Good morning, y’all – hope you’re having a good weekend. Or – better – are still asleep since it’s Saturday!
Yesterday was a rough day for us here in the Deatherage household. And it sorta knocked the stuffing out of me and put a pretty huge damper on my creative mojo.
So – I’ll ask for your forgiveness for no card. And your indulgence.
One of our family left us today. Our big Bo – went to the Rainbow Bridge.
We knew the day was coming – and had “made an appointment” for the vet to come. The day started as usual as I fed everyone, kissed three noses, scratched three faces and six ears. Cleaned stalls.
But – in the back of my mind, I knew it was not normal.
When I pulled dinner feed – I only filled two buckets. I knew there would only be two noses. Two faces. Four ears.
Bo was almost 30 years old – which is REALLY old for a horse. He was my kid. He’d lived with us since he was 18 months old. He was my first driving horse. He was…wonderful. One of the sweetest horses I’ve ever known – with the possible exception of his brother, who we’d had and lost long ago.
He was…HUGE. Tall and gangly. And colored like a giraffe. So – he had a lot of pet names.
Giraff-a-galoopigus.
Gihugicus.
Big Man.
He wasn’t built very well so he had mechanical issues most of his life. He had Cushings Disease – which is a problem with his pituitary gland. But – he was being treated with medicine for that and he’d done very well for three years.
He considered himself the herd stallion – and the girls let him pretend to tell them what to do.
Even today – as we tried to catch him, with the vet watching from the barn – he treated us to his wild-stallion persona.
Head in the air, ears pricked, nostrils flaring and blowing a trumpet challenge to…no one. Make no mistake – bad conformation or no, the horse was spectacular – especially when he was being all-that-and-a-bag-of-chips.
Dad couldn’t get him.
I got some peppermints and a catch rope and…he decided to let me walk up to him and then take him to “the spot”.
Where I told him good-bye. And fed him lots of peppermints. Kissed that nose for the last time. And left him with his Dad and our kind vet.
So. An era has ended. No more Gigantor in the barn. He’s at the Rainbow Bridge with the others who have gone before him. Where, I am sure, there are Peppermint Fountains and all the deep green grass and alfalfa he can eat.
It was a gorgeous day. Bright and sunny. His adrenaline was high from fun and excitement – and the thrill of besting his humans in a game of chase. And, of course, peppermint after peppermint after peppermint. It was, all in all, a good day to go to the Bridge. Hard only on his humans.
Rest easy, Big ‘un. You’ll be missed every day.
If you made it this far – thanks for indulging me today. 🙂
TTFN
P.S. I promise I’ll be back tomorrow, with a sneak peek for our Sunday night video! 🙂
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I am so very sorry for your loss, Mary…us pet lovers love love love our pets and it is so very hard to have to say goodbye. They bring so much joy into our lives and love so much! I am praying for you and your family this morning.
Barbara
Thank you so much, Barbara! It’s the hardest thing there is! Appreciate your kind words! 🙂
Mary I am so sorry to hear about Bo. It is always harder on the humans, but knowing he is in good hands and at peace over that Rainbow Bridge helps. He’ll be with you in your heart always and one day (many, many years from now), you’ll meet up with him again.
There’s a bunch of them up there, Karen – waiting on our arrival! And knowing I’ll see them all again (hope I remember the peppermint!) helps to make it easier. And yes, also that he’s happy and healthy and pain-free! Thanks very much! 🙂
Oh I’m so sorry! I’ve been there too, with a beloved four legged friend. My heart breaks for you. Hugs and prayers for you.
Thanks so much, Dianne! Appreciate the kind words! 🙂
So, so sorry for your loss, Mary. Bo certainly lived a wonderful, full life. And he was loved. Hugs and prayers for healing. ❤️
He was that, Barb – loved so much! Thank you very much for your kind words! 🙂
I’m so very sorry that you have said goodbye to a dear and loyal friend, Mary.
Thanks so much, Carolyn! He was both of those thing, for sure! 🙂
Man, yesterday must have definitely been a rough one for you. 🙁 So sorry for that sad news.
