Tonto Died Last Night
Well, at least we tried.
Our equine vet, Dr. Erin Taylor, called last night at 11:30 p.m. to say Tonto had just died.
Erin said she was surprised because he had come through the surgery so well and then recovered so quickly and easily from the anesthesia. But in the end, it had all been just too much for his old body.
I told her we didn't have any regrets about doing the surgery and were glad we had given him a chance. Erin said, "You're right, because if we had gone ahead and euthanized him earlier, you would always have wondered 'what if?' At least you know you did everything you could."
Our only regret is that we weren't there with him when he died. It's so important to us that we're with them when they go, so when they die like this, it hurts even more.
It's been a rough two weeks.
I'm so sorry you guys. What an awful months this has been. I'm sure that Tonto was glad that you loved him enough to at least try to save him. I'm so so so sorry. It doesn't matter how old they are. It still hurts a lot. My thoughts are with you all.
Posted by: Jen | August 23, 2007 at 01:41 PM
I am so sorry to hear about Tonto & Peabody.May you find some peace in knowing that they are no longer in pain and are with all the loved animals that have passed from RDR recently.God Bless both of you for all the love & care you gave them and for all you do for the special animals there at RDR.Hope the fires are put out soon and don't get any closer to the ranch. Love & Peace,Elaine,Jake& Brave
Posted by: Elaine Miller | August 23, 2007 at 01:28 PM
I don't know how you guys do it...I am so sad for y'all right now. I clicked here hoping to see news of more recovery and this just breaks my heart. Even tho you weren't physically there with him, you were with him...and he'll always be with y'all. Much love...
Posted by: Jenn | August 23, 2007 at 01:20 PM
Again- our deep sympathy for your loss of dear Tonto. We SO admire your desire to ideally be with them to the end. But we also know how Tonto KNOWS that, and is your guardian angel of the entire ranch now. Thank you all for giving him a kind, loving and wonderful life while here.
Posted by: Margaret | August 23, 2007 at 12:50 PM
with tears flowing hard, know that I prayed for Tonto that he would be free of the pain and find happiness. I thought he'd be home soon, just not God's home. I'm thankful that these beautiful creatures have you and Elayne. Man these past couple have really hit me HARD, I can't imagine being you. My heart would be mush! Thanks for all that you do and being the angels you are...RIP our RDR critters we will never forget you and will love you forever. Keep an eye out for others who need RDR and help them find their way.
God bless you
Posted by: shelby | August 23, 2007 at 12:24 PM
I'm convinced that some animals are very independent spirits and choose to leave when there isn't anybody around. I also think some love their caregivers so much they don't want them to hurt when they leave. So maybe Tonto needed to do this alone.
Bless your compassion for wanting to be there at the end with your animals. I am shocked when people won't. However, like I said, maybe Tonto wanted to do this his way.
Namaste,
Mircat
Posted by: Mircat | August 23, 2007 at 09:12 AM
Steve, Alayne and Scout -
My most heartfelt condolences and prayers are with you.
Thank you for the care and love that you have given Tonto and Peabody. They were very blessed to have spent their last year's at the RDR.
kind regards,
Jane
Posted by: Jane Tunnicliff | August 23, 2007 at 09:06 AM
I am so sorry for your loss. Dear, sweet Tonto. It's such a shock when it happens so quickly, especially if you can't be there. You did the right thing. He had a good, good life with you and his equine companions. RIP, sweet boy.
Posted by: Janet | August 23, 2007 at 09:05 AM
I am so sorry to hear about Tonto! It really has been a rough few weeks for you and Alayne. I continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks again for all you two angels do for these animals!
Posted by: kcborrs | August 23, 2007 at 08:47 AM
It has been rough for Rolling Dog Ranch and you and Alayne. I too am glad you tried to save Tonto. In this day and age it's so easy to quit because going on takes so much emotion. Thank you for taking that extra effort and heartache.
Posted by: kimmer | August 23, 2007 at 08:06 AM
Dear Alayne & Steve, I'm SO sorry to read about Tonto's sudden death!
Please find some consolation in knowing that you did everything you could to save him and that he's young and whole again now, happily cantering across the Elysian fields...
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | August 23, 2007 at 08:05 AM
Thank you for giving Tonto and the other friends that we've lost this month such love and care.
Posted by: Clay Hickman | August 23, 2007 at 08:01 AM