Memo To: The Angels
From: An Owner
Re: Bandanna
I'll be sending you 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.
