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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So sorry to hear of your loss. Its so very hard to loose a pet…
Yes, it really is. Thanks much, Sue! 🙂
Oh, Mary, I am so very sad for you. I always read your postings clear to the end, and I am always smiling, but today just tears running down my face for you. The oldest horse I have known was 17. 30 years is just unheard of, and I a glad you got to spend almost the total 30. It is like loosing an old friend, and I know your heart is aching. I can’t tell you how sorry I am for you and your husband. No doubt you will see him again, and I know you could never forget the peppermints. Take care dear friend, and try to smile again just as soon as you can. Take good care.
Lots of love being sent to you.
Karren
Thank you so much, Karren – I’m sorry to have made you cry. Our smiles are coming back – and we’re adjusting to the new “look” of the barn. It’s not totally unheard of for them to live so long – but it’s definitely not the norm! Appreciate you taking the time to write, my friend. 🙂
My heart hurts for you & yours. Losing a family member is tough, no matter their age. Bo sounds like he earned a special spot in your heart where he will stay forever.
Yes – I’ve had a few in my life and have loved them all dearly – but he’s got one of the most special of spots in my heart. Thank you, Linda! 🙂
So hard to lose a beloved member of your ‘herd’. My heart aches for you but is lightened to think of Bo romping somewhere over the rainbow. My sympathies.
He’ll be there when we get there, I know. And in the meantime is having a most wonderful, pain-free life! Thanks much, Aoife! 🙂
Mary, what a lovely heartfelt tribute to your beloved Bo. I am so sorry for your loss. You and Wayne gave him the best life, and he inturn gave you many happy memories. Our four footed family members bring so much joy into our lives. It’s always heartrenching when their quality of life require us to make such painful decisions for them. My heart goes out to you and Wayne. Bless you in this very sad time.
Thank you so much, Beth – it’s our most important decision we ever have to make for them. And the hardest by far. 🙂
Oh my dear friend, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear sweet Bo. 30 years is a lot years
of unconditional love that Bo shared with you, Wayne and all of your fur baby’s. My heart and love goes out to all of you. <3
Thank YOU, Kathy – I appreciate your kind thoughts and words! Very much. 🙂
Sending love and prayers your way….been there…my guys name was “Gunnysack”…
Cute name, Diana! I know you miss him still – thanks so much! 🙂
So very sorry to read of your beloved Bo going to horse paradic – our 4 legged friends leave very big holes in our hearts and lives. Big hugs to you all from Down Under. Roslaie.
Thanks very much, Rosalie – appreciate you! 🙂
My heart is breaking for you. They love unconditionally. The pain grows a little less each day but never goes away fully.
Thanks, Roberta – and that is true. We remember all of them always! 🙂
Mary, it’s been a privilege to read your stories of Bo and the other four-legged members of your family. Thank you for sharing them, and condolences on yesterday’s final episode.
Thanks very much, Kathy – I appreciate you taking the time to write! 🙂
So sorry you lost your friend. Your tribute is so sincere and touching – I wasn’t planning to cry today, but I did.
I’m sorry for the cry, Diane – but appreciate your kind words. Thank you! 🙂
My heart is aching for you Mary. What a hard decision you had to make. I know that it couldn’t have been an easy one. Our pets wind their hoofs and paws around our hearts in ways we could never imagine. My prayers are with you and Wayne, Finn, the cat and Bo’s girls. May your memories bring healing to your hearts.
Thank you so much, Eunice. You got that right – they’re entwined in our hearts so deeply! 🙂
I am so very so for the loss of your friend……keep memories close to your heart.
Thanks so much, Sandy – appreciate it! 🙂
So, so sorry. Cyber hugs to you!
Thank you so much, Judy! Appreciate you taking time to write! 🙂
Mary, I too cried while reading your post. I learned to ride (many, many years ago) on a 30 year old horse. I was so sad when she left us but was lucky enough to have my own horse growing up. They are such a huge part of your family. I always enjoy your posts about your animals and Finn’s adventures. I’m so very sorry for your loss. I can only imagine your heartache. Hopefully all the great memories will help ease your pain just a little bit. Sending a hug. (Love your cards)
The old horses are a blessing in our lives, that’s for sure. They are gentle souls. His sweet face will be missed for a long time. I’m glad you got to have one in your life, too, Susan. Thank you for the very kind words! 🙂
Dear Mary, I recently began following your blog. I love your animal stories. Our children are all dogs and cats. I can relate to sadness of saying goodbye to an animal that was family and not just another pet. I’m glad that Bo had such a good last day with you. There is a verse in the Bible about how animals do end up in heaven. I know that one day I will be reunited with my babies in heaven. I hope that the sadness of your loss is replaced by joyful memories and that God comforts you as you grieve. Emelia Hedstrom
Hello, Emelia – thank you for taking the time to write. Your words are a definite comfort to me – and something I count on with all my heart! Thank you!!! 🙂
Dear Mary,
I am so sorry. Lots of tough times this side of heaven. Praying for God to comfort you. ❤️❤️❤️
Thanks so much, Linda – I appreciate your kind thoughts! 🙂
My heart goes out to you. So hard to lose a longtime charished buddy. R.I.P. buddy. Take care
Thank you so much! 🙂