One of the hardest parts of being a pet guardian is when the time comes to say goodbye. Today is the 2 year anniversary of when I said goodbye to my heart horse and even 2 years later I still tear up thinking about him. And while he wasn't the first horse I lost or even the first animal, he was one of the ones to leave a bigger lasting imprint than some of the others. I bought him when he was 17 with the intent of making him a lesson horse, except he had other ideas and became my partner in many adventures from camping to team penning to being turned bright orange one summer during horse camp! His favorite thing in the world was littles, he was always so careful around them. Walking slowly until he felt them relax, putting his head down and standing as still as a statue so they could pet him, to taking treats so gently - he was one in a million. But as he got older his sight started to go, then his hearing and I started making arrangements for when the time came. Horses are a lot different than small animals when it comes to arrangements - If you plan on burying them you need to make sure that this is allowed in your area - some areas have restrictions on the burial of large animals from not being allowed to how deep the hole must be. Also to dig a hole that large, unless you have access to equipment that can dig a hole that large, you will need to arrange for that as well. Cremation is an option however it can be very expensive - both of my horses cost around $1,200.00 each. I did have both of my horses cremated and was able to pre-pay ahead of time which made the day that I had to make the decision that much easier as all I had to do was arrange for pickup. Other options include donations to big cat rescues or veterinary schools or disposal in landfills, I have known some people who did this and while it wouldn't be my choice it might be yours which is perfectly ok. I know that thinking about end-of-life things sucks but after having lost two within a year of each other, preplanning made those decisions so much easier. We never WANT to think of losing our four-legged companions, but preplanning lessens some of the stress. And it's never too early to plan either, I know I will be making preplanned arrangements for my next horse as well because should the unthinkable happen, I know she will be on the mantle right next to the other 2! So in honor of my Sullyboy who left 2 years ago, give your babies a handful or 6 of cookies, a big hug, and tell them you love them because we never have them long enough but their memories last a lifetime.
Appy Riding!
Tracy
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