Many of you know CindyLouWho, a majestic white Percheron mare of advanced age and royal bearing - she has been a reader and supporter of mine for many months now. She communicated often, offering encouragement and stories that gave us a glimpse into the heart of a truly great character.
On Tuesday, after a long battle with various physical ailments, she slipped away to a peaceful, pain-free world. Her human, Pam, was with her and her pony friend Finn not far away. In my mind I see CindyLouWho kicking up her heels in a very green pasture, free of cares and woe, enjoying a well-earned release from the hardships that can accompany an aging body.
Pam has a sizable hole in her heart. She knows CindyLou is in a better place, that losing her dear friend was inevitable and that the happy memories will prevail. Nevertheless, such a parting is always painful for those left behind. An elderly Appaloosa gentleman was introduced into Finn's paddock and is proving a steadying force for a young pony who doesn't quite understand where his friend has gone.
I myself was not priviledged to meet this grand old lady horse but the woman was and returned with tales of a being so magestic and dignified that she felt she had met true royalty. I have instructed the woman to show the photo of CindyLou in the bonnet Pam constructed for her in honour of my birthday last year. The picture very much tells the story of this gracious soul.
Godspeed CindyLou. Pam, our thoughts are with you.
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17 comments:
Oh, I am in tears here - but also imagining Cindy Lou Who running with the wind in her mane, enjoying a wide-open field with green grass, sunshine, and good friends.
All my thoughts are with you, Pam. Take care in this difficult time.
So sorry to hear of the passing of the lovely lady CindyLouWho.
I've just revisited CLW's PictureTrail albums. She was indeed magnificent and looked to be thoroughly enjoying her Driving competition. Hope the memories those pictures recall will help ease this terrible loss.
Gayle
(Bouncy Dog's "Auntie")
IN MEMORY OF CINDY LOU WHO
Request From The Rainbow Bridge
Weep not for me though I am gone
Into that gentle night.
Grieve if you will but not for long
Upon my soul's sweet flight.
I am at peace, my soul's at rest.
There is no need for tears.
For with your love I was so blessed
For all those many years.
There is no pain, I suffer not,
The fear now all is gone.
Put now these things out of your thoughts,
In your memory I live on.
Remember not my fight for breath.
Remember not the strife.
Please do not dwell upon my death.
But celebrate my life.
Anonymous
Billie, we knew CindyLou was ailing but it was still a shock to hear of her leaving us. I know that wherever she is her ankles no longer ache and like yourself we picture her as light as a feather in eternally green fields.
Thank you Gayle, I know Pam will appreciate the kind thoughts. Can you tell us how to get to the PictureTrail albums you mentioned? Apparently CindyLou and Pam were quite the "driving force" a few years back and it would be nice to remember her that way. CindyLou also tried her hoof at dressage so she was truly a Renaissance horse of many talents.
completecare, thank you. That is absolutely lovely. Willy, you and your humans know all about elderly equines at your wonderful retirement home. I know that in actual years Jack is quite ancient but I try to dwell on the peace and joy to be found in his company. He says he plans to live forever and I choose to believe him. I'm sure Pam will find solace in the good wishes of our extended equine/human family.
There are lovely pics of CindyLouWho (and her foal) at www.picturetrail.com/cindylouwho2
I remembered CLW's "Mum" Pam had told us about them long ago and was pleased to be able to find them again today.
Still love CLW in her Spring Bonnet best though :-)
Thank you Gazelle! The "baby" is now eight and will be coming home from training this spring. Something for Pam to look forward to. And yes, I too have a soft spot for the bonnet picture - just something about CindyLou's amused expression...
This was sent to me last year by my vet at the passing of my dog of 17 years. I think it applies to horses as well.
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 may stay your hand,
But on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendhsip 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.
No matter how old they are when they go it still leaves a hole. My thoughts are with you Pam.
We are, for once, speechless. All Equines go to the better place. We hope she is running through fields of glorious green grass. All of Seredipity's horses and 2 donkey's send their regards and support. My head hangs low and my bray is mournful.
Ben
Nacho, that is a lovely poem. I hear through the donkey grapevine that you lost your very old horse friend, Boogie, not too long ago. There must be a very full pasture somewhere with a lot of our old friends.
Ben, my young friend, thank you for your kind words. Pam will be very pleased that so many are thinking of her and her old friend.
Yes, my good friend of 23 years Boogie died two years ago in January at the grand age of 31. Will Rogers said something to the effect that if dogs didn't go to heaven, he wanted to go where they went. I feel the same way about all of my four legged, furry friends.
I read a short time ago (can't remember where) that at the Pearly Gates it isn't St. Peter who decides if you should enter heaven but every animal you have ever had votes yes or no......interesting concept. I hope my animals are as forgiving as they were here on earth!!!!
So sorry to hear of the loss of beautiful CindyLouWho.
Your fren,
Nacho, I very much like the idea of animals judging which humans should enter the Pearly Gates - there will be some interesting accountability taking place...hehheh
Thank you Buddy, I know Pam will appreciate your kind thoughts.
I was so very sad to hear about CindyLou's passing, but as you say, I'm sure she's running free and happy in the pastures beyond.
I've lost several Cats over the years and had to officiate at their passing; the only thing that offsets the pain and sadness of that event is knowing that you've done the right thing by letting them go peacefully and painlessly. We can only hope for such compassion ourselves when our time comes.
Blessings to all on this beautiful day -
Christina / SVG
Christina, SVG, how true. All we can offer is comfort and to make sure we enjoy the company of our friends everyday. I give Sally a thorough washing every day and let Jack use me as exercise equipment. I am sure CindyLou was well aware of being a much-loved horse and knew that Pam was with her till the end.
Run free CindyLou, in the company of many great horses who have gone before you.
Pam - my sympathies & virtual hugs.
Dougie, thank you on behalf of Pam and Finn Pony. I trust all is well with you in wintery Scotland?
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