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Post by earlybp on Jul 31, 2007 21:34:42 GMT -5
I am very sorry to tell you that Sweet Bert has passed away.
A week ago, as I was leaving for the airport to fly home to Minnesota, I looked out into the pasture, and Bert was raising his back "good" leg. It was swollen and very "ouchy".
Brian coaxed him up to the barn (it took two hours in a summer rainstorm, but they got there). Then, Brian brought him buckets of grain and water for a week. Bert didn't lay down, and had a good appetite. He gimped around the back barnyard.
I got home last night. We saw that Bert had fallen down. he had a big abrasion on his forehead, and grass stains on his ears. We realized that Bert was not going to get better, and he was in a lot of pain, so the vet came out this evening, and put him to sleep.
As the vet was getting ready, I was standing next to Bert, and crying, and he kept bumping me with his head, as if he was saying, "Oh, stop crying, it's all right. Geez."
We stood in the back field by his rolling spot, and he was gentle and quiet. I think he was ready to go.
Pippa was very angry with the vet. She stomped her feet. Eddie was standoffish, but smelled Bert after he passed, and then wouldn't let me pet him for quite some time. Finally, I could give him a few scratches under the chin.
When Bert passed away, he looked so peaceful. As anyone who met Bert knows, he was a wonderful horse, a sweet old soul. He taught me that there's lots that a horse can do besides being ridden. In the 18 months that I knew him, he was a seeing-eye horse to a blind mule, nursed a sick goat, was a companion to my kids, provided moral support to a skittish Eddie, and even taught Pippa a thing or two.
His gentle presence in our barnyard will be greatly missed.
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Post by barbpurple on Jul 31, 2007 21:38:07 GMT -5
so sorry to hear bout bert passing.. but like you said he was ready to go and run without any pain in heaven.. bless you for giving him a great few months..
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Post by wendyp on Jul 31, 2007 21:43:23 GMT -5
Oh Bridget, I'm so sorry. It's never easy to make that decision, but you know it was the right one. Bert thanks you for having the courage to do the right thing for him.
It doesn't matter how many four legged friends you help make the journey over the bridge - it never gets any easier. Every one hurts. I'm so sorry.......
WendyP/Bend, OR
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Post by sunlightslady on Jul 31, 2007 21:43:34 GMT -5
I am so sorry to hear your loss. I am so glad you had that loving time with him.
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Post by emjay on Jul 31, 2007 21:51:29 GMT -5
sorry to hear about Bert. he sounded like a great old fella. he lived a great 18 months and had so many friends. he died amongst loved ones, that is a blessing. take care.
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Post by tireddog on Jul 31, 2007 21:53:02 GMT -5
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Post by swissgrl on Jul 31, 2007 21:56:33 GMT -5
oh Bridget, I'm soooo sorry for your loss. He knew he was loved, and had an awesome life with you.
It doesn't make it easier on you I'm sure. I'm glad he waited for you to get home so you both could say goodbye.
My thoughts are with you.
RIP Bert, you will be missed!
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Post by gratefulknits on Jul 31, 2007 22:03:08 GMT -5
I am so very sorry for your loss. I remember when you posted about the animal communicator coming to talk to Eddie, how Eddie said he loves Bert and wanted Bert to go on a trip with you. I hope Eddie will turn to you for support, and that his love will help you as you grieve Bert. Bless you for giving this old guy a good send-off.
Hope
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Post by halfwayhome on Jul 31, 2007 22:17:14 GMT -5
I am very sorry to hear about your loss, He was indeed a special guy. He knew how to communicate and he communicated with me on the feedlot when I saw him so thin and filthy. I couldn't let him stay there or leave on the truck, and so, with the help of some pretty great Oregon people he was able to leave and find a sanctuary where he could get and give love and find peace and happiness for the time he had left. He had the most expressive soul in his eyes and he is one I will never forget. Thank you for caring for him and loving him, he is truly at peace and running happy now, whole again.
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Post by cybercat on Jul 31, 2007 22:27:56 GMT -5
I am so very sorry...Bert was one of my favorite horses that CBER was able to save. He was truly special.
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Post by michelle on Jul 31, 2007 22:51:52 GMT -5
I am so sorry for your loss, Bridget. He touched many lives.
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Post by lorsadoon on Jul 31, 2007 22:53:00 GMT -5
Thank you for giving Bert a good home for the last part of his life. I always followed his story. I am sure you will miss him alot.
