All dogs may go to heaven,
And some cats might go to hell,
But horses are the friends of champions,
And have a place all to themselves.
Across the rainbow, to a field of green,
Beautiful horses pass, though some unseen.
It's always hard to say goodbye. Whether it's for now, for awhile, or forever, it's never easy to let someone go. I have an especially hard time, it seems, with horses.
Lefty was a beautiful black Tennessee walking horse. He was so loving and caring and absolutely gentle.
But the poor thing was abused.
Due to cruel and uncaring handlers, Lefty was pronounced unable to walk well. His broken bones in his front legs healed incorrectly due to the lack of veterinary attention which damaged his life forever.
Yet he continued to love.
Thursday afternoon was when the decision to put Lefty down was finally made. He could hardly walk and spent most of his time standing around. He limped and hobbled, bearing the pain.
There was no happiness in a life like that, for a horse like Lefty.
When I realized his pitiful, yet humane end, I cried.
I couldn't help it. As I worked, he would watch me. Standing so quietly and gently breathing his calming sweetness.
It was hard to work with tears in my eyes, but he helped with a nuzzle to my shoulder.
Lefty was always so caring.
Friday morning I cried the whole time as I watched him eat his last breakfast. He was the only horse I've ever known who was insulin resistant and unable to eat certain grains and hay.
But he happily rests with a stomach full of foods he wasn't allowed to have.
Poor Lefty could still be alive had he been cared for properly. His selfish and stubborn owners who so relentless abused and neglected him shortened his life with those who really cared for and loved him.
He was a beautiful horse.
I like to think he has joined my own companions, Running Legend and Black Beauty, in their acreage in the sky. Where green grass does not lack its lush. Where grain is as common as the dandelions. That is where they run.
Lefty will run.
Though his owners made him incapable of walking on earth, Lefty will run with clouds.
It does not make it any easier to say goodbye. Lefty was loved and always will be. He could cheer anyone up. He tried to on Friday. He didn't understand, yet he nuzzled me with comfort as I tried to dry my tears from his black coat.
Such a sweet a life. Such a preventable a death. If only someone would have cared earlier.
Rest well, beautiful Lefty.
