, her hiney and tail. 

Of course you're all wondering if I got my house totally clean?  No, but I made a good effort, and did a little bit of everything.  Tonight is Halloween, the kids made really cool jack-o-lanterns,  so I put them out on the front porch with candles in them, and hung a candle in a lantern on a hook.  It looks so cute.  I miss dressing up my little ones and walking from house to house- and hearing their  little voices say "Trick or treeeeeat!"

But time marches on, and I'm looking forward to another great week!  Sweet dreams...

Sunday, October 31st- life is getting back to normal.  Scribbles is out with her pals this morning. Yesterday I let her out for a while to move around the paddocks, explore her home again.  This picture exeplifies what makes most of us happy- the comforts of home, good food, friends and family. 

Yesterday I was supposed to clean my house. Phil is beginning to wonder if he has a new and messy wife, because all I want to do is be OUTSIDE with the horses.  So my barn looks great and my house looks like a barn (kidding, there's no horse poop in my house).  As a girl who was born in Vermont, and raised in New Hampshire, crisp fall days are my favorite. I'm a true blue New Englander, and love the cooler fall days, and look forward to winter.  I even started up the pellett stove!

 I took Splash out for a beautiful ride with Caitlin and Karen on Saturday.  It was so much fun, but today I passed on a trail ride in Pepperell to attend to all the catching up IN the house I really need to do.  Im sure I'll sneak outside today to enjoy some of this weather, but I'm going to force myself to put my house back in order while Phil and Adam work today.  Otherwise, they would help too- I'm very fortunate.

Scribbles will savor this fall weather too!  As a horse born and raised in NH- she's very happy to be enjoying this fall day with her friends.

Dr George's first visit since the accident



"I wish I was out of this pen, snuggling with Beckett!"

 Today Dr George, his assistant Ali and his adorable 3 year old assitant (aka Laynie) came out today to assess Scribbles condition.  Laynie is a self-professed horse lover, and told me all about how much she loves horses- and she also really enjoyed Allison's goats, who live with our horses. My children are 15, 19 and 20- so it was a joy to listen to a 3 year olds view of the world for a little bit.  I was so happy to see Dr George, and to show him how great Scribbles was doing- and he in turn made my day by bringing Laynie with him.  Since I was dressed for work, I got to hang out with Laynie and Kelly was nice enough to do the horse holding.  It made my day.

Okay, back to Scribbles.  Dr George looked her over thoroughly, and was pleased, but not surprised by her recovery.  He spoke of how horses are amazing healing machines- and can and will recover from traumas such as this- given the chance!  He changed her eye medication, as there is not an infection in her left eye anymore. Despite her diet of free choice hay, hay stretcher pellets and a couple quarts of grain a day, she has lost quite a bit of weight during the course of recovery.  We are changing her feed to a senior feed for a while, three times a day to give her all the energy she needs to get stronger.  He has such a great way of keeping things simple, calm and is so reassuring.  I am so so so lucky he is our vet, and was there on Oct 1st to help us with the decision to give her a chance.  We're really proud of our horse, and her will and ability to bounce back.  Tonight I told Phil  (on the way to Beaver Valley in Pelham, to get Scribbles new grain) that now that all the scary stuff is behind us I am so assured that we made the decision to help her through this rather than euthanize her.  He said he never doubted the decision, and it's comforting to me that not only do I have his support, but that he loves her as much as I do.

Lots of people suggested that, euthanasia- and when we look at the life in her now, it's clear what decision was right.  No regrets, ever- and I look forward to her continued recovery and eventually riding my little trail horse again.  Those who rescue horses often promise a forever home, not knowing what the future will hold.  We promised that, a couple of years ago, not realizing the magnitude of it and how meaningful it would become. 

So Comfy at home...

Scribbles is feeling quite happy at home, as this picture tells.   

Each day Scribbles is showing marked improvement.  She is getting steadier on her feet, and her wounds heal. Yesterday she would get very upset if the other horses left her sight, so she is exercising herself when she gets worried.  My friend, Kelly, tends to her during the day and I get the evening duty.  Tomorrow, Dr George will visit our farm, and check her bloodwork, and assess her condition.  I think he'll be quite pleased!

Saturday was a wonderful day-we were honored to share her story with News 9!

http://www.wmur.com/video/25492341/detail.html
Where to begin??  Our Welcome home and tack sale for Scribbles was all that we could have hoped for and more than we could have imagined.  So many people stopped by to see Scribbles, to visit her, look at her and share words of friendship and encouragement!  Many people dropped off donations, some bought tack. It was a little on the cold side, but once the sun came up high in the sky, it was perfect.  Lots of children were here, which added to the fun of our day- they were all so  sweet, and had so much fun.  Many families stopped by thinking it was a yard sale for people stuff, and instead took a walk down to the barn to see Scribbles.  Allison brought a big card for friends to sign to welcome her home.

 Channel 9 news came to do a followup story about Scribbles, which as you can see they did a fine job with.   They were incredibly nice and did a great job editing out all the silliness and banter between Phil and I.  They also put up with coming to our farm well dressed, and very handsome only to have our overly friendly and curious horses sniffing and nuzzling on them. Thanks, guys!!

Scribbles spent most of her day in the round pen,and was happy so long as Beckett, her handsome Thoroughbred boyfriend was close by.  When he left her to wander around, she would trot with her tail flagging and prancing (I got my wish) and whinny for her boy.  She still is unsteady from time to time, but when her back end cant keep up, she slows down and corrects herself.  She's coming back very strong. 

