Today was probably one of the hardest days I have had to live so far in
my life's journey. It's so hard to let such a close friend go knowing there
is nothing you can do to make a situation better.
My horse Champagne, who I have had for 20 years, was the closest
and dearest friend to me. I remember as a child, she was the first horse
that I had ever seen foaled. Since that moment on, I spent all my extra time
with her. I remember when I would sneak out of my dad's house at night and
run to the barn just to see her and spend nights just talking to her as if
she understood my every feeling. Many of nights, my dad would wake up looking
for me only to find me sleeping next to her in the stall with her mother
standing over the both of us as if she was protecting us.
Eventually my father bought her for me and as the years passed,
Champagne was the only way for me to find peace at my worst times in life.
No matter how bad of a day I would have, all I would have to do was saddle
her up and ride and nothing but happiness would fill my heart. She was truly
my sanctuary.
Last year, she started showing signs that she was sick, and
my dad, who is a veteranarian, diagnosed her with Emphysema - a serious
lung disease. We treated her as much as we could, but eventually her
body became immune to the medications. There was nothing more we
could do to help her be more comfortable. The past few weeks really took
a lot out of both her and I knowing there wasn't a whole lot more time for
us to be together. I couldn't bear her to suffer in any way, so
I made the decision to put her to sleep.
It's so hard to let go of such a wonderful animal and such a close friend.
She has left the most wonderful hoofprints on my heart and she will be missed
unconditionally. I know that she will never be replaced and never be
forgotten.
Rest in peace, my baby
girl.
Champagne 
