Our beautiful Harriet gently and gracefully crossed the Rainbow Bridge yesterday. This morning, Don wrote:
My first story about Harriet celebrated her first year with us at Morning Bray Farm, this story is about her second and final year. We began to notice in early spring that Harriet was losing weight, so like any parents, we decided to spare no expense in making her right again. So began our journey with Harriet that ended yesterday, Saturday, September 13, 2014 at 12:51 pm.
Harriet always took things in stride, gently and gracefully. She let us fuss over her, poking and prodding trying to find the nature of her illness. One night, she was especially bad, so we called in our vet because Harriet was obviously in pain, and not herself at all. After several shots and procedures that involved shoulder length gloves, she began to perk up, probably to get us to stop, but it appeared that the danger had passed. On a chilly morning not long after, she ate breakfast and loaded up on the trailer for a ride to the Blue Ridge Equine Clinic in Charlottesville. She met new people who also wanted to poke and prod, but being Harriet, she greeted everyone as family. So many people took an interest in Harriet, as she was once again standing among race and show horses, commanding attention. She was there for an ultrasound and it was hard to see through her thick winter coat, so out came the clippers. We all braced ourselves for her to throw us around the room, but she only sighed and stood perfectly still. It took about a half hour (and two sets of clippers) to cut a path. We felt sorry for the million dollar horses who were not getting any attention because Harriet had every doctor and intern in the facility loving on her. The ultrasound showed that her intestine walls were thickened, so she was unable to absorb any nutrients from her food. Because of her age, the diagnosis was cancer.
After the ultrasound Harriet came home to her herd who was waiting to hear all about her adventure. It was still cold out, so we decided to put a blanket on her to help insulate where she’d been shaved. Big mistake. The others gasped in horror at the sight of the blue thing that had attacked poor Harriet and ran away snorting and pooping to the top of the pasture. Not knowing what was going on Harriet ran after them, braying and pleading for them to stop. After two days of this, we gave up and left the blanket off. It’s kind of funny to think about now, but at the time it was so sad to watch. Harriet became an eating machine: equine senior feed, alfalfa cubes, her absolute favorite rice bran, and all the hay she could eat. She had good days and bad days, most were good though. Harriet demanded her food on schedule and was given anything she wanted.
Love and attention is what she craved the most. She was given all we had, no meal passed without hugs, rubs, and scratches. She still enjoyed kisses and having her head held close to our bodies. This went on for months, we’d given up on trying to medicate her, nothing worked anyway, so love and comfort was what she got. For her part, Harriet returned our love even on days when she felt bad. Always sweet-natured and kind, she never failed to bring a smile to our faces.
A week ago, we made the decision to have our vet assist Harriet on her way. Yesterday morning Justina got up before dawn and went to the barn to spend the morning spoiling Harriet. It was raining, not a downpour, but a steady, relentless rain. While Harriet was eating the biggest breakfast of her life, a group of geese flew over, low and honking, our darling Fergus was checking in on her. When she’d had her fill, Harriet joined her herd in the side pasture. We sat with them under a tree in the rain watching our girl enjoy the morning. The rain let up, so Harriet took the opportunity to lay down near us, she was tired and ready. When the doctor pulled in, the sun came out, it really did. With her herd around her, Harriet laid down one last time. We were on the ground with her looking into her big beautiful eyes when she passed. Gently and gracefully another beautiful soul left our lives, and she went to meet her brother Fergus. When the door on the Paws and Remember trailer closed it began to rain again. Our morning of love and appreciation ended and our afternoon of mourning began.
Please join us in grieving her loss, but take time to remember how she touched everyone’s life as well. Let her do what she did best, bring a smile to your face, and touch your heart.
This is Don’s first story about Harriet from December 2013:
Harriet’s first year at Morning Bray Farm seems to have flown by. Our friends at LEAN have asked us to give a recap of our lovely girl’s first year.
