Condolences
Although, I have already written a lengthy note in the condolences section,I was reminded by this picture of this foal "gumby" born premature. My wife had kept the newspaper clipping and dug it out for me to read. Another memorable event that Pat and I shared. It is always important for a new born foal to receive colostrum(first milk) from the mare, but since Gumby was unable to stand and nurse, I had to milk the mare and tube the foal to provide immunity and nourishment. Just as important is the aftercare provided by Pat, Maureen and her assistant Lauren Ayob. Fortunately, working together as a team Gumby survived and gave us another memorable story to tell. Pat, you will be missed!
Special regards,
Dr.Joe and Rosary
Pat was one of my first clients when I started my equine practice in Monmouth county in the late 70's. She still had some pleasure horses and broodmares as well as race horses. We had a relationship of mutual respect and I admired her for being self-sustaining, tough woman working and surviving in what was then predominantly a man's world of horse racing. Pat was a practical woman and yet she was a mystic. She was a firm believer in the power of the stars and the moon. I recall one year in particular, she called me to put me on notice that a mare was due and not to go too far. I was at my in-laws having dinner and I got the call from Pat saying that a mare was going to foal, because it raining and lightning and she was sure even though it was early in the gestation period,it be would be the night! I raced down from Woodridge to Howell(almost 2 hours) and sure enough the mare was in the process of foaling, and no sooner then we settled that mare and foal then the second and then a third all began to foal even though they had different due dates,as it continued to thunder and lightning, and I became a believer, a "lunatic" just like Pat. And so it went year after year. I would be invited into the house after each call and have something to drink while she wrote out the check. It was special and memorable and I took away perhaps more then I gave. Her passing has certainly stirred up wonderful memories for me and I hope that she finds that special horse, a real winner,that she most certainly deserves, in the next life. With respect, Dr. Joe and wife Rosary