nancy in AZ Posted June 5, 2011 Report Share Posted June 5, 2011 This morning I bid farewell to my cherished old friend. At 28 years old, his aged legs were failing him. Some of the most utterly joyful, uplifting, and most serene moments of my life were those I spent astride him. I treasure all the time we spent together, but especially, those moments when I used to ride him bareback, in a halter, at a flat gallop across the vast open range. I could only repay the gift he has given me by releasing him from his pain. I'll miss the sweet scent of his breath when we greeted each other in the morning by exchanging nostril breaths. And the soft snuffling nicker that he would greet me with when I crossed the bridge from my house to his paddock. Rest in peace, Otis. You have left an un-fillable void in my life, and in my heart. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tea Posted June 5, 2011 Report Share Posted June 5, 2011 I am sorry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Todd's Mom Posted June 5, 2011 Report Share Posted June 5, 2011 A wonderful tribute to your friend. I am deeply sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rushdoggie Posted June 5, 2011 Report Share Posted June 5, 2011 Godspeed, Otis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue R Posted June 5, 2011 Report Share Posted June 5, 2011 I'm glad he had a long and happy life with you - no horse could ask for more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShoresDog Posted June 6, 2011 Report Share Posted June 6, 2011 I'm sorry for your loss, Nancy. Otis must have been a grand horse. He was gorgeous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mdaniels Posted June 6, 2011 Report Share Posted June 6, 2011 I am so sorry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maralynn Posted June 6, 2011 Report Share Posted June 6, 2011 ((((hugs)))) Nancy. I'm sorry for your loss, but am glad for the treasured memories he left you with. What a dear old friend! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beach BCs Posted June 6, 2011 Report Share Posted June 6, 2011 So very sorry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WildFlower Posted June 6, 2011 Report Share Posted June 6, 2011 I am so sorry to hear of you loss, Nancy. Otis was beautiful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jedismom Posted June 6, 2011 Report Share Posted June 6, 2011 Gorgeous Otis. RIP. What a wonderful relationship you had and many happy memories. I'm sorry for your loss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Good Shepherd Posted June 6, 2011 Report Share Posted June 6, 2011 A BIG hug from Albuquerque Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juliepoudrier Posted June 6, 2011 Report Share Posted June 6, 2011 Rest in peace Otis. Nancy, I hope the happy memories of many years with a wonderful equine companion will help you through this painful time. And thanks for doing right by him. J. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nancy Posted June 6, 2011 Report Share Posted June 6, 2011 Just about 2 years ago, my best friend had to have her first horse put down. She had wanted a horse well before I met her, in 6th grade, in 1957. She'd gotten Penny as a rescue because Penny was a riding-stable horse with leg problems. It took special shoes from a special farrier and a lot of care. But Penny had 6 great years - as did my friend. Evidently, Penny was a "hot" horse who lived to gallop. And my friend loved that, too. But Penny had some medical thing in her legs that I can't remember. I think it was eventually bone spurs in the tendons. Does that make any sense? And my friend had to let her friend go. It was tough. Luckily, she had a great vet. And a great stable friend with land and all to bury Penny where she died. But it still hurts. My friend had another rescue horse at the time. Right after Penny died, she took in a temp who needed temporary love and care. She now has a permanent second horse. But Penny will always be "her" horse. You did for Otis what my friend did for Penny. What had to be done. Bless you. Otis does. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PSmitty Posted June 6, 2011 Report Share Posted June 6, 2011 I'm so sorry for your loss, Nancy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dixie_Girl Posted June 7, 2011 Report Share Posted June 7, 2011 There is no feeling in the world like flying with the wind with a special horse. Otis is running in clover, and listening to the wind for you. So sorry for your loss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KrisK Posted June 8, 2011 Report Share Posted June 8, 2011 I'm sorry to hear about Otis. I've always wanted a horse and can only imagine what it must be like to ride the way you rode Otis...It's a lovely picture you paint of the freedom and joy. Run free on the plains Otis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura L Posted June 8, 2011 Report Share Posted June 8, 2011 I'm sorry to hear about your loss of Otis. Sending you a big hug. Laura Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BustopherJones Posted June 8, 2011 Report Share Posted June 8, 2011 Somewhere...somewhere in time's own space There must be some sweet pastured place Where creeks sing on and tall trees grow Some Paradise where horses go. For by the love that guides my pen I know great horses live again. ~ Stanley Harrison Vaya con Dios, Otis. Horses also wait at Rainbow Bridge; and instead of walking across, Nancy will ride in style. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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