To all of our new doggie friends, you are in good company.  Yesterday we were joined by our dogs, Max (Yellow Lab), Bella (min-pin, Corgie, JRT mix), and our daughter's Diego(chiuahua mix).  We were dog-sitting Sadie, my sister's family's Italian Spinoni and she enjoyed all the company.  There was Bosco, Caitlin's Keeshond/Aussie mix (a crowd favorite), and Riley, Allison & Jacks Border Collie, also a favorite and as Border collies go he was very entertaining.  Then Teresa came to visit with her two dogs, Patch (a rescue from Katrina- a mix of the guessing kind, but super cute- maybe a dalmation/hound cross?).  And Millie, a chiuahua who wore a cute little coat.  Teresa does dog -dancing competitions with Patch- so he and Millie showed off some of their impressive dance moves. They are so smart! 

Lastly, if anyone has a need for any horsie stuff, please let me know we have a  whole lotta great stuff left over.
Hugs to all from the Garside family!

Join us today, Saturday Oct 23rd all day to Welcome Home Scribbles

All are welcome to enjoy home baked goodies, hot apple cider, a great selection of used tack, raffles- and most of all to have a chance to say hello for the first time or again to our amazing horse, with a spirit and will to live! 

We are located on 24 Speare Rd, Hudson NH 
If you get lost, give us a call 603-882-4675- hope to see you!

Scribbles is doing her favorite activity in this picture... but she'll be happy to pull her head up for a scratch and attention!

Scribbles first day home

Scribbles had a great first day home- although these pictures are from last night when she arrived home.  Tonight I cleaned her wounds and re-wrapped her right front leg.

During the day she was very spunky, so much so that she had to be moved to an inside stall with Beckett beside her.  It was too upsetting for her to be in a stall while everybody else got to run around freely outside.  I'm sure she'll settle down, as time moves along and she realizes she's home to stay. 

The sweetest part of my day...
 When I arrived home there was a letter in the mail from my friends Richie and Meg.  Our horse Splash, used to be owned by the Randa family- Meg and Abbey.  Meg's friend Richie, who is a horse lover and student at the Life Experience School in Millis Mass,  was so good to Splash when she lived in Sherborn.  Richie has never forgotten his sweetheart, Splash, and makes sure he sends her kisses, pats and hugs. Richie was there for us the day we brought Splash to her new home, to wish her well and say good-bye.   Today, he sent a beautiful card with a picture of Scribbles, in rainbow colors.  He wrote "Dear Becky, I hope Scribbles feels better!  Love, Richie B.  PS-Tell Splash Richie says hi too!  Love, Meg
Friends like that are so amazing- and touch your heart.  Thanks Richie and Meg for warming my heart today before going down to the barn to spend time with my favorite horses and my favorite Phil.  Richie and Meg, like so many others, have expressed their love for our horse and compassion for others.  Richie, maybe one day you'll come up to NH to visit Splash and her best girlfriend, Scribbles!!

Home today! So many questions...

20 days ago we were trailering a bloody, soaking wet horse to Rochester NH wondering if we were making the right decision.  As Dr George examined Scribbles face in this picture, little did we know that the bone in her face had multiple fractures.  And truth be told, little did we realize how much we loved this little horse. 

  Nearly a luxurious Carribbean vacation for our family of five's worth of vet bills, today we brought home our broken but mending mare to our barn, where she belongs.  A vacation we would have never indulged in, never spent the money on.  It would be such a stretch and a ridiculous splurge, out of our reach...but when faced with the decision to allow Scribbles to survive this fate, or euthanize her it was no question- If she wanted to live, she should live. Did we know what it would cost?  No... but we knew what was best.

.  Tonight, we trailered her home.  She  put up a good fight to get into the trailer.  Once again, Dr Myhre came through, firmly and gently loading her into the trailer to come home where she belongs.  Did I cry?  Yes, I did.  With joy, and as we drove home I read cards and letters of love and support  from the sweetest people- thank you~

 And then from others, so many questions...   Why didnt you euthanize her?  It would be so much cheaper, and she's suffering.  Our answer to that:  Come and see her, look at her spirit, energy, zest for life and sweetness- I dont see suffering, I see life.  Ride her on beautiful trails, let her nuzzle her soft nose on your hair, listen to her nicker for you as you enter the barn in the quiet of the morning, or at the end of a busy day.  Watch her grow from a listless bag of skin and bones, to a vivacious horse prancing with her tail flagging in the paddock, romping with her pasturemates.  Today we gave that back to her. 

Does she know?  I have the answer for that- yes she does.  Yes, she does, and we will be thanked with her whinnies, nickers, nuzzles and someday we will watch her canter across the paddock with her tail flagging again.  We're patiently waiting, Scribbles, but for tonight you can nuzzle Becketts nose as it was meant to be!

Welcome home, BBG, girlfriend, Scribby~  we missed you!!!!!!

Wednesday!

Finally it's Wednesday, hoping for a quiet homecoming today, and will celebrate on Saturday.  It's been a long 20 days, and thankfully look forward to bringing our horse home!  Here's to hoping she loads cooperatively in the trailer!

