His owner had hosted a huge 30th Birthday Party at the barn and friends and family who knew and adored Piedy were invited. She had ordered a special carrot cake in his honor and the amount of treats he received were incredible. The fact it was 22 below zero wind chill deterred no one from attending this gala event. We sang to him in the barn and spoiled him rotten with treats and then retreated to the warmth of the house to enjoy a delicious feast that his owner had sponsored. We all received Piedmont coffee mugs (drank out of it this morning) and copies of a poem she wrote in honor of her equine son. It was truly a remarkable day.
Piedy was a staple at the barn for years and was loved and respected by all. He was lord of the pasture and kept everyone in line when behavior got out of control by some of the younger geldings. He knew several tricks, loved his peppermints, and would come like a dog when called. We were all devastated by the news.
On the day decided, Piedy sensed it was time and whinnied loudly to Bud in the pasture. Sure enough...Bud came right over. Piedy's owner said it was one of the sweetest testaments of love she had ever witnessed - Piedy and Bud stood together a long time to say good bye and then Buddha slowly walked away.
Bud was depressed for weeks after that and was very unpleasant to the other equine. He had never displayed any type of aggression before - rather preferred to avoid any kind of confrontation if possible. I felt he was at a loss that his pal of 12 years was gone and everyone who crossed his path was not him.
We all grieve in our own way and that was Buds'. Luckily for me, he mellowed out after time and returned to being his old self. Even after all this time - we all still miss the "one and only class act" by the name of Piedmont.
What a beautiful life Bud's best buddy led! I am so glad that a party was held before his passing, it appears like it was very well deserved. It sounds as though horses need to grieve much like humans, but I am glad Bud was able to resurface again as himself.
ReplyDeleteLove, Kristin