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Post by Admin on Jul 31, 2007 22:57:19 GMT -5
He left this world with love, compassion and dignity. I am so sorry for your loss!  |
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Post by beejoyfulmk on Jul 31, 2007 23:10:06 GMT -5
Im so sorry to hear of your sad news, but what a blessing he was to you and you to him, thanks for loving him well and giving him peace !!
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Post by caryn on Jul 31, 2007 23:16:54 GMT -5
I never had the opportunity to meet Bert in person, but he stole my heart anyway. I am sad to hear of his passing, but happy that he was so loved for the last 18 months. Thank you for sharing his stories and giving him the wonderful home he always deserved.
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Post by Tockita on Jul 31, 2007 23:22:25 GMT -5
Typing despite tears..
I remember when we thought Bert was hopeless, but he showed you he wasn't and as we look back over the Bert tales you have so eloquently shared with us, how could we not think of him as our horse too?
I will always remember him as a horse of peaceful nature with a compassionate purpose. Bless you Bridget for believing in him, and for sharing him with us. GOD Speed Bert.
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Post by foxie on Jul 31, 2007 23:23:51 GMT -5
"Oh, stop crying, it's all right. Geez." He was always so wise.  Thank you for giving him the best years of his life. I feel comforted knowing Mr. Lotto is in heaven watching over our youngsters that have passed. May he pass his wisdom onto them. |
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NanciK
Super Pooper Scooper
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Post by NanciK on Jul 31, 2007 23:39:54 GMT -5
I remember Bert from the feedlot, and I loved him from afar. You were his "earth angel", and now he looks down upon you from Heaven in deep gratitude for your love and kindness.
Bert will be there to meet you at the Rainbow Bridge.
Rest In Peace, Bert, you were loved by many.
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Post by ljbrooks on Jul 31, 2007 23:41:35 GMT -5
Bert has always been a favorite of mine and others. I am sorry for your loss. Sounds like he always knew what was best. Love and hugs coming your way.
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Post by Tate on Jul 31, 2007 23:43:39 GMT -5
OH I'm so sorry to hear of your loss of Bert. Hugs
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Post by countrymouse on Aug 1, 2007 0:01:37 GMT -5
I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for giving Bert the best 18 months of his life. Take care.
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Post by pnp4kidz on Aug 1, 2007 0:10:09 GMT -5
I'm so sorry for your loss... Bert knows the joy of running across the rainbow bridge, and diving into endless fields of green... running without pain once again...
It is the greatest gift we can give them, letting go
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Post by atticus on Aug 1, 2007 0:15:02 GMT -5
oh Bridget I am so sorry, I know how much Bert means to you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Let me know if you need anything.  |
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Post by bridgetah on Aug 1, 2007 0:27:22 GMT -5
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Anne
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Post by hytyme on Aug 1, 2007 4:22:44 GMT -5
What sad news....thanks for all you did for Bert. He was a very lucky guy to have someone who went the extra mile for him up until the end. Every horse should be so fortunate....... Our thoughts are with you. Best always, J & S.
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Post by cvl on Aug 1, 2007 7:08:15 GMT -5
So sorry to hear of your loss. Thank you for taking Bert into your hearts!
Run In Peace - sweet man!
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Post by paintedlady on Aug 1, 2007 9:54:21 GMT -5
My prayers and thoughts are with you. RIP sweet boy. So so sorry Take care !! |
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Post by earlybp on Aug 1, 2007 10:16:35 GMT -5
Thank you everybody, for your kind words, thoughts and prayers. I'm feeling pretty good about it because Bert was ready to go. Foxie, I hadn't thought of it, but after you mentioned it, I am really glad to think of him on the other side, being a comforting presence for those horses that cross over in pain and loneliness. So, I'm a little sad, but mostly really happy for Bert.
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Post by rodeo51 on Aug 1, 2007 10:37:14 GMT -5
Bert was a very wise old soul and one of my favorite cber rescues. I am really sorry to hear of his passing.
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Post by watermarkfarm on Aug 1, 2007 11:08:57 GMT -5
Bert was one of my favorite CBER horses. He sounded like such a special boy. Thanks for giving him a good life, and then letting him move on when it was time. That itself is such a gift. Now Bert has moved on to a place where his legs work, and he can watch over you. I hope that someday, when your own time is drawing near, that you will be comforted by knowing that Bert will be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge to see you into Heaven.
I am so sorry for your loss. Katie
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