For you mom... your other two grandkids, plus Diego, your grand-puppy

Rachael and Diego, Little D

 My mom and dad live right next door and lately I've been so preoccupied and tired I rarely see them.  I was so tired and crabby tonight, I didnt want to chat because I was...well, tired and crabby.  Mom reads my blog every day, even though I'm right next door and oughta just walk over and give her a hug- Anyhow- she was wondering where her other two grandchildren were when all this picture taking was going on....  Rachael has been staying busy, school, work, making Scribbles fliers for our tack sale- but her favorite thing to do is spend quality time with Diego.  As for Adam, he's keeping busy outdoors with his friends (and going to school)  :).  We do have three great kids, and pictures to prove it!  Promise I'll stop by to see you, Mom and Dad, when I'm not tired and crabby!  Love, Becky



Adam and Devin- outdoors as usual
(and, no, that is not our Quad, but I love this picture of the boys!)



Walking Scribbles on Sunday Oct 17th Our first video

You can see that Scribbles is doing well walking, but holds her tail to the left, and isnt completely steady on her feet.  We know that all will come with time.  A week and a half ago we werent sure if she would even be able to walk- her back legs were like spagetti, so to walk her Sunday was wonderful.  Thanks Amanda, for letting us stop by in the middle of the day.  Your horse is very cute, by the way-  Two days left, and then life will be getting back to a new normal :)

See how well I'm healing!

Visit to Scribbles home away from home

Sunday, Oct 17th Phil told me he'de drive to Rochester so I could see Scribbles, and not drive alone.  Amy came, too, before heading back to school which was really nice.  Scribbles looks terrific, we gave her a good curry, and brushing.  She is walking really well- we brought her out of the stall to walk up and down the aisle.  Not perfect yet, but a long way from where she started 17 days ago.  I wasnt going to go and see her, but Phil knew it was bothering me not to.  He cleaned all the blood out of the trailer- it's the first day I've gone to Rochester and it hasnt rained.  The trailer was a mess- and now it's tidy and ready for her return

We brought her supplement up today- finally.  I kept thinking she'de be coming home sooner.  She snacked on hay stretcher pellets, Glanzen 3 (her supplement and apples.  Amy and I enjoyed being with her, brushing her etc- what an amazing horse, she's come so far!

So fingers crossed (again) for a homecoming Wednesday.  I will be glad when she's back home, and life is back to normal again! 

A day to organize

Your home is waiting for you...

Today our children, Adam and Amy- and Kelly's 3 children (much younger than mine) helped us to clean and organize the main floor of the barn for the tack sale.  It felt good to get things organized.  My oldest daughter is turning 21, Rachael 19 and Adam 15.  Kelly's kids are younger, and so nice to be with.  She left them with us for the afternoon- it was a treat for us.  Ally, their youngest (8)  has a horse in the barn, Missy.  She helped clean the stalls, with Amy and  set up feed, and we had to brush Missy today.  We got organized for our tack sale the 23rd, and have a nice array of tack, saddles, blankets, even a pony cart and harness!  It should be a good day, and hopefully people will come- so please do! 

We also went out to Joan's in Londonderry, where Scribbles recieved her two months of training.  It was so good to see her, there really is comfort is seeing a friend who welcomes you whether you've seen or talked to each other yesterday or six months ago.  I got to introduce her to Kelly- I am always singing Joan's praises as a horse person, trainer and best of all as a wonderful woman I'm lucky  to know and  call a friend.  Again, we met each other through the horses- which is cool.  A couple at Joan's who had worked with Scribbles, Myles and Marian donated three beautiful saddles, saddle pads, a fly sheet, girths.  It was so generous of them- and meaningful as they really got to know Scribbles well, including helping with her training.  We got to know each other a bit, too, and got chances to ride and train together.  Okay, we got a chance to have Joan tell us what to do in the round-pen to properly train Scribbles ; ). 

The whole day I struggled with whether I should go to see Scribbles or not.  It takes a solid hour and a half one way, so really when all is said and done with it's many hours worth of travel to get there and back to see my horse. There is a horse at the clinic from Conneticut- and one who lives 4 hours away in Maine, so I shouldnt feel so bad- but she's there so long and I feel like she needs MY care.  Realistically, she needs the care of medical staff but I am finding it really difficult not seeing my injured horse.  Today I felt she needed a good brushing, I wanted to wash the blood off of her face from the night, detangle her mane and tail, etc.  The other horses at the clinic, though injured or not well have  appearances which are much better than Scribbles!  I know that will come in time- it takes patience and time, as the great Craig Cameron has said.  I have lots of time to wait, and the circumstances are giving me a lesson in patience!

Maybe tomorrow I'll sneak out early to go to see my girl.  I have a big bag of carrots to leave for her, and I thought I'de make a warm mash with hay stretcher pellets for her.  It all depends on how motivated I feel at 5 tomorrow am!

The horse from Maine, Mercedes, is a cute Arab gelding that the family has only had for a couple of months.  Poor guy had kidney stones, too big to pass. They got him as a rescue, and I could tell they really loved their horse-julst like we do.   I am learning a lot from this experience.  It was really nice to talk with his owners/family about the worries of bringing your horse to the Myhre Clinic, or any Equine hospital like that- so nervewracking.  But true to form, the Dr got the operation done, and the family could leave Friday evening with a sense of relief.  Mercedes, sending get well wishes your way!

Scribbles is not coming home on Sunday, we have to wait until Wednesday!



