Minouche

Minouche, September 1, 2018Franche-Montagne bred, Minouche was 17 years old when she arrived at the Refuge in November 2015. We had taken her in due to the advanced age of her owner, who had non-compliant installations, and had to reduce his herd. Minouche has always had a special character. In her early years, she could sometimes be kicked or bitten. Furring, cushing and melanoma were part of her daily routine, yet she was able to enjoy 3 years of retirement. A family adopted her when she arrived at the Refuge, but asked us to take her back in January 2016. Minouche spent her days at the rack, never keeping up with the rest of the group. Her weight gain was becoming worrying, so we took her back to one of our antennas. This past year, Minouche had found a balance playing “nanny” to the foals and was almost showing signs of gratitude to the people looking after her. Now more than sociable, she was finally enjoying moments of brushing and petting.
On this Saturday morning, Minouche is losing her balance…the more time goes by, the more violent the loss of balance becomes. She’s showing signs of ataxia, loss of consciousness and sight. The vet confirms a stroke or a misplaced tumour, and there’s only one way out: to accompany her to prevent her seriously injuring herself in one of her falls….Minouche will fall asleep surrounded and will let go quickly….Despite this very rapid departure, we are relieved that Minouche has left in this way, as we often had questions about her well-being with the furring and her ogre-like appetite. For you, Minouche, green pastures full of clover await, but also the sweet Gamine, whom you “raised” and who left us at 18 months ….Hi Grosse Dondon, have a good trip….