When we accept the responsibility of pet ownership we also agree that when their life nears its end we shall help them to pass on with the dignity and compassion they deserve. Yesterday was such a day. While I was on the phone exchanging Christmas pleasantries with Mary she found our beloved Arabian gelding Kounselor sprawled out in his pasture. It was unusual behavior for him especially as he didn’t respond to the sound of her voice as she called to him. Our first thought was that he had colic, something we had lots of experience with in the past but not with him. While Mary comforted him and tried to persuade him to rise, I was on the phone and the internet trying to track down our vet and searching for possible answers. Everyone was fantastic, especially our vet Scott Simms and ranch manager Kyle Schumacher who willingly put their Christmas activities on hold. Over the next few hours Scott determined it wasnt colic and that all his vital signs were essentially normal. He did however have an elevated white blood cell count, an indication of a possible infection. For the next two hours, as Mary cradled his head in her lap, we discussed the options eventually coming to the conclusion that after 28 years it was time for us to say our goodbyes to this loyal and wonderful animal. Accordingly shortly after 2pm Hawaiian time, Kounselor drew his last breath leaving us to join his one true love Sugar Bey-B where were sure they are now frolicking in the sky together. He was a most remarkable horse. When Mary and I divorced he was the link that tied us together, helping us to forge the most wonderful friendship. He could be an absolute handful especially if he felt someone wasnt paying him enough attention. On several occasions he would erupt into bucking sessions with no warning whatsoever, successfully unseating me on more occasions than I care to admit. Strangely this always happened where the ground was nice and soft and I discovered that after his initial triumphant gallop away if I lay still he would return to gently nuzzle me to check that I was OK as if to explain he had meant no harm, it was just a game. On the other hand when occasion required he was an absolute model of good behavior, as when I would ride with our young Shih Tzu puppy, Rocky, on the front of my saddle or when he would graciously allow Mary to hoist two of Jonathans grandchildren on to him for a walk around the ranch. As I write this fighting back the tears looking out on a picture perfect day with the Cascades brilliantly lit up in a cloudless sky, I am incredibly grateful for all the wonderful times we shared together, for the fact that Mary was there to comfort him in his final hours, that when she held her phone up to his ear he nickered softly as I said my goodbyes, and for the fact that Kay continues to be a bastion of love and support. When we were kids my guitar playing elder brother joked that he would one day record a country song titled Im so lonely in the saddle since my horse died. At the time I thought it was very funny. I dont think its funny anymore………….You will always have a place in our hearts Kounselor – give Sugar our very best please.
Posted on: Fri, 26 Dec 2014 18:25:13 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015