Phil and Scribbles Jan 2010

Amy and I drove out to Rochester to visit Scribbles tonight.  We made it there by about 4:45, a long drive in the rain and though I'de intended to get out of work pretty early, I ended up there later.  Which is fine, I love my job- why cant I split myself in two on these kinds of days???

The drive was long.  Today was a day just like Oct 1st, two weeks ago.  Kelly came to the barn four times today- me, twice and Amy twice.  We are now afraid of the wind and rain!  Eight visits to check on the horses in my back yard.  Oct 1st just keeps coming back to us. 

It was a windy  and rainy drive, Amy was carsick from not eating today, driving four hours from school, and then a trip out to Rochester.  She was good company though, I've missed her.  Amy baked horse cookies for Scribbles, and the other horses at our barn so Scribbles got a nice home-made treat today. 

Amy thought Scribbles looked better than she imagined she would.  Another family was watching Dr Myhre do surgery to remove bladder stones(- ouch), from their horse.  As we were chatting we told the family Scribbles was our horse.  They thought she looked terrible- put in the nicest way.  I guess it's all perspecive, as we thought she looked tired, but really good!  She has lost muscle tone from the trauma and having to stay quiet in her stall.  She has lots of scabby fur and skin peeling off of her where she had trauma, and on her belly where she had lots of edema.  She's got stitches up the front of her face, with silvadine spray all over it, complimented with the colors of betadine scrub.  A lovely yellow and silver, complimented by the red blood seeping out of her nostril.  All a part of the healing process.

Dr Myhre left a bone fragment the size of my thumb in a sterile jar in the bucket of her stall.  He had removed this, and many bone fragments yesterday in her surgery. I had hesitated about having the surgery done, but after seeing what was floating in her face I am so glad that we had the surgery done.  Dr Myhre was able to make a significant difference in the opening of her sinus cavity on the right side, her eyes are okay and she WILL have a permanent physical reminder of her accident- via a small concavity on the right side of her face.  Dr Vin says this will give her character, stories to tell.  Her appearance is remarkably better.

So the outcome?  Our little patient is doing well, but not ready to come home yet.  Fingers crossed for Wed's !

Surgery went well- really well....

Good evening.  I'm so tired, but in a nutshell surgery went well and Dr Myhre feels he got about a 50% improvement, removing bone fragments, opening up her sinus on the right side, ascertaining that there were no bone shards in the sinuses.  It went very well, I'll see Scribbles tomorrow and find out when we can bring her home-we'de like to  touch base a day after the surgery and find out the type of after care she'll need. 

The upside is all the love and support we've received.

You wont believe this, but the downside, is that someone took over our Craigslist ads, copied them and posted them about our tack sale.  But the responses will go to a total stranger aka donations.  Please be careful.    Please do not send donations anywhere else but to Myhre.  Just when I was beginning to think we lived in a perfect world- people take advantage of our situation.  And if you donate tack, I will indentify myself with a drivers license if I dont know you.  Unbelieveable, that someone would take advantage of others who are helping a horse and family in a tough bind- ugh.  But I believe all the good outweighs the not so good. 

Goodnight and pleasant dreams~

Surgery for Scribbles today

On Wednesday the opthamologist looked at Scribbles eyes and confirmed that they were in good shape, all things considered.  She'll continue to need antibiotics put into her eyes as they heal from the trauma of a massive amount of sand in them, but her vision is good.  She has an ulcer in her left eye from being scraped by dirt and sand for so long, and we think it'll resolve over time.

Dr Myhre can do her surgery today.  With the okay on her eyes, it's a relief.  He's hopeful that pulling up the bone will resolve breathing issues on her right side.  He's pretty amazing, I cant imagine performing a surgery like that.  Of course there are no guarantees, but fingers crossed he'll be able to make a little difference through pulling the bone up a bit.  We have faith that she is in the best place she can be for now, and that they're doing all they can.  She has come so far in their care.

We'll talk this afternoon, following her surgery to discuss when we can bring her home- yay!!

A letter to Kelly, from “Darlene” emailed 10/13/2010

Scribbles first night at Myhre Clinic

This letter is spoken from one who knows and loves horses

 and understands the people who love them~

My heart goes out to you and your family. How is she doing this morning? You said that her name is Scribbles. If she is descended from "the Scribbles", then she has a fighting spirit. Scribbles was a very well known stallion for many reasons. He out produced himself over and over many times. Every one of the those horses had a wonderful heart and staying power. They were gorgeous, won in halter, and equitation of many styles. You said that she had survived starvation. Poor thing has had a challenging life. But you have her now.


She stayed with her owner with out giving up. Shock alone will kill. It didn't get her. That's heart and staying power and love. She focused on her owner. I am sure that if she could talk she would be saying thank you. Watch her eyes they will speak volumes to you. Also when her mouth doesn't hurt any more - watch to see when she understands and accepts what youre doing and saying. She will mouth her tongue and swallow gently. That was told to me by an old timer in Colo. He used to train many ill-mannered horses that no one else could work with. I used that principle all my life and had wonderful luck with it. It is how you know that the animal understands, accepts and is content. I use it with my birds that no one wanted any more and dogs. I am out of money or I would give you what I had.


You are in my prayers, as this is costly and mentally draining. If I could have your permission I would like to send her story out to more people. Maybe some moneys will come your way. I haven't clicked on the link but I am assuming that there is a contact there to receive money. May God Bless you and all the people working with her, and may God's perfect love surround her and keep her.

