Jessica Jahiel's HORSE-SENSE Newsletter Archives

Memorial for a horse

From: Celina

Dear Jessica, You seem to be a very kind and understanding person with a great love of horses. I think that you may be able to help me with some advice. My horse is going to be put to sleep soon. I am writing to you because in Horse-Sense a few weeks ago you wrote such a beautiful answer to the person who had lost her horse, so I know that you understand. My situation is a little different. I know that I am doing the right thing, my mare is in pain and she must be allowed to leave her painful body and go to Heaven. The only reason we have waited this long is that she has a foal who is not quite two months old, and when he is a little older we will let Cassie go. He needs her right now. But he is also the friend of another mare who does not have a foal, she is Cassie's half sister and they share a pasture and shed with the foal (Casper). My veterinarian says that Casper will miss Cassie but he will be okay with out her because when he is three months old he will not need milk, only company and he will have Cascade for that.

So you are probably wondering, what is my question? It is: what could I do that would be a memorial to Cassie? I don't just want to have a plaque on a tree or on the side of the barn. I would like to do something important, but I don't have very much money. Do you have a suggestion for me? Thank you for "listening" and understanding.

Celina

Hi Celina! Yes, I understand why you are going to put Cassie down -- and also why you are waiting until Casper is a little older. You are lucky to have such a helpful and sympathetic veterinarian.

Yes, I have a suggestion for you: instead of a plaque, make a living memorial for Cassie! Send a donation to the Hooved Animal Humane Society in her name -- the money will be used wisely and well, to make life better for a horse that hasn't been as lucky as Cassie. If you want, you can adopt an animal and bring it home with you; if you don't have the space, you can sponsor one of HAHS' animals on a monthly basis. You can become a member of HAHS -- in which case you'll get their quarterly newsletter and be able to read about and see pictures of what is being done with your money. Or you can just make a one-time contribution of any size. No matter what you do, you will be helping other horses live better, more comfortable and happy lives. I think that this would be a wonderful way to memorialize your mare.

If this interests you, contact the Hooved Animal Humane Society at

HAHS
PO Box 400
Woodstock, IL 60098

You can also reach HAHS by telephone at 1-815-337-5563, and by FAX at 1-815-337-5569

Jessica

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