Visiting Lady—Wednesday, March 14, 2018

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After the loss of Romeo, Lady was distraught and horribly depressed.  It was painful to watch her.

Terry and I and Shannon all took turns to love and pet her, feed her carrots and apples (which she adores) give her lots of brushing and just plain love.

Still it really wasn’t enough—the shadow cast from the loss of her protector and best friend was huge.

We let her back out of the farm where she ran to every place she and Romeo loved to frequent…crying out as she ran.
(This video will give you an idea of her sound.)

Gradually—over-time—with lots of love and reassurance she came to understand Romeo was gone.

Then came the sad, sad day she found the grave.  It really wasn’t far from the barn Romeo loved, but Lady had never given herself time to really notice ‘the spot’.

(Please understand that Romeo was buried in a very deep hole–six feet deep. We love and want to protect his body even in death.)

Shannon said the day Lady found the spot she stood on the grave for a good forty minutes.  Then she gradually walked away, going a short distance, then coming back, standing there a little more, until finally she left.

From that point on Lady started to adjust.  We felt l she had found him, and had come to the point of truly understanding, so she could move past her grief and despair.

(Lady talking to Terry and I—what a cutie)

Today she is moving forward in her little mule life.  She is completely and totally bonded to Shannon (but loves Terry and I also).  She and Shannon are going for rides and are taking riding classes.

From a very battered and damaged mule to a wonderful sweet companion…Lady the mule.

Life on a Colorado farm,

Linda

40 thoughts on “Visiting Lady—Wednesday, March 14, 2018”

  2. Oh no – so sad. They say that the cows who lose their calves need to see the body for a while. Poor wee mule. But quite natural I think. Must be even more awful to put down an old horse then have to bury him. Miserable. Poor you. At least Lady has sold (she is still quite healthy – just that damn udder) and will contribute to the farm even after her death. This is easier for a farmer like you to understand I think. I feel bad and glad about it all at the same time. c

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  5. I know people who wonder whether animals have emotions. Of course they do. We’ve seen grief too, at our home. I’m glad Lady found Shannon. Maybe someday she’ll have another horse friend, too.

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  6. Your post tugged at my heart as I have witnessed animal mourning myself. It is a lonely life for the one left behind and hard to watch. I am so glad that Lady has now bonded with Shannon to help her get thru this. Maybe another horse pal for her? This has been hard on you, too, Linda…lots of sadness. Hugs. On a happier note, our Sandhills are back.

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  12. This is such an amazing story Linda. Made me cry, but also happy to know that Lady has people who love her and have helped her adjust to her loss. And you know who should really be made to read this are those who still don’t believe animals have feelings.

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  13. That is really sad. I must have missed a post on Romeo.
    Strange the ways of animals. Elephants, lions etc and how they respond to a death
    of a member of the herd or pride.

    Very sad, indeed.
    Colin

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  14. When my mare had to be put down we buried her just beyond the gate (burying a horse is an ugly process). My gelding, her son paced from the spot she died to the gate along the path her body was dragged with his nose to the ground umpteen times. Then he would stand at the gate and just look. It just about broke my heart. I believe he knew she was gone and was mourning. A pox on those who say animals are not sentient beings.

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  16. Yes get her a friend asap…she needs it now..not later..and she will work better for you for sure. With your loving family surrounding her and a new friend soon now..well….it will be wonderful to see her rebound. We all need a friend…and if in our power to find one..well we blossom again as well. smiles hugs and Love..

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  17. I’d say that Lady is doing pretty well considering Romeo hasn’t been gone for very long. Sounds like you’re all doing an awesome job with helping her to get on with life. Hope things continue to go well for Lady. I wish she had another animal companion though.

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