In Memory Of...
When one of our animals die, they take a little piece of our hearts with them.
There's always a downside to owning or rescuing... Sometimes they come to us in serious physical health, and no matter what we do, we cannot save them from the illnesses that have been inflicted upon them. We live and learn from it all and continue on, hoping to learn and improve.
"The Famous Aerial", ridden by Ginny Freeman at "Bishop Mule Days" 2001. After a long stuggle, we lost Aerial to brain tumors. She was diagnosed by four different veterinarians. Aerial helped show thousands of people the wonderful world of wild longears. Aerial shall be forever missed. She was one of a kind.
"Tommy" lost his battle, after years of dealing with a very bad case of "lymphangitis". Vets were amazed that he lived as long as he did, but of course, we wanted him to live longer. Amazingly though, Tommy did reach well into his later 20's because of the hard work to keep him as healthy as possible. (Tommy had been in a terrible accident with a wagon, which did massive damage to his back, left leg). Tommy, you were a very special boy.
"Peekaboo" had been successfully placed into a very special home. Her adopter called one day after he lost Peek to botulism... Many tears were shed. We miss you, Peekaboo.
"Jay" came to live here at "Hole in the Head Gang Equine Rescue" back in the early 2000's. His feet were septic with infection. Back then, Jay was given only one week to live by both our veterinarian and our farrier. After three and a half years, Jay's chronic sick feet, and constant abscessing, took his life away while he lay his big, beautiful head down in Dave's arms. Jay taught Dave how to train the big ones. This photo was taken on the very first day that Jay ever pulled a wagon. Jay, you were an awesome big guy, and we miss you terribly.
"Sissy" AKA "Big Momma", was being fostered at a HITHER volunteer's home near Grass Valley, CA. Sissy had exemplary care while there. She was in tremendous need of front hoof/leg rehabilitation. Near the end, Sissy was improving leaps and bounds, as she was now, finally, able to gallop around the 5 acre, tree filled parcel, which she shared with two other donkeys, that she liked to boss, and one handsome buckskin horse. One beautiful day, under a glorious cedar tree, near a mountain stream, Sissy lay down for her very last time. When she left, she took a little piece of her keeper's heart. Sissy, you were a teacher, and a wonderful longeared friend. You shall be forever missed.
Rainbow Bridge Poem - Author Unknown
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When and animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goest to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadoes 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 gegins 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 yur 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 belived head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never abent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....