Valley Miss 3/7/1988 - 10/14/2011

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Well over the last few weeks I've had a lot of stuff keeping me busy and distracted.  Dressage shows, the new boy and playing with baby Titus, all gave my a chance to put something out of my mind.  But it's time to face to reality.  A couple weeks ago Bonnie and I really talked about Miss.  She's just not been doing well lately.  She's losing weight and she's not herself.  Her breathing is getting really bad again.  We agreed the best thing for her would be to let her go before winter got here.  She doesn't need to go through another cold winter.  And I don't want to wait too long.  It's not fair to Miss to keep her around just so I feel better.

Still even after making the decision we couldn't quite make the call yet.  A couple weeks passed and we still didn't call the vet.  But then Miss told us it was time.  Her breathing was steadily getting worse and she kept losing weight no matter how much grain we gave her.  When we saw her almost lose her hindquarters just walking out to the arena we knew it was time.

I went out and spent a couple of hours with her this week.  I groomed her and gave her as many peppermints as she would eat.  I cried into her mane for the last time.  It was a good evening and I got a chance to say my goodbyes to her.





Dr. Maro came out Friday and Miss was put to sleep out behind the arena.  She buried out back with her friends.  She was reunited with Vinny, Tru, Jade and all the others that we've lost.  I know she happy to finally be able to run free without any pain or discomfort. 

Thank you baby girl for taking care of me as I was learning to event.  Thank you for showing me how much fun this sport is and what a terrific partner can be found in a thoroughbred mare.  Thank you for trusting me to take care of you.  I'm glad I was able to keep you happy and comfortable these last few years.  I'll never forget you baby girl.





One of my favorite Miss photos.  Her and Maura at Virginia

Bonnie with Miss in Kentucky

Maura and Miss at Pony Club Champs in Kentucky

 In Loving Memory

Valley Miss
March 7, 1988 to October 14, 2011

5 comments:

Anonymous October 19, 2011 at 4:20 PM  

that's so sad....i'm sorry bout your horse/best friend. she was beautiful.

Dobergirl100 October 19, 2011 at 4:32 PM  

GRIEF IS THE PRICE WE PAY FOR LOVING. I AM VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. THEY HELP US TO FLY IN SO MANY WAYS. MAY THE MEMORIES OF THE LOVE REFLECTED IN HER EYES COMFORT YOU.SINCERELY- COOPER'S MOM

Karen Briggs October 19, 2011 at 5:39 PM  

Had to make that same horrible decision in July for my 28-year-old gelding, Toddy. He took me round some Prelim courses I probably had no business getting around and always saw me safely home ... and he was my best friend for 22 years. I know exactly how difficult it is to let them go, but as someone wise once told me, "Better a week too early than a minute too late." Hugs to you.

Anonymous October 19, 2011 at 7:01 PM  

"To place your horse's need for you to let him leave his failing body above your need to keep him with you - that - is the greatest and purest love." by Cynthia Garrett

I truly feel your pain as I lost my old buddy, Andy one month ago today. I had 18 great years with him and he was a wonderful horse. My heart would burst with pride evertime my trainer entered the ring on him. He'll be in my heart forever!

mskitti October 19, 2011 at 8:36 PM  

Letting go is so hard, we love them so much. Keep her in your heart forever and and listen for her hoofbeats in your dreams. Hugs.