This isn’t easy for me – I’m so, so sorry to have to share that Warrior joined the Heavenly Herd last night. I apologize for just now sharing this sad news – I sat at my desk a few times today to type but I kept getting drawn away. But now that Warrior has been laid to rest on Frosty’s Knoll we must go in helping others – he would want it that way.
Last night we had just cleaned Warrior’s bedding and sat down on a couple of bags of shavings that were in front of where he lay. Bob and I talked about how proud we were of Warrior and his accomplishment of standing on his own earlier in the day and how he looked so proud – just like a warrior should. We rubbed on him a bit – the look on his face was peaceful. But then he looked at me and his eyes seemed to be brighter and you could just sense his strong will and determination. Then he stretched out his neck and rubbed the top of my hand with the tip of his muzzle – and then he was gone. An overwhelming sense of loss came over me and then came tears. But then I visualized his journey across Rainbow Bridge. He ran with a force that took your breath away – his journey was one that made him healthy, whole, and young again. And then I felt peace – he is truly a warrior. We are so blessed that we were part of his life – if even for a little while.
I found myself constantly singing or humming words to the “I Am a Warrior” song since the night he arrived – and it suits him well. He had injury to his right side, which may have recently happened, but his condition from starvation didn’t happen overnight. He had been deprived of food to the point where there was nothing left for his body to feed upon but his own organs which helped lead him to his death. We knew this was a possibility when we took him in but we had to try. We still believe it was a miracle that he was able to stand as he did yesterday – and he did stand tall and proud – as a brave warrior would.
Humans may have caused his death but the victory was still his. It took Warrior quite a bit of thought and determination to muster the strength to stand for a bit yesterday – but he did it. I’m very thankful that he was able to accomplish this task – I’m sure it made him feel very good inside.
We thank Shawn at RVR for getting Warrior out of the hell hole he was living at and for bringing him to us. I’m sorry Shawn – I prayed the outcome would be different but know that we did all we could. I hope you find comfort in knowing that Warrior was surrounded by love and he wasn’t alone while he made his journey across Rainbow Bridge.
Warrior never lost his pride or his ability to love and show compassion. That small gesture of his muzzle tickling the top of my hand will stay with me forever. Warrior’s spirit was strong and it always will be. He earned his angel wings and will never feel hunger or pain again. We love you Warrior – always.
I AM THE WARRIOR…
I feel the beat…call your name
I hold you close…in victory
I don’t wanna tame your animal style.
You won’t be caged…in the call of the wild….
Shootin’ at the walls of heartache, bang, bang, I am the warrior
Yes I am the warrior and victory is mine
The warrior…the warrior
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org
WARRIOR