Sir's health rollercoaster ride.

Hi again Sir's minions

I am up at Cranberry Lake again enjoying the quiet and fresh air.

I believe that in my last post I said something about possible good news about Sir.
At that time the Vet who performed the surgery thought that it might not be cancer, but instead a tick related illness.
Apparently after some research he found that the two are very close under the microscope.
If that were the case antibiotics would cure it.
So more blood was taken and sent to the lab.

That whole week we waited in anticipation of the results. We felt very confident that the results would show it to be tick related.
The results came back and were negative for lymes disease,
To top it off Sir was having a reaction to the Chinese Herbs where his legs were swollen and he was drinking way more water than usual. They were stopped and the swelling went down.

However, he then was bitten by an insect or rubbed on something and got an infection. More swelling in his chest and front legs. That and a rub sore on his front leg caused by the fly wraps.
This poor guy couldn't catch a break.
Thank God for Laurel though. She is always so observat and spots any abnormality with the horses.

The Vet came out and located the cause of the infection. A very small cut that was barely noticeable.
He started him on antibiotics. Additionally, he diagnosed Sir with Atrial Fibrillation. Something that I am very familiar with as I have it too. Less a leaky valve.
Sir has a leaky valve which disrupts the blood flow. It causes a backflow in layman's terms.

So the diagnosis is to not work him or ride him. Once he gets past the other stuff there is a procedure available that can correct the A Fib and leaky valve.
Other than that no one really knows what Sir has.

Laurel's niece Dr, Rooney put it best; (I'm paraphrasing) "If it were my horse I would monitor the situation. Keep an eye on his lymph glands.etc."

In other words, he is pooping, peeing, eating, and drinking. He is alert and very interactive...more than I have known him to be since I met him over a year ago, So why bombard him with drugs before we know exactly what he has....if he has anything at this point.

Please rest assured that Sir will be closely monitored and well taken care of. He currently has the first stall in the barn, the one right next to the kitchen where the buckets are made up. He is constantly knocking things over and getting treats and extra grain. He is being spoiled to say the least! LOL

I can't wait to go see him when I return. Laurel and my friends at the barn have been keeping me updated during this week with pictures and text messages.
But it's not the same as being with him.

Looking better than ever!

Until next time.......

Frank

Sir's Human

Upcoming Fund Raising Events

Hi Sir's Minions

We have some really nice fund raising events coming up soon.

First one up is the Annual Labor Day Yard Sale!!

This will be held on September 3rd and 4th at the farm:
2330 Sound Ave
Baiting Hollow NY 11933

Please donate any unwanted lightly used items. You are who makes these yard sales successful!
Thanks for the support!


Next up is an event that is sure to draw a lot of attention!

PAINT NIGHT at Joe's Garage & Grill in Riverhead

Visit www.joesgarageandgrill.com for directions.

To purchase tickets to this event visit https://www.paintnite.com/events/1110251.html
Seating is limited so purchase your tickets soon!

Proceeds from this event will go to support the North Shore Horse Rescue.

This should be a fun night..cocktails, painting, laughs, and friends!

Hope to see you there!

Lastly, the Comedy Night at Governors is in the planning stages. Once a date has been secured I will let you know.

Please try and support the rescue through any or all of these fund raising events!

Thanks

Until next time........

I Remain

Frank

Sir's Human

Another Comedy Club fund raiser event coming soon!

Hi all

For those of you who attended the last Comedy Club fund raiser at Governors you already know what a great time we all had.
The comedians were great and I laughed so hard that my sides hurt!

If you missed that one have no fear because Elizabeth is planning another one for the near future!

Check back for updates.

Sir is doing well.....we are still waiting for the latest blood test results. As soon as I know you will know!!

Until next time

Frank

Sir's Human

Wellness Day at the rescue

Hi Folks

I hope that all of you are doing well and enjoying your summer!

I was out at the barn Friday night for a bit after work and hung with Sir for a while and shot the breeze with Louise and Laurel.
Apparently the Chinese herb medicine was not agreeing with Sir and his legs were swollen again.He was retaining water so Dr. Wen told Laurel to stop the meds.Which she pretty much had figured out anyway. So she did and he began improving.

