We Lost Our Friend

"There's something about the outside of a horse...that's good for the inside of a man."

Words can’t express the sorrow Gigi and I feel right now. Sadness tempered with relief.

Last night about sunset Lady fell down on the path she had trodden for 18 years. She was headed to the barn get her supper.

We struggled to get her back on her feet but her body was too tired and she had finally lost her will.

Gigi covered her in quilts and I set up a light. We visited and talked to her for several hours.

Secretly we both hoped she would die in the night. She didn’t.

I called our vet and she came out and administered the medication. Lady passed very quickly and peacefully. As best we can figure she was 28 or 30 years old.

I called a man with a backhoe and I prepared her for burial. It was strange to see her lifeless body. Horses are always twitching and flicking their ears and tail.

The operator came in a few hours and dug her huge grave. He reverently picked her up with the bucket and set her in.

This day I have dreaded and now it is over. I have been assured by the vet that eventually the other two horses will stop whinnying and looking for her.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

My heart goes out to you and Gigi. I know how sad you both are!

TerryC said...

So very sorry.

Kuckie said...

So sorry for you guys...losing a treasured pet is horrible!

Ali said...

Oh Reggie, I am so very sorry. I know what it's like to lose a pet you love so much.
Hugs and love to you and Gigi.

mr zig said...

... very sorry for loss guys ...

Chris said...

I'm sorry for your loss too.
I know how hard it is to lose a pet that has been a part of your family for so long.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry. She was lucky to have such compassionate and caring owners and to have had you both by her side in the final hours.

st said...

I am so very sorry for your loss. Seeing Gigi prepare dinner for the dogs in the RV over the summer at St. Simon's was enough to show how much you both truly love your animals. You are the best pet parents ever.

TerryC said...

I couldn't speak or type when I first read about Lady's passing. I wanted to say so much more.

I wish we could have met her. I haven't met many horses to speak to. And I'm sure she was a beautiful, gentle soul who will always be grateful for the time she spent with you, as you are grateful for your years with her.

Logzie said...

I am sorry Reggie and Gigi. A pet in one thing but a horse...they seem almost 'person like' to me...maybe it's their size...but at any rate, I am so sorry for your loss. She's not in pain anymore.