“What’s wrong with her, Mike?” Ralph asks his voice shaky.
“The anti-venom has not set in yet, and the venom from the snake is taking its toll, shutting down her body. I can give her another dosage but I do not want to risk her having an allergic reaction. If you want, I can.” Mike replies as he digs through his vet bag.
“Damn. Just do it, Mike!” Ralph yells.
That is a big no-no. Nobody yells at my best friend.
Ever.
I roll over to my stomach, my front legs outstretched, and my hind legs lift my body up. I stand on shaky legs, my breathing already picking up as the venom takes its toll. I slowly walk over to Ralph, nudge him with my nose and pin my ears back, warning him not to tell at Mike.
“Should I walk her around?” Ralph suggests.
“No! That will make her blood flow and heart rate pick up, spreading the venom further and further into her system. At the rate she is now, she will be a goner if we walk her. We need to keep her as still as possible, and I will give her another dose of the anti-venom, but a much smaller dosage.” Mike states, grabbing the anti-venom bottle and getting 10 cc’s of the anti-venom.
Mike walks over to me, and quickly gives me the anti-venom, this time straight in the vein. That way it will have a quicker effect. He rubs my neck where he administered the anti-venom, making sure it doesn’t create a knot. A few minutes later, Mike checks my vitals again, making sure the anti-venom has started working.
“I think it is taking effect, Ralph. Her heart rate is good, a good pulse, she’s not lethargic. I think she can be bedded down for now. Just keep an eye on her, and that mash I recommended earlier should do until she is better. The rice in the mash will help her gain weight, so hopefully she can get better as well as put on a few pounds.” Mike says, almost like it is second nature. “By the way, what is her name?” Mike questions, rubbing my head.
“Her name…oh, uh well I haven’t really thought of a name for her. She is known as “The Black Beauty.”” Ralph replies nervously, almost like he is hiding something.
“’The Black Beauty’, huh? Well, you are very lucky to have her, Ralph. She’s a good horse, very quick and agile. Make a good jumper.” Mike states, rubbing my head. “Oh, and do you want me to look at those three over there while I am here?” Mike questions, gesturing to the mare and two stallions.
“If you don’t mind, Mike. It’d be appreciated if you would.” Ralph states, nodding his head in a gesture type way.
“No problem. You can bed her down now if you would like, Ralph. I think she will be fine now that the anti-venom has kicked in.” Mike states, gathering his things to go to the three others.
Ralph nods his head in response, and slowly walks me back to my stall. We go by Splash’s stall, and he questions me like a game of 20 questions.
‘What happened out there, Katy? Are you alright?’
‘King Cobra bit me. I tried to kill it, but it bit my leg before I could step on it. I don’t even know where it is right now. It could probably be in the middle of Texas by now.’
‘Oh, well I hope you get better soon, Katy. I’m here if you need anything. Just give me a whinny and I will reply.’
‘Thanks, Splash. I will keep in touch though.’
‘Alright, Katy. You rest up, and then maybe I could join you for training.’
‘Sounds good, bye Splash.’
YOU ARE READING
The Black Beauty (Wattys 2015)
Hombres LoboHave you ever experienced the wind flapping through your mane and forelock as you gallop through vast plains and over rocky slopes? Have you ever known what freedom feels like, knowing that it isn't free? Of course you haven't. You aren...
