Losing 2 Friends in One Week 💔

It was just a single pony hole dug today.

It’s a small relief, because if it was Timmy that died today instead of his best friend, Mumphrey.. It would have been 3 deaths to deal with.

I’ve seen bonded friends within herds.. but these two ponies’ relationship was one of the most touching things I’ve ever seen unfold in the animal kingdom.

From the moment he came off the truck, Timmy only wanted one thing… and that was to be near the black and white pony from next door… And if that meant wriggling underneath wire fences or busting through electric ones, he’d do it.

He had a herd and food on this side – but nothing provided the comfort that the pony know as Mumphrey did.

So after $7000 in failed fencing, I decided it was probably cheaper and easier to bring the Mountain to Mohammed and asked the lady next door if I could just …well.. have him

She agreed.. and for the last 8 years they’ve been inseparable.

In that time Timmy has nearly died a MILLION times and all the while, his tiny little black and white mate, Mumphrey was with him.

When I went out this morning I instantly knew something was up.

My littlest man was vacant and wobbly.

I tend to get completely dramatic and call my vet friends in a flap.. diagnosing exactly what I think has happened.

“Zoe, I dont meant to call you ONLY on weekends… but I think my tiny pony’s got something neurological going on”

Which should be prefaced by the fact I’d called her the previous weekend, after diagnosing him with a urinary blockage and said

“I’ve been wrist deep in his dick for the 20 mins, can you come and help?”

“Settle down, it sounds more like mild colic. Give him some pain relief and electrolytes and call back if he gets worse”

And that’s why we pay our vet friends.. because his peen was fine and so was he.

Fast forward to this morning, Zoe arrived quickly, gave Mumps the once over – and to my absolute joy suggested a lot of things.. none of which were euthanasia.

Mumphrey was drooly, unstable and weirdly posturing… but his vitals were good.

So we agreed upon the scientific strategy of ‘giving him all the things’ – while bloods were taken.

But when I called 2 hours later to say there was no difference, Zoe kindly and gently said

“Jemima, what do you want to do?”

And I said with honky cries “I don’t want to call you at 9pm tonight because he’s thrashing around in pain”

She didn’t question.. just said “I’ll be there in an hour”

And for that glorious hour, Mumphrey decided to seek my comfort.

I got to hold his little face, while he pressed into me. I had a nice long time to tell him how wonderful he was, how grateful I was.. and that Timmy would be ok.

I told him how much I loved him and how much happiness he’d brought to my life.

Just like with the sparkling trees with Fletcher, it was a magical time.

When Zoe arrived, she was the perfect mix of efficient and empathetic. She talked me through it and explained everything. She even let me choose the method (sedation, anaesthetic, solution)….and because Mumps was only 8hh and 150kgs, his final fall was easy enough to manage.

Later, as I went to collect Timmy, I said out loud “Timmy…This is my worst fucking nightmare.. having one of you left behind”..

As I led him through the gates Timmy baulked at the sight of Mumphrey’s little body but he edged closer and began to nicker.

They were gutteral and low.. the sweetest, saddest sounds I think I’ve ever heard.

10 minutes later the digging man was there.. and now Mumphrey is laid to rest under a big handsome tree near the house.

As with my last post.. there’s no right way for this to happen.

Mumps went full of chemical.. and I chose a place ‘uphill’ for him to rest.. the digging man also (very thoughtfully I thought) has created channels around his grave to divert as much water as possible.

So.. you could say it’s been a cunt of a week here… But just like last week, I am so steadfast in my appreciation for the people that have helped with the transition of Fletcher and Mumps.

Thank you Zoe for helping to engineer a most respectful and thoughtful departure for my little friend..

Also thank you to Isaiah who came quickly and respectfully placed Mumps in his final home <3