His Memory Never Fades(not a true story)

His memory never shall fade from your heart from your mind. His touch never leaves you behind. 

I stroked my stallion on his fuzzy nose. He closed his eyes and nickered softly. Some say a nicker is only given for treats... I disagree. My stallion, Tribute, nickered becaused he loved me and I him. Tribute and I have been together since I was six months and he only four months. That was twenty-eight years ago. Tribute was getting old, and, well, he wasn't doing well. Just last week the vet had to pull four teeth so he could eat his oats without pain. Even still he was losing weight. His joints popped whenever he walked and he seemed to grimace just with jogging. I'd ceased riding him as his back couldn't handle my weight, light or not, anymore. Now we stuck to slow, short walks and lots of treats. I didn't brush him very often since he appeared to be in pain with every stroke I made. 

I took in the smell of fresh grass and sweet honeysuckle flowers. The sky was turning pink and the clouds appeared to be purplish in the fading sunlight. A meadowlark sang its slow song and a doe and fawn laid down to sleep. This seemed to happy a setting for my last day with Tribute. Yep. Tomorrow my vet would come out to euthanize him. To continue to torture him, with all his aches and pains,seemed cruel. Although I would suffer emotionally and greatly,in the end this would be better. I whistled our song, 'Oh Happy Day', and watched as he limped to me. His black head bobbed low and every joint popped. I fished a carrot out of my pocket and waited. When Tribute was a foal he used to suck the carrots out of my pockets and lick all my fingers. Now was no different and I couldn't suppress the girly giggle that broke forth as he licked all my fingers. My laugh turned into a deep sob and I wrapped my arms around his neck. He wrapped his head around and rested on my back. When he was a yearlling,and scared, he would bury his face in my hair. I could feel his hot breath on my neck and swore I felt a hot tear. "Oh Tribute! Tribute my Tribute, how I'll miss you!",  I cried into his mane. The sun went down and the darkness shielded us from the inevitable.

The sun didn't shine and I wasn't sad about that. Dr. Frank called to say he'd be over in five minutes. I fed Tribute as usual and gave him apples and carrots. There was no purpose in haltering him, Tribute had never tried leaving my side and wouldn't try today. The grass was cool and inviting so I sat down and soon Tribute layed beside me. His head rested in my lap and I clutched his mane in my hands. The vet arrived shortly and nodded a grim Hello. There was no wasting time or small talk. I wasn't hurt when he wordlessly administered both shots;however I was surprised when he spoke to me while I mourned my loss. 

He said, "Death is unavoidable in this world. He seems to rob us of our loved ones without mercy. To fear death is foolish as he is inescapable,instead we mourn death and its cold ways. When we have the decision-do we or do we not-euthanize a favorite pet or companion,it is very painful. That kind of power hurts. Part of us wants to prolong their life, to never let it end. The other knows the pain we'll cause and therefore we must choose the to end the life of our loved one. After that comes guilt...what if more could've been done... what if euthanasia wasn't necessary after all...? Tribute was old. He was in pain. He enjoyed the life he had and if he could, would have thanked you for ending it. You did good today, never doubt that. I wish you much comfort as you deal with this pain. Good day Ms. Teresa",with that he left. I sobbed long and hard into his neck before going inside. 

 I wanted to be depressed and angry but couldn't. I had a job to do and horses to manage. What the vet said was true. And the decision I made was good. Tribute no longer gallops here but in Heaven, he runs free of pain and I know I'll run with him someday.

His memory will never fade and his touch will never leave me. 

The End