Dixie crosses the bridge

Yesterday Dixie joined Morris. She crossed the Rainbow Bridge.  Charlie and I will miss the big lug something fierce.

I couldn't help myself yesterday other than to sit by her grave for a long time and watch the sun go down.

She was from champion blood lines for Raccoon Hunting and Bear Hunting. She never was a hunter. She was a lover. She'd fetch balls, hike, heel, sit, stay, and she behaved much like any gentle giant would. She never was growly or in a bad mood.

She was a great hiking pal who never tired and who was always by my side.

And she had the most amazing hound dog lips and ears.

Dixie. I am really going to miss you, but I hope you found Morris on the other side along with Badger and Cheyanne.
Wait for me.
Love...

me...

The Boss Mare & the herd mentality.

The photo is an old one of a much younger Peaches.  The video is also old.

Peaches came to our farm many years ago and settled into being the Boss Mare.
She was quite stunning with her Dunn color although she was a registered paint horse.

She was a quick turning, muscular and powerful animal.  She was a quick learner and incredibly smart.

Over the past two years we noticed a decline in her health.  Mostly is was due to age related issues.  Unfortunately a horse cannot live forever as much as we wish them to.

In the past few days I'd noticed her a bit more lack luster than usual and the other members of her herd were pushing her away. 

She'd quit eating and had started to lose weight rapidly.

In a wild herd, the sickly equine is pushed away from the rest of the herd.

Yesterday evening after taking a much needed nap [so many days of travel for hubby's illness and non stop juggling of doctor schedules and work had caught up with me], I went outside to take a walk in the woods.

Peaches was down.  Down on her side and weakly flaying with her legs.  I grabbed some ropes and tugged and pulled her into and upright position.
She tried several times to get up but couldn't.
I got out my stethoscope and listened to her heart, lungs, and respiration.

Her capillary refill was non existent.  Her respiration was rapid and shallow. Her heart fluttered irregularly.  

Peaches crossed the Rainbow Bridge yesterday evening.

She joins our herd of wonderful animals that have crossed before her.  She is probably chasing Badger and Cheyanne around.  Xena, I'm sure is barking and running with them.

Peaches, you will be missed.  You were the Boss.  
I wonder who will step up to take your place in the herd.