RIP Bridie...1981?-2010

[Rue]

Well...I've calmed down a bit.:scry: And I'm not asking for sympathy...just felt a need to mention the passing of a long-time 'friend'...

We had to euthanize my very first horse this morning. She was a grade horse...mostly quarter horse, and fairly large at 15'2".

We got Bridie in 1991...and she was at the very least, 10 years old then. One farrier put her closer to 15-16 (but I didn't think she was old, but who knows?).

So she was 29 at the younger estimate.

She's been retired for 12 years, since she developed ringbone (arthritis) in her two front feet, but since she was still enjoying life, we just let her be a horse.

She was a wonderful first-time horse for us to learn with. Easy-going, well-trained, tolerant.

I knew this was coming for several years now. I'm actually surprised she was still 'okay' until just the last 2 weeks. But the last two days she could barely get up and wasn't eating anymore.

...but still...it's hard when someone's been with you for almost 20 years...

And I'm going to have to deal with a few more fairly soon...our herd is getting older, and a couple are gibbled (leg injuries). Our old dog is 13 and is going downhill quickly (deaf, losing his sight, legs aren't working - he falls over fairly often)...but I don't think he's quite ready to call it quits yet (once he gets going he still has fun out in the yard)...so I'll give him more time.

Ah well...it's still been worth it. Mind you that's why I have the parrots...they'll likely all outlive me...:1luvu:

[William]

Sorry to hear that. I know you didn´t ask for it but you have my sympathies none the less.

[Cliff]

Sorry about your loss

Even when you see it coming for a while, it never makes it any easier to say good bye to an old friend.

We recently lost a 18 year old family member (cat) leaving us with just one cat. He’s 14, blind, and we have to feed him specialty food with some type of nutrient supplement in it because he body can no longer properly process the needed nutrients. For now he’s healthy and happy. I’m just dreading the day when that changes as I know it will.

[rich311k]

I am sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is a the tough part about owning them.

[gabbyguppy]

So sorry Rue! I lost my horse two months shy of his 30th Birthday. You don't have an animal that long without forming a deep emotional bond.

I feel your pain. Losing a "friend" is never easy.

Karen

[Northernguy]

So sorry Rue!
It is the roughest part of loving pets.

[Pleco380]

Sorry about the loss.

[Rue]

Thanks everyone.

It's a good thing I didn't have to go to work today...I'd be running around with a box of sodden kleenex...

[Sarkazmo]

I understand that kinda pain and I've indeed even shed tears for your sorrow and loss.

Sark

[dragoonwoman]

Rue -

So sorry to hear of your loss. We just had to put down one of our horses at the age of 23, due to severe colic. We'd had him for 10 years and he was a wonderful boy.

We're currently watching our 9-year-old cat for the signs it's his time to go - he was diagnosed with cancer a week ago.

The hardest part of owning pets is knowing you'll most likely outlive them.

My condolences to you and your family.

[Demjor19]

Sorry to hear of your loss. Sounds like you gave her a great life.

My wife and I keep Sulcata and Leopard Tortoises...that way we will always have a freind til the end!

[Lady Hobbs]

Rue, your family have given these animals just a wonderful life for all these years and it's obvious you love each of them dearly. To care for this animal more than you care for yourself is sure testimony to that. You did what you had to do to bring this animal to a peaceful ending. This sure is no comparison to losing a fish we've had for 6 months, is it?

And yes, you have our sympathies because your heart is hurting.

[Crispy]

^^^ agreed. As sad as it is, you gave it a great life! :ssmile:

[Rue]

Thanks everyone! I know you guys understand, more so than non-pet people.:l19:

I'm better today...and the other horses have stopped calling for her...which helps.

It was the right thing to do...we held out as long as thought she was still able to enjoy the sun and her food, etc., but she just couldn't anymore...

I wouldn't change anything though...animals add so much to my life, even though it's so tough when we have to decide they've come to the end of theirs...

Thanks again!

[Little Embers]

I am so sorry to hear about Bridie Rue! :scry:

[promise]

So Sorry to hear about this Rue, any loss of a pet is a horrible thing to go through, you and your family gave it a great life as everyone has said.
i am very sorry for your loss.

[rothenb1]

I'm so sorry. It's always hard to lose a friend. The end is always hard, you'll have to try to remember all the lovely times together and look back on them fondly... but I don't know if the pain of losing them ever really goes away. You're in my thoughts :ssmile:

[Gisela]

I am so sorry to hear from the loss of your horse Bridie. I have also a lot of animals, but each one is unique and if you have to say Good Beye it is hard even they had a long happy life with you. I lost my second oldest cat Felix (16 years) in June. He was blind for quite a while but still happy walking around until I had to put him to sleep after his cancer progressed and he lost more and more weight.

[Rue]

Thanks so much guys! :1luvu: I'm okay...unless I let myself get maudlin...

She was such a good horse to learn 'how to horse' with...and I miss seeing her come over to say hello when I'm out at the corrals...but this weekend we're going to change up the two groups of horses...I'm adding the two horses she was corraled with with the larger group of 6 in the bigger pasture...and I'm putting the two gibbled ponies (each is alone in a small round pen at the moment) in the that smaller corral...so everyone gets more room...and it will be easier for us to do chores.

The two gibbled girls should be able to hang out together and not hurt each other...given they each have a bum hindleg...

I think changing the landscape out at the barn will make it a little less noticeable that Bridie isn't around anymore...