Midnight Musings

It's almost 1AM and sleep is elusive. I knew it was time to get up and do something when my intended sleep inducer was to try to figure out what I would have named 8 children if I had had that many. We have one great son and that name was easy.

The past week was an emotionally tough one. Lovable Jonathan Donkey's death was expected as he was in his 40's. He had a difficult life. His neck was broken and a leg deformed because he was used as a roping donkey. He was roped, pulled off his feet and drug around. He toddled around unable to lift his head. His hee haw was more of a wheeze haw. He learned to trust us, to love his grain treats morning and night and knew when he got down we would be there to help him up. His belly was big, but his hips were thin. He was on old man. He let us know it was time to get his wings.

On his last day we had to stand him up, but instead of rallying as he usually did, that day he wobbled, refused to eat and drink and breathed heavily. He told us every way he could that the cold wet days of winter would be too much for him.

We mourned the loss of a great soul, but we had been watching him carefully, not wanting to wait too long. We didn't want him to suffer. We knew he was relieved when the time came.

We were not prepared for the death of our vivacious, happy and very girly girl Zoe dog this morning.

She was one of the greeters for all visitors. She was a Border Collie mix. She loved to ride on the bales of hay while I fed. She loved to eat. Mostly she loved to tell folks she needed extra hugs and pets. (And she got them). She had never run through the gate to the highway. She did this morning and was killed on the road. She was only 6 years old and her death is a shock. Yesterday she and I had had a special love-in. She was told how beautiful, sweet and silly she was. She snuggled up to me and agreed with everything I said.

From now on I will make sure that every animal is told every day how loved and appreciated they are. If another one dies unexpectedly, at least I'll feel a little better for having told them. That should go for the people we love, too.

I will also, write down the names of the other 7 children I might have had, but didn't so it won't keep me awake trying to remember what I had decided.

Last week had a real joy, too. Laura and Amazing Gracie the miniature horse made a visit to a nursing home. There was local TV coverage and the residents loved having their special visitors. Gracie and Laura were asked to come back monthly . Gracie had been mistreated in the past and had to get used to being touched. Laura said that Gracie did not flinch or pull away when eager hands wanted to pet her. If Gracie got a little nervous, she just leaned against Laura, but did not move. She enjoyed her role as our equine ambassador. Her pal Sugar, the mini hinny missed her terribly, but they had a good talk when Gracie came back.

We have a FaceBook page under Donna Kyle. You may want to check it out.

As always we are in great need of donations. Our vet bill is over $1000.00 again. Feed prices are going up. Thank you for thinking of the animals at Home At Last.

The moon is so bright that all the animals in the yard are vivid. It is absolutely beautiful outside. The horses are grazing. Mac dog is inside asleep in his therapeutic bed and Love and Keecha are sleeping in their houses. The guineas and chickens are quiet for now. The cats are snuggled in. The goats are too.

Jim is asleep and I'm going to drink some green tea for my scratchy throat. Later today I'll try to fix all the holes in the fences. I'll call family and friends, or email them or write them a letter to tell them they are beloved and cherished. I will try to enjoy each day to the fullest-leaving behind stress, unhappiness and bitterness.