Diva has not been with us long, and was an owner surrender with her friend Dottie and Belle. For various reasons she had not had farrier work for a very long time, and x-rays showed her coffin bones had deteriorated a great deal likely due to multiple founders over her lifetime, even before her surrendering owners had got her.
We knew when the x-rays were taken that she was a hospice pony, and we also knew we would not be asking her to go through a winter. But in our world, as long as we can manage their issues and keep them comfortable with palliative care, we chose to give them a little bit of time with good care and everything they could want, to try and make up for whatever has happened in their past to put them in the position they are in. Diva was only in her teens, which made the situation particularly heartbreaking. For the last two months she lived with freedom and choices - often heading out to the front yard where she'd lie in the soft grass soaking up the sun, stopping and visiting her friends on the way back in to her stall every night. She was content, at peace, and happy.
We had made plans to say goodbye at the end of the month, but an abscess caused some catastrophic changes to her foot forcing us to move up the timeline. She spent the last few days on a very high dosage of pain meds while waiting for the vet, resting in a very fluffy stall with whatever she wanted to eat and her own private fan, and was given as much attention and love as she wanted. Dottie and Belle were allowed to spend time with her as she wanted, and most of the ponies could be seen checking in on her through her stall window. She left us feeling no pain and surrounded by softness and love.
One of the smallest minis we've ever personally seen, she had a huge heart and we hope she is finally, after years of struggle, running fast and free with our sky herd in greener pastures. Hopefully little Rolo, another mini who was much like her, was the first to great her and show her around. We think they would have liked each other.
Thoughts for all who loved her, particularly her friends Belle and Dottie, and those who are missing her tonight.
Donations towards her final costs are always welcome. We are eternally grateful to have vets who can come to our farm and help them cross.