We've been struggling with keeping Bandit comfortable and pain free. His
new shoes seemed to work wonders for him at first, but over the last few weeks he went back to limping and just not doing well in general. He was lying down a lot and didn't want to move around much, shifting his weight trying to get comfortable. He was hurting and grumpy and miserable. There was nothing more we could do for him, so yesterday we helped him on to greener pastures.
There is a big hole in our hearts right now, but I'm trying to focus on happier times.
Bandit with his best buddy, Phoenix:
Giving our neighbor's grandson his first ride:
Our nephew saddling up for a ride:
And heading out on the trail:
Our other neighbor's granddaughter enjoying her first "ride":
My friend Marj when she came to visit last October (she had the honor of being the last person to ride Bandit):
My dad out for a ride:
Enjoying a good roll:
I love this picture. This is how I envision him now, calmly and happily grazing. No more pain to deal with daily.
Just beyond Bandit in this picture is where we laid him to rest. I stood with him, talking to him, until he took his last breath. I miss him so much already, but I am also relieved that he is no longer suffering. On to greener pastures Bandy Boy, be healthy and happy. Till we meet again.
Our other neighbor's granddaughter enjoying her first "ride":
42 comments:
Oh, gosh, Cowgirl, such a hole in your heart, I'm so sorry.....Bandit was such a special horse in so many ways. Big Hugs from another Cowgirl (once a Cowgirl always a Cowgirl, even without a horse, right?)
Tough decision to make, I know it hurts. I had to make the decision to put my quarterhorse down this week and it's been pretty hard. I assume you read 7msn's blog, I seem to be seeing a lot of heartache this spring but hopefully they are all trotting around some meadow with knee high grass and loving it.
It's a hard thing, to help them cross over. I can just see him comfortable and rolling in heaven's pastures...
Gosh darn it. I hope you can find some comfort in knowing you gave him the very best years of his life. Hugs from all of us at the 7MSN.
Ohhhh, bless your hearts! We have had to do that twice now and it is heart breaking. I can just see him now, running and kicking up his heels and one day...when you two meet again...there will be so much love to share, again. Love you xoxox's Come say hi :D
Aww hon...I am so deeply sorry. Am in tears...so hard to let them go even when you know it's time. Sending gentle hugs your way!! May he be happy in greener pastures and run like the wind!
Hugs, Sarah
So sorry for your loss, and the pain you must be feeling now. It is so very hard to make these decisions, but you loved him so well, and did the right thing for him. How nice to have so many wonderful times to look back on and cherish. Prayers are going out for you, Bandit, and all creatures who love him.
Bridget,
I am terribly sorry about Bandit. This post reminded me of a piece I created about how a cowgirl feels losing a horse. She will never, ever forget him.
I love your conviction that Bandy is now enjoying greener pastures. He is, he is! And you are there with him in spirit.
XO
Deb
I am so sorry to hear the news. I know personally how heart wrenching it is to make the call. Too, how brave you were to go out with him in his final moments...I sent my husband out with Ginger, although I had said my good-byes earlier. I knew my sobs would make it hard for her. My thoughts are with you today.
I am so sorry for your loss, so hard to let them go but you did what was best for him.
Putting a poem here for you, don't know who wrote it but it's beautiful.
"Do not mourn my passing,
for if you could only see
by slipping all my earthly bonds,
I'm young again and free.
By day I run the heavenly fields,
my body well and strong
At night I sleep at angels' feet,
lulled by celestial song.
So do not mourn my passing,
just close your eyes--you'll see
I'm once again that gallant horse,
as you remember me."
Aww, I am sooo sorry!
As I am reading your blog post, tears are streaming down my face...I am remembering when we had to put Mollie (our pony)down. It was so hard to do it but you know they are pain free and grazing til their bellies are full.
Rest in Peace Bandit and know that my thoughts are with you!
Oh I am so sorry for your loss....sending you hugs. XO Mandy.
Damn Bridget, I dont have the words to express my sorrow for you. You took away Bandit's pain and took it on yourself. It is a gift you gave him, in life and in death. I am sending you love and hugs. I am so sorry.
I'm so sorry to hear about Bandit. You know that he was well loved and taken care of and had a happy life, that's more than a lot of horses!
