I find myself now having to make the ultimate decision.
My old horse's health is failing rapidly and, by all measures, it is apparent he will not make it through the winter. I am loathe to play God, as it were and, aside from the fact that Red has long been my faithful companion, this is also matter that I am wrestling with. Who am I to make the decision as to whether another being lives or dies? That is a tough one, and I could debate it forever.
Red has been with me for the past twenty-two years, and my children have never known life without him. If summer were upon us, and Red was failing as he is now, I would allow him lie down and fall peacefully back into the earth in his own time. But our winters are cruel. An old soldier such as he does not deserve to suffer.
Next weekend Beth, Bobby, Jenny, Eugene and I are going to say our last farewell to our beloved Red.
I have not specified a time, nor will I be there - I could not bear it. The owner of the farm will let me know when he is gone.
His final resting place will be in the shade of a pine grove in his sweeping green pasture on the shores of the lake.
I could not ask for any more.
Dale, I feel your sorrow so much. What a companion your Red has been. 22 years is a lifetime, and no wonder you are hurting at the decision you've had to make, but it was made out of compassion and love, and you will rest easier knowing that when the cold really starts to bite, Red will not be ailing or suffering. Big hugs xxx.
ReplyDeleteDale, this is the hardest part of keeping animals- they are part of our families, and inevitably, they age and get ill far faster than their human companions, often leaving us to make hard decisions. I know you are making the right call, out of love, compassion, and kindness. What a blessing it has been for all of you to have known each other. I hope Red goes peacefully, and that in time, you will find a good place for him in your heart.
ReplyDeletexx
AM
Dale, I could not read this without tears. I completely understand your pain, and the tough decision to do so. Remember, Red would not want you to let him suffer. It is with love that you make this decision. And what an amazing life he has being your companion. He couldn't have asked for anyone better. Red will always been with you.
ReplyDeletelove, grace xx
Dear Dale,
ReplyDeleteRed has been where he will rest easy, fortunate to have been your friend and to grow up with your children. His falling now is merely landing him to rest forever, under the shade in the green pasture along the lake shore he knows as well as he remembers you.
I write this carefully, to let you know you are in my thoughts. A hug through the ether here for you and to all your memories.
love,
gina
I so feel for you, I can't imagine how to deal with this, although it sounds as if you are doing the humane thing. Will be thinking of Red and you both.
ReplyDeleteVal, Anne-Marie, Grace, GinaBea and String...
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind thoughts and warm hugs across the ether.
You all know what it is like to love and the heartbreak that can accompany it. With it, also, the great joy!
Red has lived as wonderful a life as any horse could - we are both blessed.
I am surrounded by animals, but I really don't think of them as such. They are a living, breathing portion of the soul of my family. I awoke from sleep the other night, during the deep, silent and dark hours that often creep by unnoticed - Beau and Tnu were comfortably hogging a large portion of my bed and Tucker was curled up, breathing and squirming through her doggy dreams. Bobby and Jenny were tucked away in their own beds. It struck me, during those deep, silent hours, that I was enfolded in a piece of Heaven itself.
I will miss Red, but he will be leaping the Rainbow Bridge (Red would not walk it - he always preferred to jump) and I will see him in my mind's eye as he runs in the breeze, head and tail held high, as he did in his youth.
xxxx
Dear Dale, I do know how you must feel in making the very difficult and heart rending decision about Red. Unfortunately it is the worse part of the responsibility of keeping a pet, that we have to face the last loving act, the departure.
ReplyDeletePlease know that I will keep Red, you and your family in my meditations.
Lovely, lasting image.
ReplyDeletexo
That's beautiful Dale. x
ReplyDeleteThank You, Heron.
ReplyDeleteI will know you are here with us through the ether.
Thank you All for your kind words.
xx
Lovely tribute to our furry friends, Dale. They are our companions through thick and thin, and deserve the honour you have done them with these words. Much love xxx
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