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Moon’s Stardust
“ Dusty “
July 8, 1996 – November 9, 2015
My sweet girl Dusty passed on Monday November 9.
Thursday
night she didn’t want to come in even though everyone else was already in the
barn. Went out and found her and brought
her in. The next morning she was lying
down and had no manure in her stall so we called the vet. The examination determined that she had an
impaction. We then took her to the
clinic where they put her on an IV and Bannamine. She needed to be hydrated and have something
for the pain and inflammation. Saturday
came and she lay down and got up a lot but no manure. She was very uncomfortable but didn’t
complain at all. Dusty was a very stoic
mare. Saturday night she passed three very small manure piles. Sunday they did an ultrasound and saw the
impaction or a mass with all the fluid in front of it. She seemed a lot brighter and I took her for
a short walk. We were all waiting for
her basically to have a huge poop. Monday morning I got the call that she was
going downhill fast, her white cell count was 140,000 and she was not doing
well. The surgeon said she either needed
to be put down or go into surgery to remove the impaction but he was concerned
it could also be a tumor. He needed to
go in and see what it was. By the time I
got there she was in surgery. He came out to tell me that it was a tumor and it
was restricting the blood flow to her colon and her colon was basically
dead. After a conversation about what
was best for Dusty at this point we decided to let her go. I went in to see her on the operating table,
she was still alive but under anesthesia.
I gave her a kiss on the nose goodbye and rubbed her chest. I don’t think she knew I was there but hope
she knows she didn’t die alone and that she was loved.
Dusty
and I have been together since she was a feisty five years old. In the fourteen years we spent with each
other we had a lot of fun. She could be
very opinionated and occasionally exasperating but we always worked it out
between us. Dusty was the safest horse
I’ve ever ridden; she didn’t have a spook in her, because she was fearless and
tougher than anything around, in her mind anyway. Dusty was always willing to
learn new things and never said no to a new experience. She was adventurous and
smart. Dusty could be very sweet too. She
tolerated my hugs and kisses and would sometimes groom me back during her grooming
sessions. Dusty was my special girl and I loved her. I will definitely miss her
attitude and wonderful personality.
I wanted
you to stay but knew you had to leave.
You will
never be forgotten.
You will
live in my heart always.
So very sorry to read this. The hoofprints on your heart will hurt for a long time. Happy Trails Dusty!
ReplyDeleteOh A - so very sad to read this.
ReplyDeleteIt was obvious from all the air-time Dusty got on the blog, how loved she was. I got the feeling she felt the same about you - taking great care of you in the ring, and generally keeping you and the others at the farm on your collective toes. Horses like her are one-in-a-million and irreplaceable. (((hugs)))
OH, a wonderful horse is the Fly-Away Horse--
Perhaps you have seen her before;
Perhaps, while you slept, her shadow has swept
Through the moonlight that floats on the floor.
For it's only at night, when the stars twinkle bright,
That the Fly-Away Horse, with a neigh
And a pull at her rein and a toss of her mane,
Is up on her heels and away!
The moon in the sky,
As she gallopeth by,
Cries: "Oh! What a marvelous sight!"
And the Stars in dismay
Hide their faces away
In the lap of old Grandmother Night.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear this GHM. I have really enjoyed hearing about this sweet mare for the past few years. I'm positive that anesthesia or not, she knows how much she was loved.
ReplyDeleteLosing her must have broke your heart. It breaks mine for you. I don't even know what to say. I'm so happy you were able to be with her in the last moments and say goodbye. My hope, my deep hope, is that we are with these sweet spirits again on the other side.
ReplyDeleteMy heart aches for you.
ReplyDeleteOh no...I'm so, so very sorry. What a shock. She was such a beautiful girl, and I know how you loved her. You two spent lots of time working through things with each other, and that's what builds a close, trusting relationship of mutual respect. Oh Arlyne, I wish I could offer something that would soften the blow and bring you some comfort, but we all know that words don't cut it. I'm sending you my prayers and hugs from one lover of these magnificent beings to another...R.I.P beautiful girl.
