Apart at the seams

摘要

I'm not leaving you here," I told my horse, Loopy, as I led him through the large automated entry doors at Cornell University's Veterinary Hospital in Ithaca, New York. I repeated this phrase at barely a whisper as we made our way to his assigned stall —not only to reassure him, but myself as well. The rubber floors and white concrete block walls throughout the facility were spotless, and the air carried a mixed scent of disinfectant, shavings and hay. We passed a large draft mare having difficulties delivering her foal. I saw a small white horse with bandages on a stump where his tail had been. Finally, we arrived at the designated stall. I slid the door open and led Loopy inside.