(Additionally there may be some good news for Sir coming in the next week or so. But like my superstitious Italian Mother would say, " Don't jinx it" ...so I won't! LOL)


I arrived at the barn Saturday morning a bit later than I had wanted to, I was held up by the wait in the bagel store. But it was worth it. I arrived toting the bagels and box of joe, etc.
Sir was in his stall being spoiled by Laurel as she prepared the feed buckets. Tom was filling water troughs. Julie was helping Laurel. everyone was busy.

I jumped on the gator and proceeded to feed the horses. It never ceases to amaze me how the horses see you coming and go right to where they normally eat.Some of them even chastise you if you are taking your time. Danny is good for that. He grunts and snorts and taps the ground with his hoof. LOL

Elizabeth and her daughter Erica arrived and jumped in to help as usual with grooming and mucking, and whatever else needed attention.

Laurel's niece Cait, or should I say Dr. Cait Rooney DVM, arrived. She recently graduated and is licensed to practice Veterinary medicine. She went right to work.
She took blood from Sir, floated the teeth of Cisco and Copper, gave varioius horses their shots, treated Cisco's tick bite, and treated Tate's eye. I helped her and Laurel float the teeth....all I did was hold the contraption that held their heads up. LOL But I was allowed to stick my hand into Cisco's mouth to feel the hooks on his teeth. Very cool!
I enjoyed helping her. It was something new and different.

I ended the day by helping with the feed buckets. The heat and humidity had it's effect on all of us.

Sir is like a different horse. He is much more animated and is literally eating like a horse times 10 LOL
He seems content and interested in everything around  him....he loves the interaction that he gets in the front stall.

I will keep you updated on his condition.

Until next time.......

Frank

Sir's Human

Biopsy Results are in

Hi Sir Minions

As promised here is an update.

Before I go any further I am requesting that we all maintain a positive outlook.

Laurel received the biopsy results the other day from the Vet in Connecticut. He was perplexed with the results. He said that he had never seen this in horses in his entire career.
Sir has a rare type of Lymphoma called Mixed Cutaneous Lymphoma. Have any of you heard of this before? If so, what was the treatment? Results?

Dr. Wen, our local Vet came out on Tuesday and read the report as well as examined Sir. He said that he too has not seen this type of cancer in horses. He said that in dogs and cats there is a 70% success rate. There is no data in horses.
To treat this with Chemo would cost me my house. (his words)
He prescribed a concoction of Chinese herbs that Sir will take 2 times a day. He will be re-examined in two months.

I have to say that I have a good feeling about this. I just know that he will be okay. Laurel feels the same.
I mean, how could he not be? He has so many people that love him. People that will send prayers, healing energy, positive  thoughts, positive visualization, etc.

Hi medication will cost just over $200.00 per month. If anyone wants to help me and us with that it would be welcomed for sure. If all you can or want to do is any of the above that is fine too!

If you have any feed back on this type of lymphoma please post it here or send me an email to skibbo14@aol.com

Positive thoughts! They work!

Will update you again soon.......

New Update coming .....I promise

Hi Sir's Minions ;)

I have been away on a camping trip last week and this week I have been catching up at work.

I will post an update on Sir tomorrow or the next day.....

Please check back

Frank

Sir's Human

Sir's update and a heart felt thank you!

Hi Sir's followers!

First on behalf of Sir, myself, and the North Shore Horse Rescue & Sanctuary; I want to express our sincere thanks and gratitude for all of the support we received to reach our goal of having Sir’s surgery performed.

As many of you know, NSHRS is 501 ( c ) 3 not for profit organization. It depends 100% on donations and Volunteers to live up to it’s mission statement.

Unfortunately there are no“Big Corporate Sponsors” and very few repeat Donors.

The minimum feed cost per horse in NY is somewhere around $300.00- $350.00. Additionally there are costs for medical, shoeing, etc. So you can imagine the stress that is associated with an unforeseen medical situation.

When Laurel noticed the growths her first thought was that it was a hernia. After the Veterinarian examined him the diagnosis changed to tumors. When I heard those words a million thoughts raced through my brain. Besides the worst possible scenario the other pressing issue was; “How are we going to pay for this?”

That is when I kicked in to ‘Mission Mode”  J I am pleased that none of you that I know of deleted me from your Facebook friends list. LOL.  You all were patient and supportive as usual!

