Some losses hit hard, in crisis, or are devastating when a life is lost too soon. Others sneak up on you, quietly, but while sad, you can also be at peace. Today we had one of those losses.
Today 30-year-old Simba ate his breakfast, went out to spend the nice day with his friends, and it seemed like any other day. But tonight, at evening chores, we found him gone. It looked like he'd been enjoying his salt lick, then died - quickly with no signs at all of any pain or struggle.
And while it hurts, we can also be at peace for him. Simba is one of the lucky horses - and probably one of the most loved horses to ever come into our care. Simba, and his friend Faith, found their way to GSH when their owner died - an owner who so loved them that they were listed in her obituary by name. After her loss, her family didn't know what to do with Simba & Faith, but knew they had to do right by them for her, so they reached out to us. And of course, we said yes.
They thought Simba and Faith were both about 25 years old. Vet checks said Simba was "more like 30" while Faith was "more like 20." Faith has since moved on to Carol Joy Holling Camp, where she's adored by children in the summer and spends the rest of the year in a fabulous foster home, and is thriving. But at 30, we told Simba he was home, and that he could spend the rest of his natural life here. We had hoped it would be longer, but we can't feel too bad for him. Today when his eyes closed for the last time, I'm sure when they opened again in greener pastures, his previous person was waiting with open arms and lots of neck scratches.
When you think of Shetlands, you often think of their naughtiness. Simba seemed to have missed that aspect of being a Shetland, and was just a joy to be around. Everything we asked of him - whether sharing his stall, or being groomed by strangers, or dressing up as Santa Claus and traveling the area for our Christmas ponies, he was game for. He never bit, kicked, or put a foot out of line. He could be sassy with the other ponies, but was generally well liked by every horse he ever met. He was just one of the best ponies, and we are glad to have had him in our lives for the past two years, nearly exactly, as his intake date was February 4, 2024.
He will be very missed, and there is a deep feeling of sadness and loss, but also peace for Simba. We lost one of the best tonight, but he had a long, good life and deserves his rest.
#breathedeepandrelax #greenerpastures