It Wasn't a Dream

Truly, this was not supposed to have happened.

On July 5th it was doubtful that Badger would live another day. His respirations and heart rate were off the chart.

The 100 degree heat indexes, dust, and allergens, along with a very tough winter and spring had turned Badger into a listless wreck who had lost a lot of weight.

My husband was prepared to dig a grave for Badger's final resting spot.

What happened? I lost hope, stopped the daily meds and monitoring and put him out in the large donkey meadow.


He would make it ... or not. Strangely enough his coat began to shine and he began to put on just enough weight to cover his ribs.
His respiration and heart rate was still high, but since he seemed happy....
I let him be.

The temperatures at night have dropped to 40 degrees. The air is dry and without allergens. The recent week of rains has knocked down the dust.

Badger's respiration rate had dropped somewhat. He brayed to me and trotted to the gate.

I had no choice but to take him out for a walk/ride.
Was I ever surprised.

He seemed content to walk down the valley and at times carry Morris [who was ecstatic!].
He was the old calm Badger I was so used to. He knew the trails, he walked with purpose, ...
he did not cough.
He only ran out of breath once when he followed a deer trail up a steep hill. [His choice, I let him make the decision...]

Wonderful Badger.
He stopped towards the end of the ride, suddenly alert.
Through the woods down our 'mule' trail came two deer on a dead run. I don't even think they ever saw us.
Badger sighed and we moved on.

For a small part of the afternoon I felt reconnected and strangely content.
I didn't want it to end.

I didn't want to wake up and find out it had been a dream.