I want to let everybody know that my daughter, Rose age 12 is going through a very sad time, in fact our whole family is.

Rose started saving her money at 4 years old to buy a horse and she bought Dusty a few years ago. Dusty has been wonderful with the children and she taught them so much. Both Rose and Violet learned to stay on a horse from Dusty plus all the horse care they learned from her.

When we bought Dusty, were were led to believe she was only 16 years old at the time, leaving many years left to be with our family. It turns out that she is well over 25 years old and the years of abuse and neglect in her previous life have not been kind to her. Dusty is in a lot of pain and she is dying. Last week our farrier wouldn't even do her feet. With tears in his eyes, he said it is her time.

Arrangements were made to take Dusty to the Olympic Game Farm this morning, where they will humanely put her down and use her to feed the endangered cats. This is Rose's choice for Dusty's last day and the best one available. It is Rose's choice to go with Dusty to the Game Farm. Her and Greg will be riding in with a friend with the horse trailer.

There are a lot of tears and emotion in our house this week. I 've been crying with Rose and for her. I am amazed at her bravery and maturity to go with her horse on this part of her final journey.

-- Laura (Ladybugwrangler@hotmail.com), May 02, 2002

Answers

Laura----my Mother had mential problems-----so I can't remember learning to ride a horse----but grew up on horse back while my Dad checked thousands of acres of pastures & took care of hundreds of head of cattle-------so my best friend for many years was my HORSE!!!!!!

I will have Rose in my prayers----

-- Sonda in Ks. (sgbruce@birch.net), May 02, 2002.

Wow Laura, such a brave child you have raised. Prayers being sent your way.

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), May 02, 2002.

I feel so bad for your daughter, I will pray for her. I know how it feels to lose a loved animal. I hope maybe soon, You can replace the horse with a new one.

-- Irene texas (tkorsborn@cs.com), May 02, 2002.

Very sorry to hear of your daughter's horse. You did a good job in raising her; she can remember that she stood by him to the end. It's a hard lesson, watching a beloved pass on, but it is a lesson that will taught from time to time during our lives. God Bless her and your family.

-- j.r. guerra in s. tx. (jrguerrA@boultinghousesimpson.com), May 02, 2002.

Bravo for Rose, the unconditional love given to and received from an animal can not be replicated...

-- Melissa in SE Ohio (me@home.net), May 02, 2002.

Loss of an animal is so hard for children. But they are blessed to first know the loss of an animal friend before someone very close to them in their family. I always tell my children that they way they feel today (awful) is not the way they will feel sometime in the future when they can remember their pet friend with happy memories. It helps them to imagine being happy again. Good luck and my thoughts are with your family.

-- Ann Markson (tngreenacres@hotmail.com), May 02, 2002.

I thought you were going to talk about a fungus or something on rose bushes

-- dave (dso@davenpu.edu), May 02, 2002.

How is she doing...???

-- Melissa in SE Ohio (me@home.net), May 03, 2002.

We spent yesterday crying together. Today is a little better and each day will be better than the day before. One of the newborn kittens died today and she buried her and I think that help alot with the grieving process.

We are putting together a scrapbook of Dusty and I printed out this thread to include. She cried more when she read all the caring responses from our online friends and family. I also printed the Rainbow Bridge from the Second Chance Rescue Ranch webpage for her.

THE RAINBOW BRIDGE

Just this side of Heaven is a place called The Rainbow Bridge. When each animal dies they arrive at The 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, someone who was left behind either in reality or the dreams of what should have been for those that never had a special bond, a special friend. Our friends that shared our lives comfort the friendless ones, promising them that their time will come. Over the hill one by one come many people. They each stop and stare, hearts caught in throats by the majesty of the view. For many there are friends waiting, but more than a few have faced life's burdens alone and come to this haven expecting no one and falling to the ground in despair. As each huddles in his separate, silent misery a small silent form approaches. Soft muzzles are tentatively placed on clenched hands. Tender caresses from paws and fingers, gentle whispers of love pass back and forth. Loneliness meets loneliness and dissolves in joy. Friendless no more, the person and animal unite in joyous contemplation of their new-found special friendship. God in His Wisdom has allowed another chance for those that had none on this earth. As for the other animals. they all run and play together, but the day comes when they too suddenly stop and look into the distance. Their bright eyes are intent; their eager bodies begin to quiver. Suddenly, they break from the group, flying over the green grass, faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friends finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress their beloved heads, and you look once more into those trusting eyes, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together.

In Loving Memory...

-- Laura (Ladybugwrangler@hotmail.com), May 04, 2002.