In Fond and Loving
Memory of Our Friends
Life brings us many joys and sorrows. For those among us that achieve real affection for
and from an animal, life gains a dimension that is hard to explain to those who never
experience such a relationship.
Horses are unique in who they are for they are always horses, never something else. They
aren't just like any other domesticated or wild animal. No other animal nickers with
affection or whinnies hello when you are recognized. Horses are large animals with hearts
to match. From their muzzles, soft as a mole's belly, to their full swinging, cheek
stinging, swishing and expressive tails, there is just no animal quite like them.
To have a good horse is to share in a secret knowledge of one of life's sweetest
pleasures. An easy friendship with a hardworking, willing companion. A companion who
shares their life with us, serves us, depends on us and who carries us part of the way on
our life's journey.
So when our companion, our friend, comes to the end, we grieve. Our sorrow is body
filling, our hearts ache and our eyes bring forth a sad spring of tears. The nicker
is gone. No more to gallop and create the wind. No stamp of hoof, no grain sweet breath,
no flicking ear nor tangled mane, just an empty place as big as a horse.
Now our friend runs free in a place of eternal spring. A place where the grass is
sweet, the water cool and there are no fences or stalls, no ropes, no bridles or saddles
and a good gallop is never tiring. A place with riders who are carried for the love of
doing what comes naturally and where horses really can fly.
- Hank
Barney
our dear departed Australian Shepherd
So long good friends...
