On December 12, 2006, my
heart and soul died of colic complications at the young age of 22. I found
him in the field lying down. When I went out to see him, and he whinnied
at me, I knew at the moment something was wrong. I could see it in his eyes,
he was asking me for help. He looked just fine when I fed him in the morning.
I know all the signs of colic. I couldn't figure out why this bout came on
so fast and strong.
As I waited for the vet,
I tried to comfort him, but he was in very severe pain. There wasn't much
I could do but talk to him as he was running and rolling around the pasture.
Once we got him sedated, upon examination he found that his colon was twisted.
Earlier this year he had a bladder stone which almost took his life, but
he pulled through with such a strong will to live, I thought I had a lot
more years with him. I don't know if all that stress added in this colic
case, but I had to make a decision. With his age, the prognosis was not great
and the money was a blow if I decided to do surgery. So I had to have him
put down. It was the hardest thing I have ever done and I still question
my choice sometimes.
We had many adventures together.
I got him when he was 15 months old. We did everything together; many many
trails, packing trips, camping trips and we were on a drill team for many
years. We did it all.
We knew each other inside and out and I will never forget my life-long buddy.
He took with him a piece of my heart when he left this earth and I will find
him again in another lifetime.
My life will never be the same. I still can't sleep. I replay that afternoon
again and again and still cry myself to sleep. I am sure time heals the heart,
but it will take a while. Rest in peace, my beloved Tiki.
Tiki 
