Wednesday, April 16, 2008

The End of an Era

One of my mom's horses unexpectedly died this afternoon.

She was my childhood horse's baby, all grown up. My childhood horse and lifelong friend, Dancer, was put down a few years ago after a good long life. Her baby Shadow was born slightly crippled and was kept mainly as company for the other horses and because my mom is a sucker for animals.

She was getting older, into her teens, and has been having problems with her leg. Unfortunately, in an effort to escape the vet, she broke her leg and had to be put down.

I am heartbroken for my mom, having to deal with the reality, the enormity, and the trauma of the event and its aftermath.

In one respect, I'm glad that she didn't have to make the decision to put her down just for being old and crippled, because she would have carried the burden of guilt and indecision for a long time, even though it would have been the right thing to do.

(we had a three legged greyhound they had to carry up and down the stairs and out to the bathroom...FOR YEARS)

On the other hand, I know all too well the shock and pain of losing a pet to a sudden and traumatic situation, and all of the "what ifs", even though they are good for nothing and it was all meant to be and happened for a reason.

It feels like the end of an era as far as pets go, with Heidi Louise dying and Dancer's baby, Shadow dying and us adding Murphy and them adding Duke to the family. It's definitely sad and another one of those things that makes you realize how quickly time is passing, when pets you remember as babies grow old and pass.

12 comments:

KatBouska said...

Awwww, I'm sorry. Animals are so sweet...like kids, you just hate to see anything harming them. Ever.

Life, Love And Lola said...

So sorry to hear this. Hugs to your Mom. She is with Heidi Louise now. Hopefully enjoying a ham & cheese sandwich together.

Melissa said...

Awww I'm sorry! :(

Anonymous said...

We just last week had a traumatic pet death at our house. It was my cockatiel, Blossom. I had her for 16 years, and she was an adult when I got her, so I don't actually know how old she really was.

I feel like I need to share the details, because the trauma was real and I haven't talked about it with anyone but my son, but I will spare you all the gory details.

Anyone who has ever lost a pet can relate to the loss of your horse. Big or small, pets occupy a big spot in our heart. I'm sorry for your loss.

Anonymous said...

:( I totally love your Mom for her love of animals.

Anonymous said...

thanks to everyone for your kind comments on the loss of our horse. They say "God works in mysterious ways"and "there are angels among us" and this is so true. Besides other details on her death that I won't go in to, we had a real dilemna on our hands trying to find someone to help bury her. We needed a big tractor or some equiptment to dig the hole and move her into it. We called and had several people calling everyone they could think of and everyone said they couldn't come until the morning. We didn't want to leave her laying out all night for numerous reasons. My son then called to tell me something funny and I told him what happened. He lives near the beach and wouldn't know a soul with a backhoe but someone had just walked up to his house with a backhoe attached to his truck and asked if he wanted a tree removed. Since he is a renter, he didn't but it is amazing to say that he had the guys number. When I called him he said he would come right over. When I asked if he had ever buried a horse he said he grew up on a ranch in Iowa and had buried a few in his lifetime. When I asked how much he charged he said "well I bet you are pretty sad and I made my money today so whatever you think". God does work in mysterious ways. Tshadow Dancer is now running on 4 good legs with her Mom at Rainbow Bridge, grazing in fields of carrots!

Anonymous said...

Aww-Tell Mom we're thinking of her and So Sorry.
I *heart* your Mom. She and I may be pet hoarders someday...

Amy said...

Sorry about your Mom's horse.
I wish my mom had horses.

Kristi said...

Just wanted to say sorry...my horse had to be put down a few months ago. I got her when I was 11. I was 25 when she died.
K

elaines630 said...

I totally relate. I have a horse that I got when I was a kid and shes getting up in age, she has really bad arthritis in her knee (about a base ball size lump from it on her knee) and its so painful just to watch her move around. I know that tough decision isnt too far away and it breaks my heart to just think about it. But you are completely right about the end of an era. Both of the cats that I grew up with died in the past few years and now my horse is slowly fading. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Mitch said...

Awww...mom's comments brought tears to my eyes! I am so sorry...

Renee said...

I'm so sorry - this has to be difficult for all of you. :(

-The Renee