It sorta sucked, yes. Thanks, Amy! 🙂
You are a treasured friend that gives us so much joy. Each day I love your posts. My heart hurts for you and your family. Enjoy the beautiful memories of your gorgeous horse. Love and prayers,
Toni
Thank you very much, Toni – your kind words mean a lot to me. 🙂
Mary,
I am so sorry for your loss. I’ve experienced losing dogs and I know how terribly hard it is. Especially, when you must make the decision to say good-bye. Sounds like you have many good memories of Bo to make you smile. Again – so sorry!
Thank you! When they get old, I always pray that they’ll lay down under a tree and go to sleep. But…they never do. I always seem to have to make that decision for them. Thank goodness for good memories! Thanks, Gerri! 🙂
If……IF…?? If I made it that far….are you kidding me? I’m still trying to get my eyes wiped clear from the flooding .My heart goes out to you, Mary. I’ve never had to put a horse down, but I had to sell mine and I think that was harder on me than anything! Then I learned Rowdy had been sold again, to who knows whom, and I was sure I saw him every time I would drive by a fenced piece of ground and could see a beautiful Buckskin gelding with long chocolate mane and tail, and if he only had 3, not four white stockings…..well, I would long to stop and find out, but I knew I couldn’t. It still hurts me today, not knowing for sure what happened to him. I know that by this time, he’s more than likely romping and snorting with Big Bo. prayers for your heart.
Thank you for reading, Sharon – and for the kind words. And – I’m sorry for the loss of your Rowdy. I think that would be worse, for sure. But – I suspect he and Bo are meeting – perhaps Rowdy is giving him the nickel tour!! Showing him all the bestest spots to nap and eat and swim and roll….
I am so very, very sorry for your loss. I know what a huge hole it leaves in your heart. How lucky he was to have such a wonderful home and loving family.
Thank you so much, my friend – I appreciate your kind words very much! 🙂
Oh Mary, I am so sorry for your loss. Our animals are a part of our families and we truly feel pain when we lose them. My prayers are with you and your husband. They truly do leave a “hole” in our hearts.
God Bless You.
Thanks very much, Bernice! Yes – the hole is huge. But filled with good memories and the knowledge that we’ll meet up with all of them again one day! 🙂
I am so sorry Mary. I know how hard it is to lose a animal who has become a member of the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Wayne. Know that he now has even greener pastures, lots of friends to play with and no issues. Your story brought me to tears, it was so heartfelt and I wish I could take your pain away. But all I can do is tell you I am thinking of you and the pain will get a little less everyday. You will never forget, but it will get easier.
Thanks so much, Barbara! I appreciate your kind words – and yes, the memories will help and the pain will ease. And we’ll see him again! 🙂
I made it all the way to the end…in various stages…I did not expect to cry this morning…thought I’d have the day off. I am SO sorry, Mary and rest of family. No matter how old, how young, how healthy, how sick, how suddenly or how long anticipated, death of any of God’s creations is not easy. It is so wonderful to know that Bo had 30 years of love. Perry loved to ride horses so maybe he was able to meet him at the Bridge. My heart goes out to you in your loss…and Bo was a pretty Big ‘un. Hugs to you, my friend.
I’m hoping that he and Perry will meet up – they can keep each other company along with all the others already there – until we meet with them again! I’m sorry to have caused you more tears, my friend! 🙁
Tears are healing in the long run and our God gathers them up in a bottle according to Psalm 56:8. I think I might even do a study on tears from scripture and songs. I’m wondering how big the bottle is?
Well – I’m going to need a gallon size just for yesterday, so….pretty big, I’d say! 🙂
Mary as I sit here with streaming down my face I have no words. When you lose a human or an animal it’s sohard but you have good memories and that will make some of the hurt disappear. I am so so sorry for your loss. I loved reading stories about your horse and Finn.
Thank you so much, Cammi – I appreciate you – and yes, the memories are good! 🙂
It’s so hard to say goodbye when they start to go over The Bridge. It was a beautifully written tribute. Tears and hugs for you.