Harriet arrived last December to an overjoyed family. It really seemed like we were expecting a child, weeks (instead of months) of excitement followed by extreme happiness upon her arrival. Since she arrived late in the evening, we set her up in a separate corral area in anticipation of the next day’s meet and greet with her new herd.
The next morning Harriet’s new Mom and Dad were up early and ready to start the interaction phase. We let the boys in one at a time, starting with Bernard of course. Harriet immediately chased him away, not unexpected. Then one by one she was introduced to her new family, saving Ellsworth for last. He was visibly upset that another stranger was joining the family, and went after Harriet right away. Harriet, being much larger than Ellsworth was not having any of it. The kicking and snorting was a little scary, but Ellsworth soon learned that not only was Harriet not going to back down, but the kicks to the chest were starting to hurt. Everything calmed down in about an hour, and they just agreed to disagree. Over the next several months Harriet became a natural part of the herd and even allowed Ellsworth to keep his job as herd leader.
Besides being very gentle and loving, we soon found out that Harriet could really belt out an ear-splitting bray. For the first several months she brayed almost non-stop. We couldn’t figure out if she just missed her old home or her foster home and was just unhappy, or quite possibly the bossiest donkey on Earth. It seemed like most of braying was going on at night, probably because we couldn’t sleep through it. Linda Carson of The 7MSN Ranch looked into our sandbagged eyes one day and suggested leaving a light on at night. Like a gift from the Sandman himself, the nightly singing ceased. These days our beautiful girl brays to greet us when we come out in the morning and when our cars pull in the driveway in the evenings. There’s no better sound in this world than being greeted after a long day at work by Harriet.
When Harriet arrived she had problems with her feet. Years of neglect had nearly paralyzed her, but her journey to good health began at the time she was rescued by LEAN. She arrived at Morning Bray Farm only a few trimmings away from complete recovery. We’re happy to report that you would never know that there was ever anything wrong with her at all. She has made a complete recovery and now enjoys a good game of “gallop around the pasture” with her herd.
Harriet is never far from her herd these days, although she and Patrick compete for the title of last to the barn almost every day. I suppose if you’ve lived as hard a life as those two, a leisurely stroll to enjoy the world around you is the most important thing that you can do.
It’s funny, but Harriet is not a big fan of grooming. She will walk out from under a brush almost as soon as it touches her. However, she will let you hold her head and hug her for extended periods of time. She will completely release herself to a good hug, and the weight of her head in our arms is a beautiful thing to feel. In that aspect, she is completely different from the rest of her herd; everyone else turns away and backs into you for a good butt scratch. It’s a welcome change to pet her beautiful face instead of facing the other end.
Harriet has brought so much joy to our life here at Morning Bray Farm. Her gentle and loving nature is unrivaled. The way she looks at you with her soulful eyes will melt even the hardest of hearts. We have been so blessed to share this last year with her, and look forward to many more to come.
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Oh, how we’ll miss you, Baby Girl. ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
September 14, 2014 at 1:49 pm
My condolences on your loss.Rest assured that she’s in donkey heaven now (can you imagine a more wonderful place?) and thinking fondly of the time she spent with you. God bless you Harriet.
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September 14, 2014 at 1:52 pm
{{{hug}}}
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September 14, 2014 at 2:00 pm
She’ll always be with you, our memories never forget.
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September 14, 2014 at 2:11 pm
Goodbye then, sweet girl. Thank you.
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September 14, 2014 at 2:16 pm
I am so sorry.
I do believe that Harriet felt that her last two years made up in joy and love and comfort for all her previous life. I am glad you knew her and loved her so well. You are fortunate indeed to have had her in your lives.
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September 14, 2014 at 2:16 pm
Oh sweet Harriet and her sweet family who will miss her forever. Sending love and hugs.
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September 14, 2014 at 2:22 pm
What beautiful images and stories of your wonderful old friend and love. I know this sorrow. A beautiful tribute.. Take care.. c
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September 14, 2014 at 2:23 pm
As I felt the weight of my sweet Xander’s head drop into my hand, I knew he was crossing over. It is a hard decision, but one only loving parents can make. I join with you in celebrating your sweet girl and the contribution she made to your life story.
