Longhorn the Donkey

Today has been a busy day and only now am I allowed a little time to mourn. Today we put Longhorn down. He'd foundered so bad that there was no way of saving him. Perhaps if he'd been treated better in his previous home he would have been friendly and more willing.

But today it feels like I've failed him. I know that it's just my mourning process but today I feel as though I've done him an injustice. I should have done more.

Longhorn loved treats. So last night, while I stood outside his pen since he was more comfortable that way, I fed him treats. He was always good about taking treats. For whatever reason, Longhorn came up to me and kissed me. That was the first and only time that he'd ever showed he understood that I was trying to help.

That simple act of kindness has me in tears right now. I should have done more. I know that I must remind myself that I gave him a few months of food, kindness, and love. But today, right now, it doesn't feel like it's enough.

I believe that everyone should pass away knowing that they are wanted and loved. I can only hope that Longhorn knew that he was loved and I will miss him. I will miss his small heehaw when he would see me coming. I mourn each four legged family member that passes away and I will shed tears for them. I can only hope that although I have failed him, Longhorn knows that he was loved and will be missed.