 Darlene

This is such a special and heartfelt letter,  put so beautifully.  The cost will eventually leave us, but having our horse home, the rewards of her recovery never will.   Darlene, your words are so comforting.   Becky

To All that are rallying for Scribbles

Good morning. 
One more day down, and anxious for the weekend to come so we can see Scribbles.  Amy comes home Friday- I cant wait to hug my daughter, and bring her to hug her horse in Rochester.

I feel that I cannot express enough how grateful we are to all who have sent good wishes, prayers, cards, and donations.  The outpouring of support has been a strength for us, and it's comforting to know there are many many other animal lovers and compassionate friends in the world.  We hope to see some of you on the 23rd at our barn, to welcome Scribbles home. 

Our horses home- built and loved by our family

Though I may say it too much, I cant say it enough..

THANK YOU!! 

Love, Becky & our family (two and four legged members :)



Brookie and Scribbles



Kess and Splash

Two of my favorite little girls on two of my favorite girls!  My nieces live in Virginia, and this summer when they came for a visit, of course they had to ride the horses.  Whether people enjoy them from a distance, or up close, like Kess and Brooke- our horses are so powerful and big, yet so calming.  I cant wait until our horsie girls, Splash and Scribbles are reunited.  I spoke to Dr Myhre today- he's scheduling Scribbles surgery for Thursday.  We considered exploring the possibility of just leaving the eye and sinuses with the bone depressed on them, but I just dont want to.  She'de risk breathing issues and eye issues, for the rest of her life.  She could also have little complications, but I just cant bring myself to take a chance and risk ongoing issues with her face.  We've come this far, we'll give her the best opportunity to recover fully.

Last night I spoke on the phone to a friend of my sister's, Barbara.  She also has a horse, we talked about trail riding together.  Her horse is 31, and still goes out for rides!  Sounds like lots of people have amazing horses.  So many people think a 15 year old horse is old, but like me, they're just middle aged with plenty of life to live! 

No news - good news

Monday, back to work, and another busy week ahead.  I spoke to Dr Lindberg at lunch today, Dr Myhre is off today, for what Im sure is a well deserved day off.  I dont imagine a veterinarian has many days off!  Dr Lindberg thought Scribbles looked better than she did Friday, good news.         But I didnt get to talk to the surgeon, Dr Myhre about when we could go ahead with surgery to lift the bone that's concave, or pushed in on the right side of her face.  We talked about our options, that we could leave it, on Friday.  We've come this far with her, and we'de like to save that eye if we can and let her breathe through her right nostril normally.   So that was our "no news".  Tomorrow I'll talk to Dr Myhre about when we can have him do the surgery and then bring her home to finish her long recovery.  

We're getting organized for our tack sale on the 23rd- hoping for good weather, but we'll have everything set up in the barn that day, so that it wont get wet.  Our daughter Amy is coming home from college in central New York to help get things organized. She's an awesome organizer- typical oldest child!

Tomorrow we'll know more- I cant wait to hear from the Dr.  I would have never imagined this outcome, it's so amazing to me. 

No news today- but I enjoyed a ride with friends



2010 Ride for the Cure, Susan G Komen-Becky & Splash
and Karen and Magic

 Today, knowing there were no changes in Scribbles condition, and reassured by Kathryn at Myrhe that Scribbles would receive plenty of attention- I opted to go for a trail ride for the Pepperell 4-H trailblazers. Karen and I, Magic and Splash and two other friends I havent seen in years hit the trails in Brookline. There were many riders and horses, I would guess there were at least 90.  The picture is of Karen and I on our horses at the Ride for the Cure, in June 2010. Karen won the contest for the "pinkest rider".  I was very proud of her and Magic ;).  But that wasnt us today- we didnt wear a lot of pink, we wore our orange for hunting season.

 Fall is my favorite time of year, and we had a blast trotting & cantering through the trails and enjoying a gorgeous day in New England.  We got lost- we always do.  We joked that we turned a 10 mile ride into a 10 plus ten mile ride.  Four hours later we returned with two happy, tired horses, groomed them, and put them in the trailer.  While they relaxed with their hay, Karen and I went to enjoy a delicious luncheon put on by the 4-H club.  It felt great to be out with one of my horses, to be with friends and help the 4-H group. Today we were thanked repeatedly for coming, served delicious home made food- it was just a wonderful day and one of our favorite rides- even if we did go in circles a bit.

Tomorrow, I look forward to going to work, and at some point speaking to Dr Myrhe about our next step with Scribbles.  Hoping her surgery can be done in the early part of the week- fingers crossed!

A funny picture of Scribbles-



Scribbles "parking out" under sedation-silly girl, you're NOT a Morgan

Yesterday, when they took Scribbles Xrays, they had to sedate her because she was too wiggly to get good images .  For those of you familiar with Morgans...at the end of her imaging, she decided to "park out"- pretty funny of her- and her low head carriage was a tell tale sign she was a paint horse and not a Morgan-lol . She cant fool us, those spots give it away!  Kathryn decided to give her a green leg wrap - which is just as cute as the pink.  It's all about the fashion for us girls!  She has a pretty deep wound on her leg, that is healing nicely. 

We  say if she were not registered, we'de swear she were crossed with an Arab- she's got lots of energy, and a prancy gait.  It's so beautiful, we hope she regains some of the bounce in her steps.  Scribbles is a horse with energy to spare- keeping her in a stall for the next month or more will prove to be an interesting adventure, especially once reunited with Splash and her boyfriend Beckett.

