I have been trying unsuccessfully to transfer and select pictures to my computer so I can share them with you. I have a call in to the Kodak Support Center and the Live Chat Line for help - after all, I have about 120 pictures that must go here and there and it sure is a helpless feeling when I cant make a machine do what I want it to!
In the meantime, I want to tell you that we have lost three very special horses this past week.
Two of the horses had been in their new adoptive home for a year, and another one had been with his adoptive family for eight years. The emotional pain was very great for each person I spoke with, and I want to remember them all in my thoughts and prayers.
Last weekend on Saturday night, there was a horrific storm on the east side of the state of Wisconsin.........well, I am not great on direction but I think most of southwest, southcentral and sountheast Wisconsin was experiencing thunderstorm activity. A blast of lightning came so brightly it lighted up everything like noon, and there was no space between lightning bolt and thunder strike. This dear adopter knew it had hit on their property, and woke up her husband and together they grabbed a flashlight and ran outside into the storm. There, lying in the pasture and not breathing, was Painter's Choice.............a beautiful red Standardbred gelding with long flowing mane and tail. Immediately next to him almost touching him was the mare he had been partnered with for a year. She took four last breaths and was gone. As if that wasn't hard enough, there was one horse missing. Desperately they looked around with the flashlight and were relieved to see their precious Popeye standing off in the distance, very frightened, but alright. The call to ASAP was a hard one to make, and we share their grief.
General Sam is another famous race horse that had been in long term foster care with his family near Ettrick for almost two years. General Sam had a great and easy life with this family, who had a young son and was very loved. Unfortunately, he became weak and two veterinarians ruled that Sam had cancer. As much as they longed for something to do for him, the decision was made by Craig and the foster family to have him humanely euthenized. Deepest sympathy and may General Sam always be remembered for the mighty race horse he was and the great family friend he became!
After eight years Bold Egyptian succombed to a very sudden attack of colic and intestinal rupture. He had been the best horse ever owned by the Millers, and the son called me to tell of the incident with tears in his eyes and a wobble in his voice. He said that Bold was the best horse a person could ever ask for and had always been healthy. He loved his life and they loved him. They had the vet out two times and the vet recommended transfer to Town and Country for emergency surgery. By that time the horse was not strong enough to stand. Before they could get a trailer into the driveway he passed away. One of the most beautiful things I have ever heard a man say is that he was carving a cross and engraving Bold Egyptian's name in it and he would always keep this close to him as a remembrance. Bold was only 12. It is even harder when they are young.
Please keep these people in your thoughts, too, and pray for peace the passes all understanding. You would think after a long hard winter the horses would be in the clear for problems or life threatening illness........I guess we never know.........but it is never easy.
I have a paddock full of Quarter horses!!! And nice, well trained horses, too! Four horses are at Ursula's happily eating grass, and by the end of June I am happy to report we will have an additional 40 acres adjoining our property for horses to graze! What a blessing!
I will try to post some pictures and my camera should be back in action soon - hang in there!
Susan
