look at them go!
I got back from a lovely meal, with fab company and went straight to check on the boys. I am SO, SO HAPPY to report that my two calm ponies I left ths morning had been replaced with feisty, snorting, galloping whirlwinds!
Marley and Tom were full of excitement and energy and their happiness and playfulness made me feel like we've really turned a corner. I waited until they had calmed down, gave them tea and came back over home with a huge smile on my face.....the two tornados are getting back on track and their zoomies prove they're both happy to have their freedom again 🖤🤎
Finally he's allowed a bit of field time!
9 weeks of worry, extra work and roughly £7k in healthcare, have been and gone...... and it's been worth every bit of stress to see my two, beloved boys, wandering around picking at the grass!
They can have a few hours freedom then it's back into the barn and yard when I get home from my lunch date with the ladies from Long Ears Donkey Centre - Home of Blackberry Donkeys, Animals About Town, Mobile Petting Farm and Animal Antics.
Today is a good day! 💖
Tonight I took the plunge and opened the temporary barrier into the main field.
I thought it would be better to do it when the boys had been out all day and were expecting tea to be served 😂
They mooched about for about 20 minutes, but came straight into the barn when they heard the feed bins being opened!
Hopefully they will be just as calm in the morning when I let them out after breakfast. 🤞
Marley and Tom spent a sunny day in the new set up yesterday and they were both happy lads last night!
I am very aware what Marleys physical requirements are and try to follow expert advice to the letter, regardless of cost and effort. However, I have always been of the opinion that his mental wellbeing is just as important, so I will tweak the recovery plan to ensure his happiness and quality of life is priority.
I think he understands it's give and take...just watch him listening to me when I tell him not to push the fence....hopefully he will be as good today while I'm at work and won't cause any chaos while mam isn't there to sort him out! 🖤🤎
So yesterday Marley did the unbelievable and JUMPED out of his restricted area! If I hadn't seen it I would have said it was impossible he would even think about it, never mind clear it....after all it's the same height as him!!🫣
So quick temporary fence erected (thank heavens for baling twine). I know he's still supposed to be restricted but I have to balance that with the risk of injury if he starts jumping fences....fingers crossed this works. 🤞
So much to take into account with Marley's recovery.
Today has been really cold, so I've had to change his outdoor rug to one that is a heavier weight.
Luckily his wound is almost sorted and he isn't rolling and jumping around with excitement as much now, so the straps underneath should be fine as long as they're not fastened tightly.
He's coming on brilliantly and Tom is being the very best support to his brother. 👍
Day 3 of being allowed outside .... All going well so far! 💞
After speaking to both of Marley's vets we have made some further decisions on medication and continuing healthcare and we're all pleased with where we're at on the recovery journey.
Tomorrow we have a visit from the council's animal welfare team, to undertake an inspection. This is required to renew our animal activities licence, which expires at the end of March.
I hope the boys can remember their manners and don't get too excited about having someone new in their home.🫣
And finally......Marley's 4 weeks of box rest have come to an end!
He's now starting 4 weeks of limited outdoor time, in a restricted area, but he is so happy to be out in the wind and rain!
I'm a little apprehensive but pleased to see my boys back together again and chuffed the rug customisation has held up to his energetic testing! 😀
Thank you everyone for your support and well wishes, hopefully the worst is now behind us!
Today's 15 minute grass session was fab! Marley was keen to go out, interested in eating and not so keen to return to his stable 🤣
As soon as he got back he had a big drink of water then went straight to his hay net. 👏
Spent the last hour with Marley and Tom 🖤🤎
They were BOTH bright, alert and vocal and had done lots of droppings overnight.
Marley's had pain relief and breakfast then stood right in front of me and had a poop and a pee, proud as punch!!!
I left them sharing a haynet so I could come home, for my breakfast, before I head to the vets to give an update and discuss our plan going forward.
Thank you so much for all the lovely messages, having so much support makes the difficult times a bit easier 💞
Far too windy to go out for a grass eating session today, just not a safe thing to do!
So we broke out a Silvermoor #grassabix so Marley could have a little change in taste and something to keep him occupied. I think he needs to work on his patience though ... fancy kicking the net!!! 😆🙈
On cold winter mornings, sometimes you just need a nice cup of warm tea to get you going! 🫖😊
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