Patient condition report

George's condition has been upgraded to stable and mischievous. He's moving almost normally, doesn't seem to be in much, if any, pain, and is trying to figure out how much stuff he can break and/or play with in the infirmary pen.

Lucy's condition remains guarded. I speak with the vet every day, and we continue to adjust her treatment plan. She is still very uncomfortable as the waiting game drags on. The vet suspects that there is an abcess caused by the dryland distemper bacteria buried high up in her flank area, which will eventually surface. I've asked him if there is anything more that could be done for her at the clinic. At this point, there is not, and he told me I'm doing more for her here than they could there since I can monitor and attend to her 24/7.

My condition is what it is. We'll get through this. It could be so much worse. I think about all the equine keepers in Texas. Somebody there was probably going through the same exact thing during the hurricane and flooding. And somebody in Florida or in proximity to one of the wildfires burning in the west is understandably freaking out right now because they've got a sick equine and their farm or ranch is in imminent danger. And surely there are DACA residents with sick equines thinking, "I've got enough to worry about damnit! Don't do this to me on top of everything else!"

So I'm doing my level best to keep things in perspective, stay calm, and not mix up George's meds with Lucy's. Thank you all for your support and friendship. It means everything to me.