Over the Bridge
It was a happy day for Tank.
He got to eat as big a tub of his favorite feed as he wanted while getting all spiffed up.
His favorite filly was no more than three feet away, where he could still keep his eye on her.
He was halfway blissful about all the brushing.
Then a familiar truck and trailer pulled up to the barn, and head up! He heard the voice of his old rodeo partner Rick. It must be time to go roping!
In truth, Rick works at the nearby vet school, and wanted to take his best good horse there for the end-procedure himself. I got a picture of him with Tank as the old guy strained against his lead rope, surely thinking, Come on, let's go! I can see the open trailer door!
Then, for a little while, it was kinda like old times--one last time-with just the two of them going down the road. (The rest of us can only imagine what thoughts and memories went along on that trip.)
I'm glad Rick and Tank got to do that. And also happy that my last memory of Tank is of him standing bright-eyed in the trailer, all perked up because the sight of Rick and trailer had triggered some exciting long-life-together memories of his own.
I called Ed after Rick's rig turned out onto the highway, and he was there to meet Rick at the vet school destination. It doesn't matter how tough a cowboy (or girl) you are--this is one of those times when it's good to have a friend standing by at the journey's true conclusion.
Because it's just the most indescribably lonely feeling in the world when you walk away with that empty halter.
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TANK (A.K.A. DUNNY WIMPY, AQHA)
1979 - 2009
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posted by Juli Thorson @ 6:28 PM
22 comments
22 Comments:
I'm so sorry Juli.
Julie, I am so sorry for your loss of Tank. I feel like i've known him too because you write about him often. God Bless you for practicing what you preach and I hope your loss makes someone else strong enough to give the same kindness to their own beloved horse.
Aww, girl, that's so sad, but a good last memory for you. I'm glad Tank got to see his old friend and they were together for the last of his life. That's a wonderful thing.
What a beautiful way to send your friend off! It made me cry, but you know he was at peace. Thanks for sharing all of his story, both happy and sad.
Peace.
For the joy they give us, for all the countless memories (good and bad).......for just BEING a horse.....they deserve the best end we can give them. It is nothing more than our duty, our responsibility.
Vaya con Dios, Tank.....
Well done, Julie, well done.
What a nice sendoff for Tank.
I'm glad you have such a nice final image to turn to. Its also nice that Rick was able to have his final moments with Tank.
My bff has said she's there when I need her for this situation. I keep thinking its not too far off as my oldest horse is 28.
What a great send off for your frined. How awesome is that his bestest friend Rick came and spent some time with him.
What a great ending to a sad story.
Great horses are worth their weight in gold.
What a lovely farewell. We should all be so lucky when it's our Time -- to have caring friends, familiar surroundings and our favorite treats nearby. Good job -- and I'm so, so sorry for your loss.
Julie, I just went threw this not to long ago myself. Its so much better to know they are not suffering any more. Kudos to you for making the decision before he got to bad. Thoughts and prayers with you and Tank's old family at this tough time.
Im very sorry for your loss Juli. I think you did well in helping him spend his last days with the people he loved, and who loved him.
Heaven just got a very good horse.
Tears, just tears....as only a horse lover can shed them....so very, very sad....blessings to you Tank, you grand old man!
Tank had the kind of send off we would all be happy to have. Human or horse. Good friends and love.
Sorry for your loss Julie.
Best Wishes.
I can only imagine how you feel. I have lost a couple of horses, but suddenly and unexpectedly, but not as much old friends as your Tank was. My oldest horses are 9 as and with luck they will get as far as Tank did or father. At my age, they could all outlive me. I do dread the day when they will leave me. Sorry for your loss.
So sorry to hear about your loss...
Too many damn good horses made their exit this week.
It diminishes this poor old world considerably when they go.
sj
Julie, I am so very sorry for your loss. I struggled with the decision for several years with my big old guy Harry. This past March, he made my decision easy. I know he did it for me. Tank was blessed to have wonderful people to care for him. They take a piece of our hearts with them when they leave.
Suzi Romine
I'm sorry for your loss too - but so happy for you that it was on your terms, you are truly fortunate for that. You did a great job sending him off - and I have to say I agree with you but would like to add that it down right sucks to be walking away back home with an empty so much so that I have retired every halter I have had to make that trip with.
Julie,
I am sorry for both you and Ricks loss, I am your neighbor,we have not officailly met, but I am close friend of Ricks. Kirs and I have had to put our share of horses down in the past couple of years that 3 to be exact, but when I had to put my old mare Rozlyn down, it ripped my world apart, she was my first horse and I learned to Rope, Ride, everything on her she was my teacher as corny it may sound, we were out of town when we got the call she wasn't doin well, she was fine when we left, and I could not be with her, dear Rick took in for me. Her halter still hangs in the same spot after 2 1/2 years not touched by anyone, so it still seems when I see it she is still out in the pasture waitin to go.
I am so glad and happy for you that you got to spend Tanks last days with him, Rick and Kris has told me so much about him and I did not put it together, but I drove by him daily, and I used to giggle because he was always with foals more then mama was. He sounds like he was a lot like Roz. 1 in a million, there is nothin like those old foundation horses is there. Sorry agian
CindyLee
Juli, I knew when i retired tank to you & Ed he could not have a better way to finish out his life, Tank always gave me his all in the roping arena, i was never out run by a steer on him ,nor did he ever duck out on me, he was just one of those one in a million horses that you run across,I will never forget him,Tank your piture is on the mantle at home where we had so many great memories, you will never be for gotten, thanks to all of you great people who responded to this, i cant thank you enough,
Juli,Ed & everyone who enjoyed him the last few years,thank you for taking such good care of my tankman
that done so much for me, good bye
tank,, miss ya already,,, Rick
Julie, I'm so sorry for your loss. I lost my beloved Morgan gelding last spring and now my eyes are full of tears as I write this. I am so lucky my wonderful friends helped me to get through having him put down. I still grieve for him. My best thoughts to to you and your family.
Julie & Rick:
I am so very sorry for what has happened.I know the look the horse gets when they think it's time to hit the show.Funny how they go from a pet to "lets Go!"....I just had a mare who was recovering from foot issues. As we began to feel better and go for walks, ect. You could see the life in this lame footed mare start to burst.When we headed back for stall rest,you just seen her eyes drain.So no matter how much time has gone by,how old they become.They always remember.My horse "The 1" never foregot me.I sold him in the late 80's.He was found in 01-02.We were back together just like we never miss a beat.I knew him right off as he knew me.The person who found him said he was hard to catch,ect.Nope!I went to the gate yelled his name. That's all it took!He's gone now....Just knowing he forgave me and still loved me,was his last gift to me.I didn't deserve his huge heart,after all these years.At least I got to tell him sorry & Love You 1 last time.But our story was needed to show me a better way to teach my own children the love of their horses.
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