Friday we were preparing for hurricane Ike. We didn't plan to leave because where we live we didn't expect it to be too bad. We fed the horses and the one I adopted last year (Major) didn't eat all his food. This is a sign of colic which can be fatal for horses. He has not been taken care of in the past and has colicked often. Because of this I was prepared with a shot I got from the vet. The vet couldn't come out because we had a curfew for our parish and were already getting some winds. The shot didn't help and he got worse and worse. We tried everything we knew and he only got worse. He suffered terribly before finally dying early Saturday morning. It really broke my heart. I hate that anything should ever suffer like that.

Since you guys are my friends I wanted to share my sad story with you. I guess it brings comfort to know all you loving people are out there thinking about me and my sweet horse.

Hey Pakd4fun, Im sorry to hear, I know how you feel I recently lost a best ``animal friend, they are part of our familys, I will go out right now and light ``some incence and pray for our friends.
Peace rhb one great thing Pakd4fun you know that animal was loved well. stay ``strong friend>

Hi Pakd4fun,

I'm sorry for you, too. All our animals are like children, and it hurts so bad when they suffer. But you know you did all you could to give your horse a wonderful home and so much love while he was with you.

Something that helps me feel better when I remember our pets who have died -- I like to believe that this is just a 'choice' we are experiencing this death of a loved one, and there are many other 'parallel universes' and 'planes'. So that in other consciousnesses, we are with them. And if we visualize them here, they are with us.

Lois

You have my condolences pakd. It is definately hard to witness suffering, but I like to think of everything as eternal in the one great spirit, and nothing ever lost forever. I think this poem is appropriate for such occasions

Do no stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow;
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain;
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

Thanks for the kind words.

Your words really are a comfort.

The poem is so beautiful.

Right now it is hard for me to get past being upset thinking about it but I know I will have a better perspective soon. I am glad I was able to give him lots of hugs and love in his last year. He was such a gentle,loving animal.

A Buddhist prayer for you:

May Major be at peace.
May he have a favourable rebirth.
May his family and friends be comforted at the tragic loss of his life.
May they also be at peace and be comforted.

-DaveK

peace and love your way sister.

Kisses for Major in heaven.

HUGS

I'm sorry pakd4fun, I don't know why things like that have to happen.

Kit

well geeez i feel like crying too just reading about it



how very very sad

but i liked itzdavey and lightform's poem

so very very peaceful and beautiful

don't have a tv but heard a bit about ike

hows it faring now?

So sorry for your loss pakd4fun.

Hope your kids are holding up okay, it must be hard for them too.

Hugs,

Sapphire

:{ Hugs & condolences

Sorry to hear it pakd4fun, it may be the right time to remembr all of the times in which you both shared the magic of life, and cherish and be thankful for that opportunity.

Hope you feel better soon.

Cheers,
J

Thank you everyone.

Those poems are beautiful!

You are all so thoughtful.

Hurricane Ike devastated some areas areas where a lot of our friends and family live but not too bad here. Major was our only loss. I still can not get in touch with my friend who lives in Galveston. I know she got out but I am concerned for her home and her many rescued cats. I heard it may be two months before people are allowed to go back to Galveston. My husband works on the gulf so he has been home since Thursday. We are having a little vacation. My husband's elderly uncle has been staying with us until his power comes back on. He is kooky and fun. The kids love him.

Sapphire,

It is so sweet of you to think of the kids. We were all upset over it. They have seen many deaths though. We rescue a lot of aged animals. Since they were in bed through the worst part, they were not aware of his suffering which was what was so hard to deal with. I feel literally sick every time I think about it.

Hey its nearly a year since the hurricane and I wanted to extend a thought to Pakd4fun since its been a year since the death of her horse. My mom grew up with horses and even though I've personally never had any, I can honestly understand that loss.

My condolences, pakd, and a big hug. Horses are so much our brethren, I'm sure yours knew that you were doing your best for him. Animals are blessed to be incapapble of morbidness. Try not to be distraught around your children, dear--they feel the death of animal so acutely and helplessly, it will make you feel worse. Peace to you.