In Memory of a Wonderful Friend

Commander

May 1st 1993 - March 8th 2012

Last Thursday a light went out in our lives after a tragic accident took Commander from us.  There is no rhyme or reason as to why it happenend, but we have to trust it was time for him to go.

Commander first came into my life 10 years ago when his picture appeared on the Heaven Can Wait website.  I was instantly smitten and immediately sent off my adoption application.  Weeks rolled by and we heard nothing - it obviously wasn't meant to be.  When Commander's picture disappeared from the website, we hoped he had found a good home and moved forward.  I never forgot about him in the months that followed, even though our lives became full with Duke, Potter and Winnie.  Then in October 2003, Commander's photo appeared again.  I re-sent our application and phoned constantly until I finally got an answer - we could come and get him that weekend!

We booked a trailer and headed up to meet Commander for the first time.  He was everything I had hoped for and more and I was so excited to get him home.



                            First meeting with Commander and the first time I got to sit on his back!

The weeks that followed were surprising to say the least.  Commander had a full vet check which revealled changes to his navicular bone in both front feet and osteo-arthritis in both hocks.  It seemed Commander would be suitable for very light riding and be more of a pet.  Was I bothered by this news - not at all!  I loved Commander from the first moment I layed eyes on him and I was grateful to have him in my life in whatever capacity.

Over the 9 years he was with us Commander had some ups and downs in his health and there were scary moments when I didn't think we would be able to help him.  In the past 2 years his health has been the best it has ever been and it was not unusual to see him gallop full out across the filed with his best friends Teddy, Skipper and Othello.

                                                    Rommi, Teddy and Commander

Commander also found his power in working in our Equine Facilitated workshops.  This powerful healer helped many people who visited us and was a tower of strength for not only us, but the animals in our care.

                                                            Commander in a workshop

I loved sitting on Commander's back - I felt so important up there!  I loved his hugs and I loved sharing breath with him.  Most of all I just loved him and being in his presense.

                                                      His first spring with us....

Commander, thank you for 9 amazing years, for taking care of us and our herd.  You are a blessing and I know you won't be far away in spirit.

We love you buddyxxxx

Rollercoaster Rides and Good from Hurtful Comments!

Those of you that follow BMM on Facebook will have guessed that last week was nothing short of a rollercoaster ride.  The week brought us sponsors for Nibbs, Memphis and Othello, and a grant through Second Hope Circle that will more than cover half of our vaccines and teeth floating for 2012! 

Then on the wings of such wonderful news came the sudden passing of Kieron, our larger than life male goat.  His loss has been felt by many and I cannot thank all of the amazing people out there who sent us messages last week and talked about their memories of Kieron.  He truely was an incredible fellow and we were blessed to have had him our lives.  I have no doubts that Kieron has now joined fellow BMM residents in the pasture in the sky, where he will continue to create mischief and mayhem!  I hope he takes some time out to visit us now and again:)

                                                                  Rest In Peace Kieron
                                                     Sept 30th 2005 - January 18th 2012


And so to the hurtful comments....

On Saturday during supper someone made a comment about the futility of the Sanctuary.  "The animals all end up dying", he said.  This person went on to say that they really didn't see the point:  the animals were only there for a short time and then they die.  Hot on the heels of the loss of Kieron (which the person was not aware of) my first instinct was extreme hurt.  We constantly question why we do what we do and if we are doing everything we can, and we are probably our strongest critics.  There have been times over the past 5 years that the loss and suffering has been overwhelming, and it all seems to come at once.  However, in these moments we look to the big picture and this is what I did on Saturday night.  This is what I saw...

Commander came to us as a 9 year old when BMM was just a dream.  Lame and barely able to walk, Commander was made comfortable and offered a special diet and hoof care to keep him comfortable.  He was no longer rideable so we gave him a retirement home.  Today Commander is barefoot; he is an important participant in our workshops; and can often been seen playing and galloping around the field with his friends.  Commander was given up because he was no longer able to show, but he has made our lives much richer just by being around.  This year Commander will have been with us for 10 years!

In 2012 Nibbs, Clifford, Ginger and Oliver will all celebrate 6 years with us,  Memphis 4 years, Beauty, Buddy and Othello 3 years, and Skipper 2 years.  Over the years, many of them have faced the battles of old age and other health crisis, but we've got through them and we will continue to do so.  Not everyone has made it through and some of our residents have only been with us a short time, however that is what this is all about.

Not everyone will understand why we do this, but that's ok.  There are some things we cannot control and when it is time for an animal to leave, its time.  We cannot help or save everyone, but we are making a small difference. Whether it is giving a sick animal love and a dignified death, or rehabilitating someone to live a long and happy life, there is nothing futile about Bella Misty Meadows.