Kathryn called from Myrhe to tell me that Scribbles was the same as yesterday, which is good.  They are so sweet to call.  I wish I lived closer to the clinic, I am used to seeing my horses every day and I swear that Scribbles knows it's me when I come to see her.  But it's necessary for her to recover there for a bit longer- and my house has become a disaster since the accident.

Today I took the time to put my house back in order.  My dad stopped by to tell me there would be an inspection at 11:00 am.  I told him I wouldnt be ready - it's been quite a week.  Phil has to work all weekend, which couldnt have come at a better time.  I took a relaxing ride with my friend Karen, & Splash's friend Magic.   I am so glad our other horse, Splash, is such a trusty trail horse.  I think I slept half the ride.  Today I was a passenger, not a rider and Splash who is also missing her friend was just as quiet as I on a windy fall day.  So was Magic, so it could just be our very relaxed trail horses are just very relaxed.  But I like to think Splash knows a part of our little barn family is missing- I wish I could tell Splashie  and Beckett that Scribbles will return!   I can hardly wait to see how happy they are when she comes home. 

Used tack sale, October 23rd-Rachaels tack sale for Scribbles

At the urging of Rachael, we are putting  a used tack sale together for Saturday October 23rd.  We will  host the sale at our house, 24 Speare Rd in Hudson rain or shine- in our barn.  Tack sale from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm   We are raffling off a $50 gift certificate, compliments of our favorite place to shop- Pelham Saddlery.  I will raffle this Stubben Lohnegrin all purpose saddle- med- wide.  I'll throw in the stirrup leathers as well.  Tickets for the saddle will be $5 a ticket, 3 for $10.  If you cant make it to the sale, I'de be glad to put your name in the raffle for either prize by mail!

I anyone has any unwanted, older blankets, pads, bits, bridles etc they'de like to contribute, that would be wonderful.  We'de be happy to pick them up, as well.  You can email me at rgarsid@comcast.net or call at 603-882-4675. 

Looking for used/inexpensive tack?  Join our sale, get a great deal and help Scribbles!! 

And the best news of all??  Scribbles will be home recovering, and would love to get attention from all her loving new and old friends.  Even if you dont shop, we welcome you to stop by and say hello and allow us to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

A long, but happy recovery ahead

Karen and Scribbles

Kelly and Scribbles



At 9 am, my friends Karen and Kelly joined me to visit Scribbles and get results of the bone scans.  Actually, Karen drove and brought the much needed coffee.  Today the veterinarian would take  xrays- to determine the extent of her injuries, now that they were pinpointed on her scan. On Wednesday evening when I saw Scribbles, she couldnt walk out of the stall without her back legs wobbling all over the place.  On a scale of 0-4, she was a 2.5 in terms of lameness- 0 being no lameness.  It was concerning.
 As we walked into the clinic we were greeted by two welcoming and beautiful pointers, and the friendly staff.  We all headed back to see Scribbles, and I warned Kelly to be prepared for Scribbles ungainly gaits.  Kelly took time to massage Scribbles sore neck and Scribbles nuzzled Kelly's neck as if to say" thank you that feels so good, my friend."    Dr Myrhe and Kathryn came to the stall and asked if we wanted to take her out for a walk in the aisle- a little aprehensive at what we'de see.... of course we said yes.  Well if our little horse didnt take the nicest steps and balance!!!  Yay, we all cheered for her progress.  She was walking wonderfully for  a horse in her position just a week ago.
Xray's were performed, and we reviewed the results with Dr Myrhe.  Her body has suffered severe trauma, but will recover with no apparent damage to the spine- just some bruised or broken ribs and still the bone in her face to contend with.  We'll address that after the weekend, as the swelling goes down.  She's still on anti-inflammatory medication to help with that.
Her body is still too sore to withstand surgery, the Dr compared her condition to a massive case of whiplash if your neck was 10 times longer than it is.  I guess that would be quite sore.  While she has had to endure a week of recovery from the accident, xrays, body scans, IV's and surgery ahead we feel quite contented that with proper care she's gonna make it.  We are sooo happy to hear that good news.
Donations continue to flow into the clinic, which has helped to reduce mounting bills for care and medication.  Caring letters and notes from others, all of it means so much to us and without it we would have had difficulty getting through this.  Words cant express our gratitude- and amazement at the outpouring of support for Scribbles, in light of her unfortunate accident. 
Today I thought back again to Dr George having faith that she could stand, and I know he helped her to show us her strength and determination to live. When Scribbles comes home, we'll need his expertise and veterinary care to help with  her recovery.  Looks like she's got the fall and winter off to rest and relax!  Easy for a person, not so easy for a horse :)



Friday morning

I slept like a baby till about 3am- at 4 I opted to just get up and start my day, there's plenty to do and my mind is racing.

Today we go to see Scribbles, to look at her scans and determine how we go forward with rehabilitating Scribbles, and setting a timeline for repairing the bones in her face.

Every step of the way our loyal dogs, Max, Bella and Diego stay at my feet as I sit at the computer. They'de much rather take a walk with us, but this week it's just romps in the yard.  Max is my trusty friend wherever I go at home, so I always have company in the barn, in the yard, in the bathroom :).   Rachael's little chihuahua/daschund Diego and our lab Max are fast friends- as pictured, they're inseparable :)  Life has so many layers to it- reality is a family to raise, housework and laundry, our jobs and attention to our other animals has been messily balanced this week in between the goings on with our horse.