Yes – hardest words I ever have to say to the vet. It’s just so…final. But – I’ll see him again, I know! And I know he’s happy and healthy now! Thank you so much, Cindy! 🙂
Mary as I sit here with tears streaming down my face it is never easy to lose someone you love whether it be animal or human. I said a huge prayer for you and hopefully someday the hurt won’t be as much as you have good memories. I will miss the stories of Finn and your horse
Thank you very much, Cammi – I appreciate you! 🙂 Yes, Finn is looking for the “last horse” – he doesn’t know where he’s gotten off to! 🙁
I am so sorry, Mary. I know how much it hurts to have to say goodbye to a beloved furry family member. Will be thinking about you today.
Thank you very much, Cindy – appreciate you! 🙂
Mary sorry for your loss … Hope memories of your beautiful animal will help to ease the pain.
Hugs,
Robbie
Thanks very much, Robbie – we have lots of great memories of him, for sure! 🙂
Bless your heart…I am so sorry for your loss but so happy for your long friendship with a wonderful animal. I know you loved him so much. On another note, one of my stamping friends, Sharon Coleman, says hi. She is a member of our Friday stamping group, Fabulous Fun Friday Stampers, and I mentioned you yesterday, and she said she knew you. Best regards, Charlotte
Oh – well send my best to Sharon – what a small world, huh? Thank you so much, Charlotte – we did love him very very much indeed. 🙂
I am so sorry for your loss Mary, it is heartbreaking I know when a beloved pet dies especially when they have shared so many years with us x
Yes – he was just always “here”. Now he isn’t – so…we’re having to adjust to our new normal. But it’s a relief to know that he is good and healthy and happy forever now! Thank you, Maggie! 🙂
The last act of loving care. And harder than can be imagined or told. Recalling all the loves gathered at the Bridge, whose places can never be filled, and my heart breaks with yours. And I remember that God gave us memory that we might gave roses in December. 🌹
Thank you, Mom – I know it does. And yes – the Bridge is a full full place for when we get there! 🙂
I am so, so sorry for your loss.
Thanks, Pauline. 🙂
Oh, Mary. I’m so sorry. Sending love and bug hugs to comfort you.
Thank you, my friend. 🙂
Losing a member of our family is so hard. Hugs to all of you.
Yes – and he really was a big member of the family. Thank you so much, Lin. 🙂
So sorry for the loss of your friend!
Thanks so much, Debbie! 🙂
Mary, I’m so sorry about your Bo. I’m thinking of you. ❤️
Thank you, Pat. 🙂
So sorry for your loss 🙁
Thank you, Mary! 🙂
I am so sorry for your loss of Bo. It’s devastating for you, but I’m sure he’s happy and running free.
Yep – and all the ladies are starstruck at the new guy! Life will be good and easy for him now. Thank you, Paula! 🙂
Hi Mary. Thank you for sharing Bo with us. My eyes teared up as my heart ached for you. I love your e-mails and blog posts. It’s cold and snowy here in the Denver area but it’s Saturday!! And I have things to do! I’m glad my day started with you! Have a delightful rest of your day, you are truly blessed to have had Bo in your life for so long!
Yes, we were, Merry – thank you so much! Enjoy the weekend and the snow! 🙂
Sorry for your loss, I got goosebumps reading your post. I know nothing about horses but know about losing a pet who is part of your family.
I think all of us who invite them into our lives have to deal with losing them – they’re with us for too short a time. Thank you so much, Beverly! 🙂
Mary, I’m so so;sorry for your loss. There are no words, just please know that I’m thinking of you and Wayne at this sad time
Thanks so much, Sue – I appreciate the caring thoughts! 🙂
So very sad. Animals have a way of nudging right into your heart and becoming your family. Our prayers go out to you and your husband for comfort and peace knowing that he loved you with all his heart. I would say he was one lucky horse! God knew what he was doing when he gave us our animals to love and cherish.
Yes, He did! And they give back all that we give them – and more! Thank you so much, Linda! 🙂
Oh Mary…what a beautifullly worded, heartfelt description of what was surely a very difficult day. I am blessed by your sharing. My heart aches with yours.😥💕
Thanks very much for sharing the day with me, Claudia! 🙂
I am so sorry for you loss. I too have fur-kids at the Rainbow Bridge; I miss them still, at first with sadness but now with fond memories. Sending a healing hug from one pet mom to another.
