On the loss of a beloved horse - Happy Trails Over the Rainbow Bridge

Today, I lost a very dear friend.  Her name was Savannah Sue.  She was my third horse, and she held a very special place in my heart.  She was a yearling when I bought her, and I instantly fell in-love with her personality and beauty.  She bonded with my Quarter Horse, Mizte, who was 15 years older.  Savannah was a lawn ornament until I took her to a horse trainer, at the age of two-- a crusty old cowboy whose son had a winning streak with cutting horses.  My Arabian mare changed a tough cowboy's heart by showing that she could work a cow just like the Quarter Horses.  Savvy went on to win championships, and I have plenty of blue ribbons and trophies as her show legacy. I retired her from the show ring when she was six years old.  She became a one-time mom by delivering a colt that looks just like her. "Sonny" is living his years in a loving home with my cousin.

Her trail odomometer was full-- she had ridden many miles with me. It was time to retire her from climbing the steep trails, or asking her to ride for the hours we once did together. The two of us had developed severe arthritis in the same knee, so she became a pet.  She was my horse medicine and I was happy to just brush her and smell her "horsiness".   Unfortunately, the local price of boarding her reached a level that was too expensive for me. So, I moved her to a friend's ranch in Paso Robles (CA) for two years. She was well taken care of and she was happy.   Her personality was so charming, that she captured anyone's heart who would walk past her stall.  She lived for treats, and she'd pin her ears at feeding time...impatiently waiting for her food. But I had a longing to see her closer to home....

Savannah Sue returned closer to me on May 31st, where a friend who owns a ranch had an affordable place for her to live.  She had lots and lots of room to roam,  and I was ecstatic. I could nuzzle her again, feed her carrots and brush her.  I did notice that her muzzle seemed to have more grey and wrinkles...her lower lip flapped open more. She moved a bit stiffer, though she still lived for her carrots.  Gosh she was a sweet girl! Today, I received a frantic call from the ranch owner. Savannah was colicking.  I was home, sick with a cold, but Craig and I jumped into the car and drove the 11 miles to see her. The vet was on her way.  When we arrived, Savannah was in grave condition.  After careful deliberation, and running some tests, the vet told me that her prognosis wasn't good. Though the vet had sedated her, I could see my mare's back legs quivering, and I just knew that she was suffering.

I gave my horse the greatest give that anyone who loves an animal can do.  I decided it was time to give her a peaceful end.  I wasn't sure that I could stay to watch her take her last breath. I almost fled from the ranch, but I felt that I wanted to be there for her.  My friend cut Savannah's tail and we saved her beautiful flaxen mane.  She went down so peacefully and then she was still. I stroked her beautiful face and thanked her for all the years of joy that she gave me.  I made the right decision.  "Run, Savannah!"  "Mizte is waiting for you in those heavenly pastures."  You are an amazing animal... until we meet again!  Thank you.

She is now buried on the ranch, with her former stable mate.  I have some grieving to do.  I'll be back in a few days.

June 20, 2010

****THANK YOU FOR YOUR KIND EMAILS AND COMMENTS:  This morning, I woke up realizing what a gift it was that Savvy came home so I could enjoy her to the fullest. Your condolences and shared grief of your own experiences has given me so much comfort.  You are amazing people, and I thank you.****

Savannah Sue - August 1, 1983-June 19, 2010 

A Horse's Prayer

  I'm only a horse, dear Master, but my heart is warm and true,

And I'm ready to work my hardest, for the pleasure of pleasing you.

Good corn and hay and water are all that I wish to ask,

And a warm dry bed to rest on when I've finished my daily task.

Don't strike me in needless anger if I'm slow to understand,

But encourage my drooping spirits with a gentle voice and hand.

Finally, O my master, when my health and strength are gone -

When I'm getting old and feeble and my long life's work is done -

Don't sell me to cruel owners to be slaved to my latest breath,

But grant me the untold blessing of a quick and painless death;

That, as you have always found me a patient and loyal friend,

The years of my faithful service may be crowned by a peaceful end.

I plead in the name of the Savior,

Who cares when the sparrows fall,

Who was born in a lowly stable and knows and loves us all!
            - (Author Unknown)

With a sorrowful heart,