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Post by Allyson on Nov 27, 2008 9:11:41 GMT -5
In the company of good friends and a great vet, Faith was put down yesterday. After a month of not eating, increasing lameness, it was time to say goodbye before she lost too much of everything. She was ready to go. I will miss her like no other. Her last, parting gift: the night before, she laid down at my feet. She got up after a bit, and breathed into my hair, and searched my features with her muzzle, blowing soft, warm air across my face. I will never forget that. Faith is my favorite of all horses. She has helped me become the horse(wo)man I am today, in addition to being my training partner. In her absence, I have realized how much of a role she's played in everything I have done with all the horses I've touched. In fact, without her as my measure, I stared at my two remaining horses yesterday, sort of at a loss of what to do for them. Everything I have done for them was from Faith's lead, and now I have to figure out how to do this on my own. I am sure going to miss my horse.  A kind poster, downthecenterlinetheycome, on COTH created this for Faith:  |
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Post by juliane on Nov 27, 2008 20:37:38 GMT -5
I am so sorry that it was time to say goodbye to Faith. The two of you certainly had a bond like no other! It was time for her to go, but I know she misses you as much as you miss her. Thank you for being such a good mom! Here's a picture I found of you two last February...  |
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Post by lorsadoon on Nov 30, 2008 22:29:50 GMT -5
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your horse.
I think we horsewomen always have one horse that means something so special to us it is hard to discribe. And when that horse dies, a little bit of our heart dies too. So others who are like minded know exactly what you are talking about when you say how very special she was to you. Just reading about the loss of Faith reminds me of that one horse I had and it brings tears to my eyes even after 18 years to think about her.
You will go on, the lessons learned with her are still with you. And although the pain is raw now, it will get better. The love you felt for her will always remain.
Take care,
Laurie
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Post by Allyson on Dec 3, 2008 16:40:41 GMT -5
Well, it has been one week since Faith's passing. On COTH today, I wrote about Faith, regarding the lesson she taught me.
And here it is:
I consider myself successful if I cry less than 3 times in one day. But there is a sense of peace in it too- i know I chose the right thing for her, I just miss her because she was my best friend. She was really my leader rather than the other way around. So much of my life over the past 5 years (well, my whole life during that time), revolved around her. From her care, to her training, to the years of vet bills and medical assistance she required. i've been working odd hours for her- so i can get to the barn in time to help her. i've picked up a second job for her- so i could pay for her extra joint supplements, injections, etc. even my move- when we bought our first house, i made sure i was within daily driving distance so i could see her each day, or multiple times a day, if needed.
I acquired my 2 other horses with her guidance as well. Not only did she help me tame my 2nd and 3rd rescue, she also directed their care and training. Quite literally, all i had to do was take care of Faith, and the other 2 would be fine. So right now i'm a little devastated- my lighthouse went out, so to speak. I see 2 very strange horses, looking for my leadership, and I wonder how we're going to do without our Faith.
But in the end, I do know it was right to help her. She really wanted to go- her body was hurting, and it would've been beyond selfish to continue to string her along. It would've been different if she were curable- but her condition was only going to get worse each year.
As much as I gave to her, I do believe she gave me more. And that has been my biggest lesson.
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rachel
New Member
My princess Ally
Posts: 26
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Post by rachel on Dec 12, 2008 12:34:14 GMT -5
It is hard to go on with your life and care for your other horses, animals and family but just knowing you have to do that helps you heal. Its been 3 years since Bud was put down and I still cry at least once a day and when ever I get on a horse. Those who have not had a horse in their life that meant as much as Faith did to you or Bud did to me will never understand what its like to let your best friend go. I was told alot to just get over it, he is just a horse. Cabo helped me heal and gave me something to keep my mind from sinking even further into a depression. He is a great healer and teacher. I wish I could tell you that one day you will not miss her and all will be good, but thats not true. It does get easier as everyday goes by but it never goes away. Cassie and Cabo know what your going through and want to be there for you, horse manes are the best tissues! I am in tears just thinking about what you went through and deal with daily. She went with the best memories of her life. I can tell from all the pictures of her I have seen that her years with you were the best ever. Dont hold back your pain and morning for her. You are lucky to be surrounded by people who understand and support you. Use them and lean on them. Now go out and give Cassie and Cabo some loves, you will feel better!
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