Heart-Felt Relationship to Animals

The past few weeks have been an emotional roller coaster ride. The death of my loyal and best friend of 16 years took a great deal of energy from me. Thus the reason why I have not been compeled to post anything on my blog as of late.

This depletion of energy was not just felt by me. I also noticed it in the other animals that shared their living space with Mookie, my aloof yet loyal best friend. Phoebe, Mookie's goofy side-kick, has been a little depressed and sad. She has come to realise that she no longer has a partner in crime to help her sneak off to the poop pile to eat horse nuggets. She no longer has a fury friend to snuggle up to at night (our blind cat doesn't count!). She no longer has Mookie to leave her his unwanted left over kibbles of dog food around his bowl (this could be a good thing!) and she no longer will be able to scare and chase the deer around the property as our attention will now be all hers!

However what Phoebe does have that she was not available to before is a realationship to our horses. This, I am grateful for. I have noticed a greater engagement between the horses and Phoebe. Unlike in the past, Phoebe is now respected by her mates in the pasture. At one time, it was Mookie (alpha male) who was able to walk the fields without having to worry about getting chased out by a herd of overly friendly companions.

Phoebe's relationship with the horses has evolved since Mookie passing. Their relationship is filled with nothing but good intention. As I am sure these relationships will grow even stronger over the years, I hope that some day Phoebe will be able to mentor and share her wisdom and lessons learned to a most gullible and ever more goofy protege.

In loving memory of a loyal friend

It is never easy to lose an animal. My dog Mookie was with me from the age of four weeks old until his passing on November 10th. He was 16 years old. I miss him and love him dearly. No words can really express the ache I carry in my heart. I would like to share the following poem in loving memory of him.

If It Should Be

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain prevents my peaceful sleep.
Then you must do what must be done
When this last battle can't be won.

You will be sad. I understand.
Selfishness might stay your hand,
But on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship take the test.

We've had so many happy years
That what's to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer. So
When the time comes, please let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend.
Only -- Stay with me until the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know, in time, you, too, will see
It is a kindness that you do for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Do not grieve it should be you
Who must decide this thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years...
Don't let your heart hold any tears.