ReplyDeleteOh GHM, I am so so awfully sorry {{BIG HUGS}} She was such a special, beautiful girl, and so very loved. There are no words ... just know that you're in my prayers and I just want to reach out and give you a big, big hug. I loved reading about Dusty, even though I never met her, I'm still shedding tears. I shall light a candle for her, and for you. XXX
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to read this sad news. I know your heart must be broken. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry. May all the good memories you have be some comfort.
ReplyDeleteoh no! i'm so sorry - Dusty always seemed like the sweetest mare. you're in my thoughts :(
ReplyDeleteI'm so very sorry to read this. Thinking of you
ReplyDeleteWhen I had to put one of my horses down, you sent this to me and I am sending it back. So sorry for your loss. I loved Dusty from afar.
ReplyDeleteWhere to Bury a Horse
If you bury him in this spot,
the secret of which you must already have,
he will come to you when you call;
come to you over the far, dim pastures of death.
And though you ride other living horses through life,
they shall not shy at him, nor resent his coming,
For he is yours, and he belongs there.
People may scoff at you, who see no lightest blade of grass
bent by his footfall,
who hear no nicker pitched too fine for insensitive ears.People who may never really love a horse.
Smile at them then, for you shall know something
that is hidden from them
and which is well worth the knowing
The one place to bury a horse is in the heart of his master.
Thank you, Grey Horse Matters.
I am so very sorry, it is so hard to lose such a beloved friend.
ReplyDeletesorry for your loss
ReplyDeletePlease accept my sympathy. Dusty will be missed by all your readers too!
ReplyDeleteArlene, I am sitting here crying and send you and everyone in your family and herd big hugs and condolences. Dusty has been such a glamour girl and wonderful partner and I've loved every single post and photo you have shared here. She had the very best life with you and although she is gone in body, her spirit is there, I know. I still feel Salina here on November Hill and I have no doubt that Dusty knew you were with her at the end. I'm thinking of her as a golden guardian angel now. All of that said, it is so so hard when one leaves us. Take care.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss. I'm sure Dusty knew you were with her at the end, they always do. Sending comforting hugs and strength to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you. You were lucky to have each other.
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry for your loss <3
ReplyDeleteFollowing your blog helps me keep in touch with horses after not having been around them for many years. Hearing about Dusty saddens me, and I feel for your loss. I know though she had a great life with you, and you were an excellent human to her. Regards.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteOh! I am so, so sorry. {{{hugs}}}
ReplyDeleteHugs. So sorry for your loss. She was obviously well-loved.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for your loss. Dusty sounded like such a funny character.
ReplyDeleteJust saw this post. So very sorry. My heart is breaking for you. Dusty knew you were there at the end, and above all knew the power of the love and bond between you. RIP, sweet Dusty. The love and memories will never fade. May they one day bring a smile instead of tears.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your loved ones.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss. Sending big hugs to you <3
ReplyDeleteI just read about Dusty. I'm so sorry for your loss. I have a lovely mare that sounds very much like your Dusty and she keeps me on my toes.
ReplyDeleteOh i just checked in after many months and saw your post. I am so sorry. My heart goes out to you.
ReplyDeleteJust catching up. I am so sorry for your loss. RIP sweet Dusty.
ReplyDeleteI am just seeing this today. I felt the loss come through the thoughtful message you left for me on my blog. Not only in the words, but between the lines. I will take them to heart. I had no idea you had to say goodbye to your sweet beautiful golden girl, I am so sorry. Be assured, your special girl knew.
ReplyDeleteDusty was your girl and always will be, I have no doubt she knew you were with her as she passed from this world and into the next, whatever that is. Dusty had an amazing spirit and found you worthy, that is no small thing.
ReplyDeleteThis has me in tears. I'm so sorry for your loss. I can't believe she's gone. :( I'm glad you got to spend those fourteen years together. I wish they could be with us longer, but I know you made her time with you amazing. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI know this happened months ago but I still want to tell you that I'm sorry for your loss. I know how much you loved that little mare.
ReplyDeleteThank you and everyone who expressed their kind sentiments. I appreciate you all.
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