See the big guy standing there, taking care of little sister? That was our two munchkins last summer, in happier days.
Well, last night, in the deep cold, surrounded by the beauty of frost covered trees under a clear, cold and moonlit sky,
our beloved old guy died a very painful death. He got colic, and could not be saved.
Our vet had another emergency at the same time, so it was several hours before she could get to us.
We did our best to ease his pain, and when she finally was able to get here and end his suffering, we lovingly sent him Home……..
It was a grim and horrible night, and we are feeling a lot of pain, but also are grateful that our dear old boy is NOT in pain now…..
He was a rescue. We adopted him and his older sister (who passed on 2 years ago) 15 years ago.
He had come from a really nasty situation, and because of having been abused by his previous owners, was never a boy who could tolerate having anyone on his back.
So, we said: Fine, Big Fella! you just hang out and eat grass and have a good time!
And he did.
He and our Newfoundland/Chow cross dog were the best of buddies, and the two of them loved mousing in the pasture! Amazing to watch a horse catch a mouse and then let his dog buddie scarf it down. urk.
He was also a very tender caretaker of the two foals that we had at one point. When we adopted his new little sister after the death of his birth sister 2 years ago, he immediately adopted her, and the two of them have not been more than a few feet apart since.
Because it is the weekend, the truck that will come to take his body away won’t be here till Monday, so we have put the canopy from our truck over him, to protect him from the huge coyote who’s been lurking in our pasture. Our little horse is guarding him, and has not left it.
We will have to decide quickly what to do about her situation. She won’t be able to handle being an only horse. So, in the middle of our grief about him, we need to take action.
By the way, our DIL’s beloved kitty has been in medical crisis for the last 2 weeks, and has undergone surgery, so I am carrying him in a sling a lot of the day while his mommy is at work…… it’s been a harrowing time…..
Happily catkins is doing well.
The challenge of adopting animal companions is that sometimes, you go through very dark times….
and even so, it is always worth it.
Tottie Talks Crafts Blog 
Oh NOREEN…. I am simply griefstricken for you, for all of you, and almost burst into tears thinking of the wee little girl standing guard over her covered brother. As difficult as it will be, I hope you can find a friend for her soon. People don’t realize how animals grieve the death of their companions.
Know that I am hugging and loving you all in spirit, and holding you close in my heart this cold winter’s night. Finally he is at peace, and what a good life you gave him.
Oh, this just breaks my heart. Much love and my condolences to you all…
Maitri
LikeLike
thank you so much, Maitri
it was a very hard thing to be there, unable to alleviate his suffering, but to just love him through it…..
And – Thank heavens for compassionate and gentle vets, who get to their patients as quickly as they can.
I am also grateful that it wasn’t -40, which it certainly has been, many nights this winter. It was cold cold cold, though, and the moonlight on the thick frost on the trees made it very beautiful at the same time. I have been feeling cold all day today…. it felt like the cold sank in deep! brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
thank you so much for your heartfelt response. We’re feeling all kinds of pain right now, but will move into equanimity and grace again, as we process it….
hugs and loves
LikeLike
Take care of you Lovie, he’d want that you know.
Again, my love and condolences to you all…
Maitri
LikeLike
thank you thank you…..
LikeLike
dearest noreen,
i will be sending lots of loving healing REIKI your way. i understand the pain,of losing an animal companion.
peace,hugs,and love
susan
LikeLike
thank you so much…. it is so welcome and appreciated….
He was and still is, dearly loved.
thank you so much for your kindness!
LikeLike
Pingback: farewell to a dear friend « Tottie Talks Crafts Blog
So sorry to hear about the loss of a beloved horse. May God comfort and bless you.
LikeLike
Dear Noreen,
I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and your little girl horse. My love has gone out to animals all my life and this is so hard to bear. Please know that I am thinking of you. As a dog walker and pet sitter as my second career I have grieved losses of more than my own animals. I wish I could be there to give hugs and wipe tears. This brings tears to me, too.
Love, Janda
LikeLike
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Tatting Chic and Janda!
We have calls out to 2 rescue agencies now to try to move quickly to find a companion for our wee girl. (Including the rescue group that originally rescued our little girl). She’s grieving terribly and needs a companion now…. please say a prayer for us that we will find her a friend QUICKLY!
thank you thank you…..
LikeLike
So sad, but I’m glad that there are people like you who rescue animals, and give them a wonderful place to stay. Thank you!
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Monika!
It’s one way of ‘living our love’ :o)
Rescued animals can have challenges from having lived through difficult times, but it is so worthwhile to do the work with them.
I feel blessed. It’s ghastly when one dies, but the memories of joyful times together live on.
LikeLike
Thinking of you and hoping your pursuits with the rescue group brings you a wonderful companion horse for your little wee one…
LikeLike
thank you so much, Janda
LikeLike
How is Little Girl Horse doing?
LikeLike
Thanks so much, Janda…….
She’s very sad and missing her big old companion.
We have done serious soul searching and have decided that it is time for us to not have horses anymore. So, we talked to the wonderful woman who runs the rescue group that Little One came from. They are welcoming her back with open arms, and the best thing is that she will be living with her birth mother and brother again. \
We keep telling her that in only a few days she is going to see her mamma again, and that she won’t be sad and lonely any more. That, and apples, and her favorite treats, and lots of grooming and cuddles, all are helping…..
thanks for caring…..
LikeLike