 I've gotten through it so much easier from the support of our family leaning on each other, three wonderful kids who help each in their own way.  Rachael is tirelessly fundraising, and is organizing a used tack sale to help us fund the expenses ahead of us.  Her sister Amy, is putting up posters at her college in Cobelskill NY to gather unwanted used horse tack for the sale.  We have a flock of hens that our son, Adam is tending to while I focus on work, our home and Scribbles.  We tackled our mountain of laundry last night, Phil caught up with his parents on the phone in the midst of our tidy-ing up. the world doesnt stop just because ours came to a screeching halt.

Strangers and friends write, send get well cards.  The fire department checks on us, Jana and Carol our town animal control (rescue) dept check on Scribbles progress.  Co-workers show concern and support to our entire family.  People have called to wish well, to offer donations to the clinic to help.  What this tragedy has brought out is how blessed we are to live in a world where there is still an incredible degree of goodness.  I didnt think anyone would understand our love for this animal- but as it turns out we are in very good company - across the country, even across continents  in our love and compassion for our beloved pets.  And when it comes to people, there are so many good hearts in the world, and Scribbles has brought that to my attention through this horrible accident.

Scribbles has a Body Scan today

Today Scribbles had a body scan to determine the extent of her injuries. As described on MEC's website... "MEC's scintigraphy equipment (nuclear medicine) can localize increased bone activity or soft inflammation anywhere in the body. This bone scan is the best means of identifying the source of a lameness problem is not obvious. It is the closest that we can get to having the horse tell us from where the pain originates. Nuclear medicine is a subspecialty within the field of radiology" I wish Scribbles could talk, and tell us where it hurts!

By having this test done today they were able to determine that in short, Scribbles has a great chance at a good recovery. She'll still need to have her surgery done to relieve the pressure from the depressed bone on her face- but her eyes look good,and all in all we feel very strongly she's gonna make it.
If her outcome were different, we would be saying our goodbyes tomorrow- but now it looks like a long winter of horse physical therapy and healing once the Dr's at Myrhe continue to help Scribbles to heal at the clinic.

Tomorrow Karen and Kelly will join me to meet with the veterinarian, as we are told what the results are from the scan. I feel very positive, and it's the first night for a week that I've felt a more secure sense of optomism that it's all going to be okay.

The longest week

Today is Thursday. This week dragged by as we waited for Scribbles to have time to heal. We cant do the surgery on her face yet, because her body isnt cooperating. The people at Myrhe keep me posted on Scribbles condition- she's spirited and alert, but clearly broken and battered from the tree. Her back end is wobbly- but all week I've been hopeful that it was just temporary.

Last night I went to see my horse, and tried to get her to walk with the help of the veterinarian, Rachel. She didnt want to leave her stall, but it was clear when she moved forward, her back leg muscles have taken a beating, from being down for so long on her side. Her side is no doubt sore from the impact of the tree. I cried a lot, it's so sad to see her in such a condition and I tried to hold out hope that when they do her bone scan they wont see any major damage. Its scary and sad, and right about then I just wished for answers- what to do, what will happen?

I called and cried to my friends, Karen and Kelly. Both assured me Scribbles will pull through. Kelly reminded how she broke her back a year and a half ago- and was told she'de never walk again. Yet, Kelly was the one who ran to Scribbles side to save her- she beat the odds, and she assures me so can Scribbles. Kelly is a very active woman, she certainly can walk, and run! I am just hoping to see Scribbles back home, cozy in her stall~

Things I didnt mention (yet)

So many wonderful things have come out of this horrible accident- for every thing that happens, I believe there's a reason and a lesson. I dont know what this one is, but I watch it unfold every day. People from as far away as New Zealand have called to express their concern for our horse, for our family and our friend Kelly who was Scribbles saving grace that day. People are loving, and caring- the outpouring from others is tremendous as they share their feelings, loss of their beloved pets- and success stories that give me hope!

People have asked why not put her down, she doesnt know any different? When we visited our broken horse on Saturday, and as I brushed the remaining dust from the mud off of her she gave me sweet low nickers to tell me she loved the feeling of brushing, being with someone. Horses are a herd animal, and we are part of her world, she a part of ours. On that fateful Friday, when the tree was lifted off of her, Dr Simon George said, "Get her up!"- Scribbles made a choice to fight this. WE as her family, Dr George as her caring vet, decided without much discussion that she was meant to be given another chance.

How does a horse in her condition ride for 90 minutes in a trailer to get to the care she needs? I dont know, but Scribbles did it.

Kelly calls her the little horse that could- and that she is, the little horse that could and will survive this!!

Sunday, October 3rd- There's hope!

Im backtracking time to bring the event up to speed. Forgive me if Imissed so many details. I want to tell you about Sunday-and our trip to visit Scribbles, but need to acknowledge the tremendous support we've received for our injured horse. An I will get to that.

Sunday afternoon, our daughter Rachael, niece Sarah, friend Tiffany took a ride over to Rochester to visit Miss Scribbles at dinner time. The clinic has been so welcoming and will let us visit on weekends at dinner time. My friend Karen, always there for me, drove up from her home in Mass to be with me, to visit Scribbles- who was becoming her horse Magic's newest trail buddy. Karen has watched over Scribbles progress from day one, and spent many hours in the round pen at training with Scribbles and I!!

