Hello. I have sad news. Our darling Winslow did have to be put down tonight due to his gut being too twisted to be able to fix. Last night he had to have Milk of Magnesium and the Ulmers were very diligent. Dr. Mitch Lowery had two other cases over the past few days as well...something with the weather. I applaud all their efforts.
I couldn't be more grateful for having such a unique friend in my life. I will always regret never having more time with him. Our last moments together were very private and very beautiful.
I got the call from Kay...as I drove up to the farm I couldn't help but notice that even in death there is beauty. This is what I wish to write to us all now. It could have been cold, rainy...one hundred degrees but it wasn't.
As I pulled up to the barn the sun was setting sunset orange...the weather was perfect. There were no bugs and there was a slight breeze. Kay hugged me hard as I took the lead line from her. He was on lots of meds...the turn for the worse had happened suddenly so there was no delay other than me flying to the barn to say good bye. Suffering was not an option. I knew exactly what I was going to say to him. His head was hung low and he was standing. I immediately rubbed his forehead and thanked him for being the best horse anyone could ever own. I told him to look for my grandson...Byron was going to come and get him now...and see he is right there so he could bring him to his new home. I was sitting on the ground now so I could look him in the eye and I told him I love you over and over and over again. I told him he was one in a million...and he was.
He looked me right back...took his head up a few inches and looked at me. I took my eyes and looked into his with my forehead touching his. It was amazing. I said to Kay...now...he is ready now and so am I. She ran to cut him a piece of his mane which I have here next to me as I write. I looked at Kay and said please bury him here. Please make a spot for him. She said of course, this is his home and they were readying a final place for him next to the pond.
Get Mitch...I wanted Winslow to sleep now. Mitch started to come over but before he did I had one last opportunity now that I was standing...to hold his head in my arms, stroke his forehead and remind him just look for Bryon now. It only took a few minutes...I was going to be there until the end...we stood back and then he landed in the sand. Although Kay said to be careful in case he lunged I knew he wouldn't. I still went forward and stroked his head and prayed Jesus take him quickly. Still looking each other in the eye he did. Win stopped his painful breathing and lay still, peaceful and at rest. The last words said over him until his last breath was I love you, I love you...I love you with my hand on his forehead telling him how good he was.
I pictured Bryon leading him to his new home...from one dimension to another. Winslow is the bravest horse I know. I think all horses have his qualities but it grew immensely in him over time. I strongly believe that it is because of the women who are reading this including me...that led him to believe he was the biggest, most handsome of them all.
Royal Sequel will have a lifelong place to rest on Buckingham Plantation...quite a place of honor forever. He had a good and healthy life. Winslow was 17. Our last ride was Sunday in the ring and on the trails with his dogs, Lady and Rosie. God is good.
Love from Janet and Win
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