A friend of mine made the most difficult decision today of putting a very special horse down. Following is my letter to Rusti, her horse and a link to some pictures from the past year. I just wanted to share this very special horse with everyone.
Dear Rusti,
Today you went to run free in the Endless Fields of Rainbow Bridge. The people who care about you the most were by your side as you took that last breath and you are now free of the pain and free of the physical boundaries put on you by this earth. I̢۪m so sad that I will never see you again but very happy that you are free to run, buck and roll.
When I woke up yesterday you were the first thing I thought of, especially when I looked outside and saw the sun shining and felt the cool crisp air. I told a friend of mine that whatever forces to be must have known it was going to be your last full day on earth and made sure the weather was perfect for you.
When I went out to the barn to clean the stalls I would get weepy thinking about you and knowing that it would be the last time I had the privilege, yes that̢۪s right, privilege of shoveling your poop. You were and will always be the Grand Lady of the Barn and to wait on you was not only a privilege but also an honor. You always had an air of grace and nobility around you that could not be denied, nor could one deny you any treats or attention when you wanted it.
I only knew you a short time but in that time I knew a horse with patience, love and a sense of self that was unbelievable. You knew who you were, you knew your place in life and you took full advantage of the love and devotion around you, as you should have. You gave my son is first ride on a real horse, a happier child you could not find that day. And yesterday when we walked out to say our goodbyes you took that apple from him so gently, making him laugh and giggle and when you licked his face and made him squeal, it was the perfect way to end our all too brief relationship.
I just saw the pictures of you and Lynnelle from this morning and you knew it was time; it̢۪s in your eyes. Those amazing eyes that would talk to us with such clarity and understanding, letting us know what you wanted, needed and deserved. You are the most beautiful, understanding Grand Lady I have ever had the privilege of knowing and I will always cherish and treasure our time together.
Thank you Rusti for being so Grand, for being so patient, for being so you and for being such a wonderful friend to all who needed one. I̢۪ll be sure to give your mom extra hugs the next time I see her.
Now, when you got the Rainbow Bridge there was a very special lady waiting there for you. She told you her name was Annie and that I asked she meet you with love and open arms. I know she had a pocket full of peppermint candies and baby carrots for you because her mom told me that she loved them as well. When you need that human company that you so loved, go see Annie, she̢۪ll be your angel anytime you want.
Goodbye my Grand Lady. Run free and wild and happy.
Love
Deannda, Ellie, James and All the people who are missing you so much today
Rusti
Message edited by author 2004-12-03 20:23:51. |
