On September 4th, we had to say goodbye to Onyx. As many know, she meant the world to me; this loss is unbelievably hard.

On the 3rd, Onyx started showing signs of discomfort, which we really thought was gas. By the next afternoon, she was in the animal hospital getting tests done. It was found that she had something called intussusception. This is a rare (even more rare for adult horses) condition where essentially the intestines fold like a telescope, with one section sliding into another. There is no known reason this happens, and the only way to try to treat it is emergency surgery, which isn't a guarantee. Along with the fact that Onyx was a draft horse, a breed that doesn't do well under anesthesia because of their size, the likelihood of success wasn't good. (not to mention the lower quality of life post-surgery) Even though Onyx was barely 13, we made the devastating decision to say goodbye.

It's very hard for me to ask for any financial help, but in a matter of two days, vet bills added up very quickly. We had two emergency farm vet visits, an emergency hospital visit, and tests such as stomach tubes, rectal exam, ultrasounds, blood work, etc. And the unfortunate cost of medication that is required when saying goodbye.

Thank you for considering helping with the unexpected costs that were incurred during our last two days with Onyx. Most of you know I am finishing up my last term at Western Governors University, and like anyone who has ever gone to college, they can tell you it's not cheap. Anything you can give towards these unforeseen bills would mean the world to me, and I cannot thank you enough.

Thank you to everyone who has reached out and sent love.

With love,

Melanie