Dear Fergus,
We promised we would take care of Nigel when you left us, and want to thank you for being here when Nigel had his feet trimmed for the first time yesterday.
Nigel was so brave, but he was incredibly frightened. I know you were here because you heard my little prayer to you… “Dear Fergus, Please be here to help Nigel right now.”
Nigel shook like a leaf and made the first sound we’ve ever heard out of him.
We were all thinking about you, Fergus. Daddy told me afterwards that for reasons he couldn’t understand, he kept whispering your name in Nigel’s ear.
Unlike you the first time you had your feet trimmed, Nigel never really tried to kick Daddy or Shorty. Instead of kicking when Shorty went to work on his back feet, Nigel kept sitting down.
That was okay, though. With his gentle voice and patient hands, Shorty got all four feet trimmed.
I cried. It was everything I could do not to completely sob.
We will always miss you and love you, Fergus. And we will always take care of and love Nigel. We still promise.
Love,
Mommy and Daddy
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Morning Bray Farm 
December 11, 2011 at 5:50 am
Now I’m crying over here, too. In a happy sort of way, but also sad remembering how close those two were.
Nigel is in such good hands. 🙂
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December 11, 2011 at 6:21 am
I cried through this whole post. I understand.
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December 11, 2011 at 6:24 am
Is it possible to smile and feel sad at the same time? sigh.
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December 11, 2011 at 6:30 am
Awwwwww…. I was just thinking about Fergus the other day. Makes me glad to know you were too. 🙂 So proud of Nigel, wearing a halter and getting a trim like a big boy.
Rosie does the same thing when I trim her back half too. Did you try tickling him under the belly to get him to stand back up? 😀
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December 11, 2011 at 6:44 am
Bravo Nigel! So proud of you!
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December 11, 2011 at 6:53 am
Oh Justina,
I’m sitting here crying at my keyboard. I’m so happy for all involved, but missing Fergus like crazy–even though I never met him.
(((hugs)))
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December 11, 2011 at 7:21 am
What a lovely, wonderful gift.
God bless Shorty, please share with him my deepest admiration for his patience for Nigel.
Fergus was clearly there, helping his dear, sweet friend. But having you both there was no small thing either.
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December 11, 2011 at 7:29 am
What a wonderful story, and I too, had tears…..With the loss of Poncho yet so fresh for me, I know exactly what you were feeling…..Nigel is such a brave little boy. With the help of all involved, he will do well.
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December 11, 2011 at 7:40 am
Now that I’ve dried my tears and can look at these pictures a little more rationally…
I love how Nigel had the geese next door to look at. Everything about the scene has a very zen-like quality, with Don and Shorty exuding their gentle calmness. Thursday’s visit from Kevin will be a piece of cake.
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December 11, 2011 at 8:04 am
Very interesting that you should post this- I was thinking about Nigel last night and wondering if he had his feet trimmed yet. What a good boy, to overcome his fear and let Shorty take his feet (defense-flight or fight) away from him. Truly heart warming and a huge step forward for Nigel. And what a Christmas gift for you and Don. Kudos to Shorty for his calm patience and understanding.
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December 11, 2011 at 8:21 am
Just…beautiful.
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December 11, 2011 at 8:58 am
Thank you for providing the extra love that Nigel needed to get through this experience, that his friendship with Fergus would have provided. I have been thinking about Fergus a lot this week, before seeing this post. I have a special spot in my heart for Nigel.
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December 11, 2011 at 8:58 am
Way to go, Nigel. I’m so proud of you and like others, I have tears while reading this!!! Love and miss you allll, MeMaw! Nigel must feel like he’s walking on cloud nine now and how soothing and very comfortable!!! xoxo
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December 11, 2011 at 9:04 am
OK. You have me crying over here too.
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December 11, 2011 at 9:12 am
Wiping my tears too. We love all of you and certainly do miss Fergus as well. Smooches and squoozes to a very brave boy Nigel. Ya dun good kiddo.
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December 11, 2011 at 9:22 am
sniff, sniff! What a touching story. I am sure Fergus is smiling down upon you all…
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December 11, 2011 at 9:47 am
Tears here too. Justina-that was beautiful and wonderful. I saw your Tweet yesterday about this and was eager to read what happened.
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December 11, 2011 at 10:10 am
What a wonderful and monumental moment. Allowing you to work on his feet is always a huge step for a frightened equine. I have found that, once you get to that point, things get better all around afterward. A year from now, you are likely to look back at this post and be amazed all over again at how much progress he has made since. Congratulations and well done. Fergus would be proud of all of you.
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December 11, 2011 at 11:18 am
Oh Justina…this post brought me to tears. Please blow the gentlest little kiss to sweet Nigel. I believe with all of my heart that Fergus was there doing his best to help Nigel through such a scary event. Lots of love to all of you…xoxo
Sue
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December 11, 2011 at 12:21 pm
That took a lot of courage for Nigel to stand (and sit) while you so gently did something he was afraid of. He has to feel the difference now. It will be interesting and heartwarming to see what his next step forward will be! Not just making a sound, but possibly talking to you!!!!
How I would love to meet your and Carson’s boys and girls!!!
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December 11, 2011 at 12:59 pm
Good boy Nigel, Thank you Fergus!
