Calling All Angels

Memo To: The Angels

From: An Owner

Re: Bandanna

I'll be sending yu a special horse today. It won't be easy, but it's time. She hurts, you see, and there doesn't seem to be anything more we can do to help her. I hurt just thinking about it, which is why I'm writing to you.

There's a thing or two you should know about my Bandanna, so you can help her adjust to her new afterlife. I'd like to think of this as a lease, if you don't mind. I have no idea whether it'll be short-term or long-term, but I'd like to reclaim her when I get there.

Anyway, here are her particulars.

She loves dogs. All of ours congregate in her stall at feeding time, and she graciously dribbles feed in their direction so they can share the meal. They'll miss her. One of our Rotties, Jasmine, went to you earlier this year. Maybe she can help show Bandanna around? The mare will be happy to see her.

She's not afraid of cows. I think she sort of likes the critters. Feel free to turn her out next to those proverbial greener pastures.

She's brave. And she's broke. I'd ride this horse through the gates of Hell. (Sorry. Just an expression.)

She loves to jump. Or at least she did when she was young and spry. I realize you guys probably fly around, but feel free to pop over some clouds on her. It'll make her happy.

She lives to be brushed. Especially her face. Take a rubber curry to her and she'll truly know she's in Heaven.

She can get silly when she's in heat. Real silly. I'm hoping that won't happen where she's going, but if it does, you might wanna keep her away from the boys, if you catch my drift. Far away. (She's been known to flip over gates in an effort to find a man!)

She's the ultimate princess. Bandanna loves horse clothes, cosmetic products, and hairstyling. Shampoo and condition her, spray her coat, pull her mane, brush her tail, then dress her in a sheet and you'll see what I mean. (She loves to be clipped, too.) Please pamper her.

She plays well with other horses. Mares and geldings alike. Big, small- it doesn't matter. (...except when she comes into heat, per my earlier caveat.) Her best friend here was a Miniature Horse named Charmin. Those two will sure miss each other.

She loves to be ridden, and she loves to show. She'd saddle herself if she could- and she'll load herself in a trailer if the door is left open. I guess you'd call her a workhorse. (She didn't retire well, by the way. It took her a year or so to get used to not working. So if you have a job for her up there, I know she'd appreciate it.)

Bandanna loves her stall. She enjoys a grass pasture, too. But she's a city girl who's always happy to come back to her "condo"- especially in inclement weather. And she hates to be cold. Please see that she stays warm and dry.

She's a wise, wise mare. You'll know what I mean when you look into her eyes. Her wisdom and sanity (okay, except when she's in heat) make her a joy to be around. I'd have hoped to have her longer.

She has no vices - doesn't bite, kick, buck, crib, weave, or behave badly in any way. Even when her hormones are raging, she's a dream to handle. I doubt I'll ever have another horse who's as willing and good-minded as she is.

Well, that's it. I need to go meet the vet, so we can send Bandanna on her way. I know she'll be better off with you, but that doesn't make this any easier. Please keep her legged up for me, will you? I can't wait to ride her again. You're darn lucky to get her. But remember- it's just a lease.

Sue M. Copeland