You helped me raise close to $2700.00 in a month! That is unbelievable! All of you made donations and shared my cause and it all culminated into enough money to pay for the surgery and any follow-up

Treatments that he may need!  And in addition, the prayers and well wishes, the healing energy that was sent our way truly helped! Thanks so much!

I arrived at the barn yesterday morning around 05:40. Sat in my car and waited for any sign of life coming from the house. Shortly after that I saw the parade of dogs. Britany, Jack, and then Otis. And then Laurel emerged.  I got out of my car and followed her to the truck and trailer. We chatted for a bit and the Julie arrived. Sir spotted me and immediately walked to the fence. It was like he was shocked to see me so early. LOL

I went into the paddock and was hanging with him. I talked to him as I was petting him, gave him a hug, and kissed his head. Then Laurel’s voice broke the silence and emotion of the moment; “Get a lead line and get him over here!” LOL, I snapped to as if my First Sargent was calling me to roll call.

I got the halter and walked him over to the barn. We brought him in and groomed him. Then it was time to get him onto the trailer. He was reluctant at first. Laurel in her patient way coaxed him continually. He stopped, smelled the trailer ramp, tapped it with his hoof, and then proceeded to get on the trailer!

Now we were on our way……..

I entered the address to the Fairfield Equine (located in Newton CT) and we were off.  We made fairly good time. The conversation was good and we had some laughs, but there was some kind of veil hanging there. The concern for Sir was obvious. And there he was in the trailer behind us, eating and enjoying the ride! We could see him through the front windows in the trailer, the wind blowing his mane and forelock! I could swear that I saw him shake his head a few times, like the models do for a photo shoot! LOL

The ride up was uneventful though at one point Google maps took us to a place called Surprise Lake. Yup what a surprise LOL… We turned around and were back on course in no time.

We arrived on time and they put Sir into a stall where they would draw blood and examine him.

He ate the hay that was provided and seemed frustrated with the fact that it was hanging in a hay bag and not easily accessible on the stall floor. Has Laurel spoiled him or what?!!??!?? Ha

A vet tech did a preliminary exam on him along with a lady from England who was doing a 2 week internship. They felt his neck and other parts of his massive body, listened to his heart and ran the stethoscope along different parts of his neck and sides.

I of course hung on every movement. Trying to read expressions and any urgent movement. But in the end all was good. The Vet himself came and examined Sir and spoke with Laurel. At one point it seemed like he was suggesting that we leave the tumors on Sir and monitor them for any growth or changes.

I’m not sure if he was just laying that out there as an option, or if Laurel’s body language showed that she was not going to agree. Those of you who know her know that when she is not in agreement her shoulders raise and she leans forward just slightly, and that “Are you fucking kidding me” look gets on her face. Well that is what possibly happened….I couldn’t see….I was behind her…..but I think that I did see a slight rise in her shoulders. ;)

They came and fetched him and we retired to a picnic bench in the shade and dined on the most fantastic sandwich that I ever had. Compliments of Laurel. And there were chips and ……….wait for it……..

RAINBOW COOKIES!!!!! Needless to say I was in a food coma afterwards.

After about an hour we went back to the stall and there was Sir. He came through with flying colors. The Vet believes that the growths are fatty tumors. He called the Sarcoids at first which are skin tumors. But after the surgery he suggested fatty tumors. We will see what they were in a week when we get the biopsy results back.

Sir was discharged and you could see that he was rearing to get home. He didn’t even hesitate getting on the trailer!  We received a warm send off from the staff, with Sir getting compliments and rave reviews on what a great horse he is, and how cooperative and calm. We were all proud of our boy!

You could feel the relief on the ride home. We laughed all the way. My sides were splitting. Sharing stories of our escapades during our youth. Stories about the barn, the horses, our friends, etc.

Aside from the good news about Sir, this really topped off an excellent trip.

We pulled into the entrance for the farm and I got out of the truck to open the gate. Sir began whinnying over and over, immediately his paddock mates starting doing the same. Bullet was running and jumping and shaking his head as he whinnied. Copper ran back and forth and called back to Sir. Janet, Mack, and Phoenix also joined in as well as Michael and Joseph! What an excellent welcome home for Sir. He was back in the herd that he loves and who loves him!

If only Humans could be the same!

Thank you all so much!

Frank

Sir's Human