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December 11, 2011 at 1:13 pm
I have tears on my eyes reading this post, Justina!
So beautiful… so moving….
Congratulations Nigel, certainly Fergus would be proud of you.
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December 11, 2011 at 1:42 pm
There’s nothing more to say … sad, happy, proud, grateful. You must be feeling all these things and more. I’m feeling each emotion along with you while reading this post. Congratulations on handling this milestone exactly the way Nigel needed you to, with patience and kindness … and with Fergus’ help.
Way to go Nigel !
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December 11, 2011 at 3:27 pm
Oh, I am cheering and laughing and all choked up…such a WONDERFUL BOY you are, Nigel. Despite your great fear, you summoned the courage to trust the people you knew in your heart would never do you any bit of harm. Next hoof trim will be a piece of cake.
I can’t wait to see pics of your pretty feet.
Fergus…you are missed. Thanks for all your help, good boy.
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December 11, 2011 at 3:48 pm
Poor little Nigel. Tears for him and Fergus both. They are both angels, though in different realms.
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December 11, 2011 at 4:20 pm
You know, I’ve always believed that my animals never completely leave me, but that they make themselves known in those moments when I least expect it and am needing their presence the most. I have absolutely no doubt that Fergus was there for his buddy Nigel. A beautifully spiritual event.
I have to admit though, I did have to chuckle at Nigel’s attempts to sit down. A very clever avoidance approach.
Big Hug!!
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December 11, 2011 at 5:23 pm
Oh man. You made me cry. So glad Nigel manned up.
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December 11, 2011 at 6:15 pm
A milestone.
A rite of passage.
A step along the road, without his best buddy to comfort him.
Or maybe ol’ Fergus was there . . . who are we to know?
Nigel’s a brave boy.
Good boy, sweetheart.
Don’t your feetz feel GOOD????
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December 11, 2011 at 8:30 pm
Oh, dear. I’ve been circling around this post all day. The first time, I went away sobbing and without leaving a comment. Somehow, what you have written made me think about every dear animal friend I’ve ever lost. This time, I’m darting back in without re-reading the post, because I’ll just cry again. This is powerful stuff.
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December 11, 2011 at 10:48 pm
I cried as I read this post this morning. Went to church with red eyes and had everyone asking me if all was well. I have been thinking of Fergus and Nigel all day. Went out and gave all my boys carrots and hugs today. I am positive that Fergus was watching over Nigel and helping him through. Don and Shorty are just exactly what Nigel needed today. You are so blessed, Justina.
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December 12, 2011 at 1:11 am
Sounds like a tough day for everyone. But Nigel came through it and he’ll do even better next time. Good thing he has Angel Fergus keeping an eye on him. Hugs to you and Nigel and hope you’re both feeling a bit better.
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December 12, 2011 at 6:28 am
I cried also. I too was not able to leave a post the first time I read it. Nigel, Fergus is still guiding you through loves events.
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December 12, 2011 at 6:32 am
What a sweet, sweet moment………….thankyou, Fergus
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December 12, 2011 at 7:13 am
Aww. [crying, too]
The true meaning of Courage — fear, but doing what needs to get done, despite the fear. Nigel has given us an excellent demonstration of true Courage.
Thank you, Nigel.
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December 12, 2011 at 8:53 am
I cried as I read this…. this is just how we think of our “animal children”… and we call each other mommy and daddy… he was a brave little donkey!
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December 12, 2011 at 12:05 pm
Well done Nigel! With the help of friends, everything is easier.
Love the goose coming by for support!
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December 12, 2011 at 1:53 pm
oh dear, trying not to cry at work. Saw how poor Nigel’s tail was tucked in and knew he was scared. NOw that he’s made it thru this time, it’ll go easier each time… Hugs,
Suzanne
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December 12, 2011 at 2:45 pm
I’m so proud of Nigel. Babysteps, Sweet Boy, you’re making progress.
I’m also crying my eyes out over Fergus (again). Red faced, puffy-eyed, honking into my tissue like a Canada goose, glaring at passing co-workers who look like they might stop and ask if I’m ok. Awww, Fergus.
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December 12, 2011 at 2:58 pm
Justina–Since you commented about being a fan of Jon Katz, I thought I’d share my shock to learn that he’s just lost another dog. Rose–star of his novel _Rose in a Storm_–has been sick and was euthanized on Friday. He’s posted several pictures and reflections on his farm blog. (www.bedlamfarm.com/blog)
How coincidental this all feels…your remembering Fergus today, my mentioning Jon’s book, his book being about grieving lost pets. I’ve been so appreciative of my own Rose since our run-in with Tia’s family two weeks ago. Now I’ll be even more so.
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December 12, 2011 at 5:53 pm
Flartus,
I’m so sorry to hear this, and yes it feels so coincidental. I’m heading over now to read his blog. Thank you for letting me know.
Everyone, here are some of the specific links to his posts on Rose:
http://www.bedlamfarm.com/blog/2011/12/11/in-memory-run-in-fields-of-gold-rosie/
http://www.bedlamfarm.com/blog/2011/12/12/another-chapter-lets-go-to-work/
http://www.bedlamfarm.com/blog/2011/12/12/last-photoshoot-the-gift-of-grief/
http://www.bedlamfarm.com/blog/2011/12/12/last-day-rosies-map/
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