Tonight we lost Shel Hannah, a beautiful Arabian mare who we bought at the same time we got Sultry in 1999, from the same person. Shel was related to an alarming number of horses on the farm; her daughter is Hannah, our prize mare who’s probably about to sell, and her sister was Raquina, another of our mares (soon to be the last horse in our names if Hannah sells). Shel was as sweet and gentle and quiet as a horse could possibly be. She’s spent much of the summer losing weight and muscle tone, despite numerous attempts to treat these problems and bring her weight back up. Today after I found her laying on her side and barely able to get up, we made the decision to let her go humanely. But before she left us, she brought herself to her feet, walked outside into the sun, ate some grass, drank some water, and looked at her daughter in the paddock next door for a long time. We’ve given her the best life that she could, and she gave us the best filly our farm has ever produced. Other sisters and nieces of Shel’s who have come and gone have given us more beautiful girls. Her family line will continue, her work is done, and she has earned her rest.
Hannah could be leaving us for a new home as early as a week or two from now, so it’s especially bittersweet. I didn’t expect the gear-shift from “horse owners” into “parents of our own child” to strip the gears this loudly and jarringly, but there you go.
I could go on and on about Shel and “little” Hannah, but words don’t quite cut it. All you need to know can really be seen here – a video of Shel and a then-two-month-old Hannah. The best we ever had, at their best.
Jan’s heartbroken about it all, but I tried to explain to her that, unlike what happened with my horse, we at least got to say a dignified goodbye to this one.
We’ll miss you terribly, Shel.
My heart gos out to you during this sad time.
I’m sure you have seen this poem before, but it is one of my favorites, and it always brings a tear to my eye when I read it.
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
Author unknown…
So sorry to hear of your loss, Earl. 🙁 I am glad that you were able to say good-bye, though. Our thoughts are with you and Jan.