Goodbye Pony Girl

Ashley on Squirt in 1996

Today, Dr. Forsythe came to the farm and we put Squirt down.  The Cushing's had advanced to the point that keeping her comfortable was beyond our available resources.  Ashley came up for the day to brush her one last time and to be with her as she died.  Our tears have flowed freely today.  Rebecca and I hugged each other as T.J. buried our beloved pony next to Locksley, her old stablemate.

Tristan and Squirt, ready for pass in review sometime in the  mid '90's

She taught several children to ride, taught us all to drive, and was the hit of many a school or church festival, where she tirelessly gave pony rides to scores of children who without her never would have been close to a horse.  In her younger years, she was a regular fixture at St. Francis Day animal blessings, and her flash and style made her a real crowd pleaser.  As a three year old, she placed third at the Ohio State Fair in open roadster class, and we bought her not long after that.  Dave Bailey and I drove to Darke county and brought her home for $500.  It was some of the best money I ever spent.

Ashley driving a very young Tristan somewhere,
Perhaps to a regimental muster?

 

Tristan called home from University to see how things went with the vet.  While he never developed a love of horses like his sister, he did think a great deal of this little gal who was so much a part of our lives here at Briarwood. 

I'd like to thank all of the people who have called and written to express their condolences to us about the loss of animals over the past two weeks.  First we lost Faithful Pat the white hound, and now Squirt.  It is as if an era in our lives has passed.  We give thanks for what has been, and look forward to a wonderful future together.  In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. AMEN.

Goodbye Squirtie

Fergus, Pat, and Lassie
other good friends from the old days