We brought up carrots and plenty of attention for our girl. She seemed bright and alert for what she'de been through. Still hooked up to the huge IV bags, she was getting the fluids necesary to flush out her kidneys to bring down her creatinine. We were hopeful that her kidneys would stablilize so that surgery could be performed on the facial bones that were pressing on her eye socket and nasal passage. We said a tearful, but hopeful goodbye to her that afternoon, but Scribbles seemed to say, "Im sore, but I'm gonna be okay"

If you would like to donate to Scribbles care, a donation can be made c/o Scribbles at Myhre Equine Clinic,PO box 1673, Rochester NH 03867

October 2nd, Happy Anniversary!

Today is our 22nd Anniversary. This is all that I can picture today. With the encouragement of my friend Karen, and Phil, we head to the Deerfield Fair. I know it's not far from Scribbles, and that is where we wanted to spend our day, at the fair. I watched the clock more than anything. I stopped to see my friends Jean and Don at Jean's cheescake. We hugged, we cried- Jean, Phil and Don knew where I wanted to be.

Off we went to check on our girl, who was doing quite well all things considered.

Didnt clean my house, and our awesome children took care of what needed care at home while we were gone- family friends, community....

Our first day at Myrhe

The ride to the Myrhe Equine Clinic felt so long... We unloaded Scribbles and brought her into the exam room. We were greeted by the staff, and Dr Myrhe who quickly took Scribbles stats, blood work and urine. Thank you Dr Myrhe for catching our horses bloody urine in your hand, in time to put it into a tube for testing- all the while explaining to us how this accident would affect our beloved Scribbles system. Her facial injuries were concening, we took X-rays. Amanda, her boyfriend, Dr Rachel- everyone was so compassionate as they cleaned our horse and encouraged us that a recovery is possible. I knew she was in the right place, Dr George would make sure of that.

The accident

As Kelly was unloading the shavings from her truck to the barn, the wind started to blow the rain sideways (yes, Rachael & Tiffany"it's raining sideways!) Kelly heard the awful crack of a tree, and looked out the barn window to see Beckett and Splash running away, and Scribbles struggling underneath the weight of a maple tree on her face and hip. Kelly ran down to assess the situation, and then ran into our house to wake our sleeping daughter, Rachael.

Kelly yelled to Rachael to wake up and "call your mom at work!". Kelly called 911 to alert the Hudson Fire Department, Police Department. I called my mom and dad, Cyn and Joe to come and help. I called Phil, while sobbing and racing home, to come home and call his father Fred, for help.

When I arrived home, the side of the road was filled with rescue vehicles. As I ran down the driveway, and down to the barn I came upon a large group of people, friends, family, firefighters, police officers working together to rescue our horse. The scene was hopeless as blood poured out Scribbles nose, her eyes and mouth filled with sand and mud. Rachael sobbed helplessly as we watched Scribbles struggle and suffer. My angel Kelly stayed calm and composed for Scribbles and I and Jana and Carol our Hudson Animal control officers, also helped to calm our fears and look out for our safety.

As the rain poured down on us, our dear dear Veterinarian, Dr Simon George of Deerfield Veternary Clinic arrived just in time to tranquilize our struggling horse so that the tree could be cut away from her body without causing further injury. As soon as the tree was lifted off of her, Dr George said, "Get her up!". Scribbles was down on her side, under that tree for far too long- time was of the essence. I couldnt believe it when Dr George thought our battered horse could stand, but she did. Then he instructed us to get her into the barn- and we did, as her pasturemates looked on wide eyed and frightened for their friend. As Scribbles rose to her shaky feet, all 4 horses whinnied to her, as if to rally for their injured friend.

In the barn, Dr George tended to her superficial injuries, hooked up a catheter and his most adorable and sweet wife rushed down to us from Deerfield to deliver the IV fluids that would be critical to Scribbles ability to make it 90 minutes to Rochester for the intensive care she would need. Dr and Mrs George have two babies- if memory serves me well, they are 3 years and 4 months old- and here THEY are saving my horses life with such calm.

My husband, and hero, Phil, hooked the truck up to the trailer, we loaded Scribbles into the trailer (a scene in and of itself)- and took the longest 90 minute ride of our lives to the Myrhe Clinic in Rochester NH

October 1st, 2010

My friend Kelly had been at the barn, with their family horse Missy, for about 3 months. Kelly and I had become fast friends, and as a stay at home mom and survivor of a major back injury- Kelly would come during the week to clean the barn. Something she loves to do, time to be with the horses, relax and enjoy the peace and tranquility in the barn. Her and I just hit it off, and I told her teasingly, "you can never leave me"- I knew she was a true friend- with a family to match!

October 1st was a typical New England fall day. The weatherman predicted rain and strong winds. I went off to my job, which I love, in Milford, and Kelly came to the barn to do her usual routine. My parents who are retired live next door. My dad, Joe, walks his dog, Kaylee through our yards and always stops to visit and say hi to Kelly, the horses and my friend Allison's little goats. The weather started to turn, so Joe headed home. Kelly decided to stay and unload her grain and our shavings that she picked up for us (because she's so thoughtful)

Scribbles is loved by many

Scribbles is loved by her boyfriend Beckett, and our horse Splash. Scribbles is loved by our daughter Amy, who claimed her as her own! But while Amy is away at college she has to share her with me, and she will never ever leave Speare Rd. Here you see Scribbles with our niece Brooke- so sweet and gentle with our little 3 year old cutie!