The Deep Sadness of Losing a Beloved Animal

[leftieNanner]

Some of you know that I volunteer at an equine rescue sanctuary. It certainly holds a piece of my heart and every day I go there (4-5 days per week - I'm retired) I feel renewed. We see such recovery, redemption, and forgiveness from all of these horses, many of whom have come from truly horrific circumstances. This morning there were 55 horses on the property. As of this afternoon, there are now only 54. My heart is breaking because one of my most cherished horses, Bryant, enjoyed his last sunshine. He was a large chestnut quarter horse, probably in his early 30s, and very lame. We did everything we could to keep him healthy and happy for the 12 years he was with us. He eventually was not able to go up into the gelding fields with the other "boys", so he has spent his recent days grazing on the flat open lawns in front of the barn with his buddy Gato. The two of them knew when it was dinner time and they would saunter into the barn on their own and put themselves away in their stalls. If Bryant was in the mood for being groomed (he loved to be brushed), then he would put himself in the cross-ties and stand there patiently until somebody took the hint and brought out the curry comb. He always made us laugh!

If you would like to read Bryant's story, it's here:

https://www.equamore.org/portfolio-item/bryant/

If you have a spare nickel, a donation to Equamore in his name would be nice.

[mr_lebowski]

1. Sorry for your loss ...

Bryant

[leftieNanner]

2. Thank you

It's a part of being involved in a rescue (we don't adopt out any of our horses - they are here to stay), and it's always sad, just some are harder than others.

[lunatica]

3. You all gave him a wonderful life!

He definitely knew he was boss when it came to grooming time.

That is lovely, and a wonderful way to live.

[MoonRiver]

4. Heartbreaking, but at least he knew love and kindness. Thank you for helping him.

[UniteFightBack]

5. Yes it's hard...still feeling stings and it can be years later. But then I think of the alternative

which is no companion animals at all to avoid the pain of loss and I'll choose the pain of having loved each and every time.

Lighting a candle for Bryant to help him find his way through the universe, for he was one of the lucky ones.

[Phoenix61]

6. I'm convinced we can learn a lot from our 4 footed friends.

They bring so much joy to our life it's hard when they go away. Thank you for taking care of so many who need your help.

[Raine]

7. I'm so sorry

I love animals so much too, the pain of losing them never totally goes away.

[gopiscrap]

8. Trust me, I know how hard it is. It's been 5 and a quarter years

since I lost the best pet I have had. (Stewie, lynx-siamese) was wonderful. I still miss him. You are in my thoughts for comfort and good memories!-Mike

[nolabear]

9. He sounds like a fine fellow. Cross easy, Bryant.

❤️🍷

[sinkingfeeling]

10. I'm deeply sorry for your loss. You made Bryant's last years his heaven.

[dlk]

11. I'm Very Sorry You Lost Your Dear Companion

I volunteer at an equine therapy facility and I have learned of the special bond that can exist between a person and the horse they care for. I hope the memories of your bond with Bryant will continue to bring you joy.

[Niagara]

12. I would like to say

Thank you and your team at the rescue sanctuary for all that you do.

I'm sorry to hear that the sanctuary lost a part of the family today.

R.I.P. Bryant

[MarianJack]

13. My sweet boy Curly...

...went to doggie heaven last August 3. I still mourn and miss him very much. I will always love him. His picture is the screen of my phone. The loss of a four legged family member is crushing!

When my grandfather's doggie died in 1963 he flat out said to my grandmother, mom, aunts & uncles that his dog was dead and he didn't ant to live anymore either. He was gone within a year.

RESIST!

[Ohiogal]

14. Thank you

For bringing love and kindness to another living creature who might not ever have known it.

Animals are amazing in their capacity to forgive.

You are performing a truly worthwhile endeavor. Bless you.

[Demovictory9]

15. ..

[Rhiannon12866]

16. I just did. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[Donkees]

17. Farewell Bryant, Run Free

[theaocp]

18. I run a rescue, though for much smaller beasties.

I thank you for your post. May Bryant cross the Bridge with head held high and tail a-swishin'. Cheers and love sent to you and yours.