Thank you so much, Carole – it’s comforting to know we’ll see them all again. And the world will become “normal” again, I know. 🙂
Mary, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Animals, whether they are are working animals or just plain pets, are still family. I will pray for you and Wayne today, that you find solace in your memories.
Thanks, Maryanne – he was definitely family for us. We’ve spent most of our married lives with him in it! We have wonderful memories of him. 🙂
Mare, I’m sooooo sorry to hear about Bo… it’s never easy to have to choose when it’s best to lead them to the bridge. Lots of tears are falling now so I don’t even want to think of the stream you’ve left behind. Bo was much loved and he will be with you always. (((HUGS))) across the miles
Yes, Angie – I know he will. And yes – it sucks wide that we have to help them get there. I guess it’s the cost of inviting them into our lives. Thanks very much! 🙂
So sorry you lost one of your “Babies”…..but in Rainbow Heaven he is the star……memories keep us going…..what a joy to have him in your life! Take Care! Toni
Yes – I suspect he’s giving them quite a show! And meeting his brother! He was, indeed, a joy. Thank you so much, Toni! 🙂
Mary, I am so sorry that Bo has passed. Your eulogy brought tears to my eyes. I will keep you and Bo in my thoughts.- Ellie
Thank you so much, Ellie – I surely appreciate you. 🙂
Very sad. Sorry for the loss of your beloved horse.
Peggy
Thank you, Peggy – I appreciate you writing. 🙂
Mary, So sorry to hear about your loss. Being a horse person I understand how hard it is to let them go. I know your heart is broken and the pain unbearable. Remember the good times he gave you and be thankful you had him in your life.
I am and I am, Lila. Thank you so much – I know we’ll see all of them again one day! 🙂
Much love and sympathy for your loze
Thank you so much, Lucy! 🙂
I am so sorry for your loss. There is nothing harder than to lose a beloved pet.
It really is – but I suppose it’s what we sign up for when we choose to bring them into our lives. Thank you so much, Phyllis!
I’m so sorry. I’m crying along with you.
Thank you so much, Gale! I appreciate that very much! 🙂
My heart breaks for your loss. He was beautiful. Please allow yourself time to recover from this terrible loss. Nancy
Thank you, Nancy. The loss is tempered by knowing it was SO the right thing to do for him. And it was our responsibility to him. We’ll see him again, I know. And yes – he really was one of the most beautiful animals I’ve ever known! 🙂
My heart goes out to you Mary. So hard to lose them.
Take care.
Thank you so much, Denise – I appreciate you taking the time! 🙂
I am so very sorry for the loss of your “friend”. We love our critters, don’t we? They are our chosen family, as we are theirs. I am sure he is running free because God left the gate open for him.
I reminded God that he likes his chin scratched, so…I know HE was ready for his arrival! Thanks so much, Debra! And you said it – he was family! 🙂
So, so sorry for your loss. It sounds like he had a good life with you.
Thank you so much, Sandrsa – I think he did (I HOPE he did!). 🙂
I’m openly weeping for you and your family. I’m so sorry for your loss. 30 years of love will leave a big void. Sending hugs and prayers.
Yes – it’s a big empty stall in the barn. Odd yet to not see his face. Even Finn is looking for him! But – the hurt will ease and the new normal will take over. And it’s a comfort to believe we’ll see him again. Not gone forever – just gone for now! Thank you so much, Susan! 🙂
What a beautiful and touching tribute to your beloved family members. Wishing you peace, and that you find comfort in all the good memories.
Thanks very much, Mary – we do have many many happy memories of him!! 🙂
Oh Mary, Wayne and Finn and Cats: I am so sorry to hear of Bo’s passing. You have written about him before and shown his magnificant stature before. 30 is a grand age for any horse. RIP Bo = Romping in Paradise. XXX Mal, Melbourne, Australia
Thank you so much, Mal – I appreciate your kind words! And yes – he IS romping in paradise – and…nothing hurts anymore! 🙂