Monday, January 20, 2014

RIP Jesse James

From the TMR Rescue Facebook page: "This is truly one of the most difficult posts I have ever written. I feel hope, expectations and joy of accomplishment pulled out from under me. My heart aches, and nothing makes sense to me right now.

A year ago, I was approached about helping a domestic donkey who was hit by a car in SW TX. After speaking with Uncle Johnny, we agreed that TMR Rescue Inc. was going to be the only chance this beautiful, terribly injured donkey would have a chance. When Sandra Parks saved Blue Boy from the side of the road after being hit by a car, she did not realize, at first how horrific his injuries were. The support from veterinarians was not there for her, and they gave her poor advice. So, he languished for several months before they realized he was not going to get better, and his needs were greater than vets in her area could or would provide. The Parks kindly paid to transport Blue Boy to TMR Rescue, Inc. and he has been here since.

There were several times over the year that we thought it was time to throw in the towel, but this donkey had the heart of a tiger, and a fire burning inside him like no other. Blue Boy wanted to live, and he was not giving up. So, we tried. As we progressed we met road blocks along the way. Medical personnel who did not believe. Then, they would spend just a short time with Blue Boy and they too walked away with an understanding of his desire to live. They committed to saving this remarkable brave donkey.

We had so many setbacks, and so many breakthroughs that we felt we were on a roller coaster ride. Meanwhile, Blue Boy remained cheerful, fun loving and determined. Yet, while we all recognized his powerful desire to live, the reality of what the body can endure was catching up with Blue Boy. Just as we could see the triumph of the healing truly begin, we watched in horror as his one stable leg gave out. We were told that if we did not get Blue Boy into a sling, his chances were nil. So, we did what we thought was best for Blue Boy. We wanted desperately for him to survive. Our hearts and souls were willing him to get well. We believed. We all believed we could beat the odds. So far, in many ways, we had.

Yesterday morning the unthinkable happened. Blue Boy was found non responsive in his sling by Amy when she came in to feed on Sunday morning. She was beside herself in pain and deeply affected by his loss. I arrived minutes after she called me, and the tears flowed. I cannot believe we have lost this giant hearted, good natured, brave soul. He cannot be gone... but he is. His spirit has left us. His great, beautiful, vibrant spirit has gone to comfort those who have gone before. Blue Boy is teaching Charlie and Chance how to play with boxes. He is discussing human kindness with Alpine, and he is flirting with Wendy. Blue Boy is another victim of a donkey being made to conform to the horse world. The Anderson sling is designed for horses. Although the results are not back from the necropsy we had performed yesterday, I truly believe he choked in the swing. We made many adjustments to the swing to make him comfortable. Yet, no matter what we tried the front of the sling for his chest was designed for the large chest of a horse. We could not pare it down to fit properly. We did think we had gotten it off of his neck far enough to allow him to breath. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, Blue Boy died. We don't have the answers yet. Frankly, I am too devastated to dwell on why. I can only feel his loss. Blue Boy is gone. A bright light has been extinguished.

Still, Blue Boy contributed much to understanding donkeys. Dr. Brown's Proscope 360 clearly made a difference, and Blue Boy was the poster boy for trying something new. It worked. This is why this is so devastating. He made a breakthrough that all medical personnel believed was impossible. As he improved the excitement for his recovery was palpable. We believed, because Blue Boy believed. Even with him gone, I continue to believe there is much to be learned about donkeys that will save lives. Blue Boy's experience and breakthrough will save lives. The Charlie Project will certainly include this year of records on Blue Boy.

So, my dear funny man, go with the angels, and give Charlie a good tickle for me please. Pinch little Chance's cheek and give him a hug. Tell Alpine, he mattered. He knows, but it won't hurt for him to hear it again. Blue Boy enjoy those four perfect legs that are now yours. I love you. I admire you. I will never forget your spirit brave man."

17 comments:

JohnnyM said...

So very sad about Blue Boy

Unknown said...

There are some of Gods creature that have lost their lives from starvation due to someone taking that creature out of the food chain .

Texas Sean said...

My condolences, John! You truly made a huge difference in the end of his life and we mourn with you.

Unknown said...

John, your compassion regarding ALL of God's creatures, kind of puts us in our place. We should accept and enjoy each day that is given to us. Your view of all creatures (including us) being equal is quite refreshing.

Grandmama Sarah said...

By having a reverence for life, we enter into a spiritual relation with the world. By practicing reverence for life we become good, deep, and alive. Albert Schweitzer

And with being alive we experience joy . . . and sorrow. A time for all things.

Rita B. said...

This was breath taking to hear this morning. We were all rooting for him. TMR was doing everything possible and the impossible too. Thank you for posting that beautiful picture of him John...with that perfect stance. He'll be missed. RIP Blue.

Joseph Pritchard said...

My heart breaks with you John. I take comfort that one day God will wipe away all our tears and there shall be no more pain.

Ron Dame said...

So sorry for you loss.

Unknown said...

I'm sorry for your loss.

Carol Peek said...

God bless you John xo

Larry G said...

Condolences John...

Randy said...

I am so sorry for your heartbreak.

Unknown said...

So very sorry for you and all who knew him. But at least Blue Boy was loved and taken care of.

David Hooper said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, John.

pamit said...

TMR did such great work with and for this animal. You can feel Marjorie's anguish in this post. Let's all remember that these people and organizations that help injured and abused animals have to deal such grief every day, yet they keep up the work. How many of the rest of us could do this? Let's support organizations like TMR, as John is doing by posting about Blue Boy.

Wm. Pugh said...

Sorry to hear your loss, I dislike drs.!
Will - Rosharon,Tx

Compost Bob said...

John ... sometimes the words just are not there. Please keep on blessing His Kingdom with your good works.
Compost Bob