Ducky's Goose

Just as a refresher, Ducky's Ho Oh is a mare that a wonderful young lady named Samantha and I cooperated to rescue from the kill pen at the New Holland Auction. Without intervention, Ducky would have gone to slaughter. Ducky traveled to live with Samantha and all was going well. Then, Samantha noticed that Ducky was putting on weight all in one place, the belly. Uh oh! So, she had her checked and, sure enough, Ducky was pregnant. We were able to track down the former owner, but got little cooperation from him, other than to learn that the sire was also a Thoroughbred. But, Ducky had been turned out in a herd with him for three months, so there was no way of telling what her due date was.

A couple of weeks ago, Ducky began to show signs that she was nearing the time to give birth. But, like a lot of maiden mares, she was stubborn about popping that baby out. Poor Samantha has been doing foal watch for all this time, and has got to be exhausted.

But, finally, Ducky, this morning, decided to give birth. At about 2:30, she presented the world with a bouncing baby boy, already pre-named Goose. There were problems. Goose tried to stand while his hind feet were still in Ducky and tore her up some. Also, in his struggles, he caused the umbilical cord to be prematurely separated, resulting in a lack of oxygen to the brain. He had a hard time standing up, and he didn't suckle. This is called a dummy foal.

Samantha had been worried, however, that the suffering that Ducky went through might harm her or the foal, and had arranged for the vet to come out, as soon as Ducky went into labor. The vet was able to medicate Goose and, after about five hours, he finally nursed on his own.

Samantha has sent Ducky and Goose to a great clinic, where they are keeping a close eye on both of them. The good news is that Ducky's injuries are superficial, and that Goose continues to nurse and stand on his own. So, things are looking very much up. But, he could still use any prayers and thoughts that you could send his way.

And now, without further adieu, here is Goose, in all his handsomeness.









He's what they call a "plain bay" -- all brown without a speck of white. That just happens to be my favorite color. Samantha says he is feisty, and that he just loves people. She also says that Ducky is very much in love with him.

So, that is the happy ending to a story that started with such despair. Two beautiful creatures will now live their lives out in happiness, cared for and loved until the end of their days.