Goodnight, Lily

It's been a sad week around here. After a sudden, swift decline, we said goodbye to my mini, Lily, on Monday. That's her on the right in the photo. "Lil' Chocolate Chip," as a friend at my old barn called her on her very first day. She joined the family when she was just three months old. Tiny, and feisty, and way too big for her little britches. She was exactly eleven months her brother, Spoof's, junior (that's him on the left), and for twenty-three-years they shared a stall, and a pasture, and every moment, waking and sleeping. By the end, both of them suffered from Cushing's Disease, and struggled to maintain a healthy weight. Excessive coat growth coupled with tooth loss, and a host of other struggles left them tired, but still very much them. That will forever be one of the saddest parts of horses aging: their minds stay sharp and active long after their bodies begin failing them. 

Spoof passed on this day last year. It was a blessedly peaceful affair: I went down to feed one evening and found him lying still in the shade of his favorite napping tree, already gone. 

Not quite twelve months later, I had to make the decision to let Lily go, too. My vet suspects she had some sort of cancer, based on her symptoms. She was ready. Now she's with Spoof again; she missed him so terribly. 

She was buried Tuesday morning. (Thank you, David! You did a wonderful job.) In the days since, everyone in the little Riddermark herd is adjusting to the new normal. I had hoped that Max might be able to go out with my big girls, but between KitKat's pestering and AB's incomprehensible studdish reaction, I don't think that will work. I guess I'm in the market for another mini or small pony, now. In the meantime, I'm trying to shower him with reassurance, pets, and extra cookies. 

I'm hoping to get back into my reading/posting routine in the days to come. I'm actually taking on some freelance work - yay! - and considering doing some commissions. I don't have an official interest form worked up yet, but I'm curious if anyone's in search of ghostwriting services? You can drop me a line if so. I might be able to squeeze in some indie jobs on weekends.

Take care, everyone. Hug your pets. ❤