Bella Misty Meadows: 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.