Good bye to my old friend

catherinep

catherinep

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Near Marlborough (south of Swindon!)
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Sad news...I lost my dear beautiful Woody on Boxing Day. He was 32 and although the suspensory injury that he had managed to acquire (from galloping about in a highly un-necessary fashion given his age!) was recovering well, the other leg could not take the strain and was likely to shatter. I had him for 24 years - he came with me to university, he saw me through my teenage years and I will be 40 next year....so we went back a long way.

Somehow, it seemed fitting that he was ready to go on the biggest day of the hunting calendar - I do hope that he made it in time for the celestial meet. Blowing Gone Away for the last time was the toughest thing, but our wonderful vet was truely amazing and I will never be able to thank her enough for her kindness on Boxing Day 2006.

I know that several people recently have asked about methods of euthanasia - well, I was there for the bolt and it was very quick, not messy and she gave him a little bit of sedative first, so, as far I was concerned, he was zoned out anyway. It was quiet, peaceful and better than I ever dared hope for my beloved best friend.

I sat with him until the van came to take him to the kennels for the last time and he was still warm, it was important last grieving time together. I have feared this moment for so long but when it came, it was OK and he was in very safe hands.

I miss him so much but have 2 others that need my care and attention and the Rocket, our rescue pony, who has now been promoted to official companion to the others. Life goes on, and I will salute him at every Boxing Day Meet that I ever go to.

Woody - Gone Huntin'
 
That made me cry.....
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R.I.P Woody....
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That brought a tear to my eye, I hope I can be as brave as you and do the right thing if and when the time comes.

Woody, enjoying hunting the always green fields above us
 
Oh dear, that brought tears to my eyes.
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How wonderful for you both to have been together for such a long time; what a remarkable and special relationship you must have had, and to be with him right till the end is very admirable. He was a very lucky horse to have you.....and I'm sure you feel very lucky to have had him too.

You'll never forget him - special ones always have a deep-rooted place in our hearts.
 
Bless your heart, that was beautiful. With a tear in my eye, and a lump in my throat, i send you my biggest hug, and best wishes. So very brave. What a wonderful bond you had with your special friend, right til the end. Cherish the special times you shared xx
 
He will be out there hunting along with my old TB - two old buggers who never knew it was time to slow down

Sorry it had to end, but he was a great old age and it was a peaceful way to go.

Sending you a virtual hug.
 
Catherine,what a wonderful tribute you just paid to your very special friend.If only all equines were as lucky to have such a loving owner to see them safely on their journey over the Rainbow Bridge.

RIP Woody

Thinking of you*hug*

Bethxxx
 
How sad - but what a lovely partnership you had. Its something we all have to think about eventualy, makes me cry just thinking about it. I hope I can be as brave as you when the time comes - Lots of hugs.
 
What a beautiful post, we had one old lady for 20 years and still have her friend after 22 and a bit years, I hope I can borrow your philosophical attitude when the inevitable happens to her. My thoughts are with you at this time.
 
RIP Woody.....

i too ride an oldie who has been with his owner for 24yrs...he'll be 30 this year, god willing..... there's a lot to be said for the older horses now!!
 
Thank you everyone for your wonderful messages - it has meant alot to me.

In a funny sort of way, I feel relief that is wasn't colic or any sort of violent end - that must be very hard to bear. Dear Woody was himself right up until the end and in no distress. He went as he lived, without fuss or fanfair, but the "good" leg could no longer support him and would have shattered. He'd had his breakfast and his very favourite ginger nut biscuits and knew that I was there with him, so he was safe.

Thank you again everyone.....

C/x
 
RIP Woody I had my horse pts on 21st December I was with him too but chose an injection it was peaceful he had had a wonderful pampered life for 23 years
 
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