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September 14, 2014 at 2:24 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. I am glad you made the difficult but loving decision to help her along. Harriet was lucky to have found a home so full of love.
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September 14, 2014 at 2:25 pm
Sad news from Morning Bray Farm. I’m so sorry for your loss. Let go is the hardest lesson.
Hugs from Pia
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September 14, 2014 at 2:51 pm
I haven’t been following along with the goings on at Morning Bray but for a year or so, but it’s easy to see the love you have to give for all in your care. It’s so sad to read of Harriet’s passing, and yet so wonderful of you to share her special time coming to the herd and now her leaving. She has left all of us with many loving, funny memories.
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September 14, 2014 at 3:36 pm
The very hardest and the very best gift we can give to our animals, you have given to dear Harriet. I’m so glad she had a year in VA on such beautiful property. Surely animals see the beauty around them like we do?
Hugs and love and tears, CeeCee
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September 14, 2014 at 4:08 pm
Thank you for sharing all of the details that bring us closer to your experience with Harriet. I remember when you got her – and Patrick. She couldn’t have had a better life than with you and your herd. Tearing up for you two. Good bye sweet Harriet.
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September 14, 2014 at 4:19 pm
Awww. I’m so sorry that Harriet’s time here had to come to an end. She was a wonderful soul.
Thank you for sharing her with us.
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September 14, 2014 at 5:27 pm
Oh my, I am deeply sorry for the loss of Harriet from your lives. I believe that animals possess a soul the same as humans. She will live on in your memories and perhaps in another donkey that badly needs to be rescued.
Justine and Don. each of you are very much in my thoughts and prayers. She is a tremendous loss and the grieving will be hard.
Don’s story is so sweet and filled with tender love.Blessings to both of you.
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September 14, 2014 at 5:46 pm
Thank you, Don, for sharing this love story. Miss you guys so much.
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September 14, 2014 at 6:00 pm
I can hardly breathe. Thank you for loving her so…. just as I knew you would. Oh, sweet, sweet Harriet. You carry the love of everyone that met you. There is nothing in the world like a hug from Harriet. (((Don & Justina))) I adore you both. Thank you for allowing her to be a part of your life and your wonderful herd. We could have done no better in placing her. Godspeed, wonderful, perfect, beautiful girl. I love you always.
.
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September 14, 2014 at 6:51 pm
Sweet Harriet. Thank you for sharing her with us.
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September 14, 2014 at 8:37 pm
Oh sweet Harriet, what a lovely life you shared with your people.
Thank you Don, for the beautiful stories of her life and her passing.
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September 14, 2014 at 9:17 pm
Harriet had such a beautiful face. Thank you for sharing her story.
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September 14, 2014 at 11:47 pm
what a beautiful passing she had. surrounded by love. the marks they leave in our hearts in even such a short time is amazing. this is a heart breaker, i hope your heart heals quickly. replaced with sweet memories and smiles. my condolences.
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September 15, 2014 at 12:07 am
We take solace in knowing she was yours for the final years of her life, the finest that any animal could wish for, in your gentle and loving embrace. I’ll never forget the feel of her warm, plushy head in my arms. Thank you, now and always, for all your love and care.
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September 15, 2014 at 1:25 am
Goodbye sweet Harriet. Thank you for sharing her story.
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September 15, 2014 at 3:43 am
Sincere, heartfelt condolences.
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September 15, 2014 at 8:26 am
While it’s sad to hear of her passing, I am very happy that she fell into your hands to make her last two years as happy and comfortable as they could be. Finding herself part of a healthy herd in the paradise of the Virginia foothills must have felt like she’d already reached heaven. Good for you for being able to let her finish the trip peacefully.
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September 15, 2014 at 9:11 am
My heart hurts for you.
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September 15, 2014 at 9:34 am
What a beautiful story. Harriet landed in the exact right home and I know she left you with memories that will last forever. It is so hard to say goodbye to these spirits that share our lives. Hugs to all.