Ah Girl! This is hard. What a beautiful life. You have truly been blessed.
P.
I am so sorry for your loss, saying goodbye to a dear, faithful friend is always the hardest thing to do. As you said, Bandit lives on in greener pastures and waits for you to be reunited one day.
Hugs and prayers,
Sharon
So very sorry for your loss. You made the right choice, as Bandit is no longer suffering.
What a great pic of him rolling in the dirt! That's how he should stay in your mind: Forever playful and carefree.
oh how sad, what a lovely tribute though to share these photos
:'( I'm so sorry. I admit I'm having a few tears here - though I never met Bandit, through reading your blog he's become my favourite boy.
Lyle was probably waiting for him and there having a good old mutual grooming session right now. ;-)
Give yourselves and all your fur babies lots of cuddles from England xx
So sorry for your loss. It's hard whenever you loose one. You will always miss him but it does get easier as time goes on.
Happy Trails Bandy, Happy Trails.
I'm glad I was one of the lucky ones that got to meet you and have the honor of riding you.
Bridget, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your buddy Bandit. You did your best for him and I know the decision was so hard. I loved the poem posted above..he is once again a gallant horse. Hugs to you.
You know he is not suffering anymore...you did the right thing. He will always live in your heart.
Oh Bridget, how heartbreaking. I am so sorry. Your dedication to him was a beauty to behold. It was a pleasure to know Bandit through your blog and the love that surrounded him. How wonderful that the two of you crossed paths and that you were the one that lovingly walked him across the bridge. You were his champion.
Jeannie
My deepest condolences. It's so hard to lose a member of the family like that. I'm glad you were able to be with him and help him along. What a tough day though. Hugs to you girl!
I'm so sorry. I know it's hard. Horses are amazing creatures. I just said good-bye to my kitty of eighteen years this week, so I know how you're hurting right now.
Hugs and healing to you.
So hard to lose a beloved part of the family. Wishing you well.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Bandit was happy to spend his last years with you I'm sure. Try to take comfort in knowing you did right by him even though it was hard on your heart.
((hugs))
I am so, so sorry for the loss of your beloved Bandit!! Such a difficult decision! You will be in my thoughts!
So sad, sorry to hear/read about Bandit. You have a way with those horses and you've treated them with love and respect. Bunny hugs go out to you.
Lovin' AZ by the way....we'll catch up later.
Oh Bridget I am so sorry. You are in my heart and on my mind. Hugs and a prayer for you.
You and your whole family have my sympathy and prayers - I know how hard this has been.
But as you said, he's at peace now and out of pain, waiting for you on the other side.
much love and many blessings
Christina / SVG
It's always a difficult, but necessary decision.
So hard to let them go - our forever faithful friends. Sorry, Brig. Love you.
That was such a hard decision to make, but I'm sure you did the right thing for your friend. Yes, that photo of him grazing is exactly what he's doing as he waits for you at the Bridge.
Blessings~
So sorry for your loss. Take comfort in knowing he's in a better, pain free place.
*hugs*
Yankecwgrl n crew
I am so sorry. I know how much your heart hurts and I'm sending you a big hug. Critters are just so precious.
your friend,
shell
Bridge I just want to thank you for being such a great mama to Bandit and all our babies...you are a true cowgirl..Run Bandy Run...
How brave you were to do what you knew you had to do. I have been there my friend and there is nothing harder. Bandit was lucky to be with you his last years... to feel the love you gave him. You loved him enough to do the right thing!
Oh, Bridget! How sad! He will be sorely missed, but his memory will live on forever in the hearts of those that loved him - even those that knew him for only a short while. Good bye dear Bandit, and may your free heart know only happiness as you race in those green pastures.
My heart and prayers go out to you and your family, Bridget. It's the hardest choice that ever a cowgirl will make, but also one of the kindest.
Rebekah
Was so sorry to hear of the loss of a special horse.I have experienced the same over the years and understand fully the pain both you and your guy suffered. I had to put down a beautiful little 8 month old colt last year. A perfect little man in every way, except he had OCD. When pain meds quit working I knew it was time.
I want to think Scratch and Bandit are whole now.Perhaps grazing and playing together, pain free.
I'll keep you in my prayers.
Come see me,
Terri Baker
mysticequus.blogspot.com
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