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September 15, 2014 at 10:34 am
So sorry for your loss. She was such a gentle soul and is going to be an awesome donkey angel.
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September 15, 2014 at 12:04 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for the beautifully-written tribute to someone who has touched the lives of so many through your blog. Miss Harriet will be missed. Quite possibly when she came to live with you, she thought she was already in heaven. I can’t imagine how happy she will be now. Gallop free, Miss Harriet.
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September 15, 2014 at 12:10 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. Harriet was fortunate to spend her last years with such a loving family. I still think of Fergus too. May your good memories help you heal.
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September 15, 2014 at 6:59 pm
So sorry for your loss, Harriet let you know it was time to say goodbye, however she will be very missed. .She had the best, most spoiled, most loved years of her life with you. Though I never met Harriet, you could tell by her photos that she was definitely very happy at Morning Bray. Thank you for telling her story.
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September 15, 2014 at 8:12 pm
I am sorry to hear about Harriet, I know how the sweet gentle souls of our pets will always be a part of us. (Hugs)
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September 15, 2014 at 8:37 pm
Edgar Rice Burro and I send heartfelt condolences. Harriet was a fine figure of a donkey and we know what a big hole she has left. We honor your loss.
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September 16, 2014 at 11:37 am
What a beautiful tribute to a Sweet Harriet. Thanks for sharing her with us. I know she will be missed.
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September 16, 2014 at 3:31 pm
We will see them again, in the life to come. When we are made whole and perfect. Never again to be parted. Until we meet in person, safe journey Harriet.
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September 16, 2014 at 5:41 pm
RIP in peace, sweet Harriet. You were a special gal and brought a lot of happiness to all who knew you. I am so sorry for your loss, Justina and Don. I’m sure she and Fergus have things well in hand by now.
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September 17, 2014 at 10:01 am
Thank you Don for this beautiful piece on your very sweet girl. I am so happy to be a follower of your blog and witness the kindness that the two of you bestow to your creatures. God bless everyone at Morning Bray Farm. Peace and hugs to all of you.
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September 17, 2014 at 11:55 am
I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful donkey she was in looks and soul. At least now she is not in discomfort anymore and will be waiting to shower you with love one day. Hugs to all of you and the herd.
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September 20, 2014 at 11:11 pm
This made me cry. I’m so sorry she’s gone, but I’m so happy she got to spend her last years with you. You’ll be in my thoughts.
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September 21, 2014 at 11:48 pm
Oh, I am so very sorry for your loss. I have tears on my eyes… So beautifully-written tribute to lovely and dear Harriet. So many beautiful photos too.
Warm embrace of comfort to you Justina and to Don.
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September 23, 2014 at 6:36 pm
I am so very sorry for your loss. This is a beautiful tribute to Harriet.
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September 24, 2014 at 10:41 am
I don’t know how I missed this news.. I just didn’t pick up on it. Tears to the very end of this post ;( So sorry for the loss of such a beautiful girl inside and out. I love her hearty bray! What a true sweetheart. Gracie & Ruby send their love as well. Hugs to all… ♥
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October 17, 2014 at 1:15 pm
The first time I read this whole story about Harriet by Don, I couldn’t leave my message for you was because I felt so deeply saddened and now that I have read it for the second time, it still brought me tears, sniffing, and hurt in my breaking heart though knowing that the best place is for you to join Fergus in the beautiful and peaceful heaven where you will romp with Fergus happily!
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January 3, 2015 at 5:49 pm
Every day since Sept 14, Harriet gently and gracefully leaves us, because I check on the blog daily. It remained stuck since Harriet left, forever gently and gracefully. I sigh and try again the next day. After these holidays, I certainly can’t expect happier posts. I was actually angry after Whisky left. I thought: “ENOUGH on the same family already!!!!!”
But this is what I want to say to you and Don:
It always seems darkest before the dawn.
In other words, hang in there!!
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January 13, 2015 at 1:04 pm
Happy new year and best wishes to you and yours for health, happiness, peace & prosperity in 2015!
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