Christine, So here is how it went from my point of view today: Dee pulled up and we opened the trailer doors. Rio perked up and called to Sugar, Sugar called to him, then all the horses in the area sounded off. I walked her onto the property and through the gate to the exercise yard. She was very alert and excited. I took her over to Rio's stall area but did not let him out. They touched noses a few times and nickered at each other. I asked Rio, "Will you be a good boy?" and he bowed for me which means, he will try to be good the best he can under excitable circumstances. I warned all to be watchful for biting, screaming and kicking then I let him out. He was a gentleman at first, then decide to herd Sugar. They horsy hugged then he kicked up his heals and ran to me (even though I had no carrots on me) as if to say, "Is she for me, mommy?" He did this behavior a few times, running back to Sugar then back to me. He was extremely happy for gelding. The other mare (who will be leaving soon) was jealous, but Rio was vigilant and kept them apart. Sugar felt comfortable enough to go in and out of the stall area and allowed Rio to boss her about a bit. There was no biting, no fighting, no kicking...but a whole lot of loving. It was amazing!!! It was like they knew each other in the past. I am so pleased. I was afraid that when the other mare left, Rio would be sad, but now he has a new girlfriend and is showing her off. I hope Dee's pictures show you how it went. If you have her pics, could you send copies to me? Thank you, thank you. I will get the adoption questionaire to you asap. Thank you for your rescue of Sugar, she is a perfect match for my TB. -Kathryn

Thank you so much for what you do, I was recently given a gelding who has been thru 3 adoptions, the last adopter was abusive and this poor horse just trembles when you touch him. The 3rd adopter gave him away to a friend and now I have him. I have dealt with abused horses but I am learning from this one and another one I have that mustangs bond with their body and soul and they forget nothing, he will soon know that no-one here will ever hurt him. I really admire you for working with these wonderful creatures through the good and the bad and knowing how very special they are.

I finally got up the nerve to watch your video tonight...too much emotional stuff going on lately, and I thought I would lose it if I watched...well, I'm here with tears rolling down my face right now...but I'm so glad I watched. It just confirmed to me what I already said. Dr. Bill was so happy after he came back to you, and started feeling better, and had his new friends around him. He left this world knowing he was loved, and wanted, and cherished. I'm just so sad he had to leave it so soon... Hope you are doing OK...I think about you every day...

If it's any comfort at all to those left behind, hear the words of White Elk..... "When you were born, You cried & the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, The world cries & you rejoice." Today we cry. And Dr. Bill rejoices. May his loved ones find peace in the tumult...... Jim

Christine, I am going to try to make what I am about to say make sense. Animals, like people know when death is approaching. And animals, like people can put it off for a bit, or choose the timing sometimes. (How many times has a dying patient held on long enough to say goodbye to someone that has not arrived at their bedside yet? Or wait until they were alone to die, when family members take a brief break in their vigils?) I truly think that he didn't want you or your husband there when he passed. I don't think he wanted to witness the grief in your faces and hearts when the realization came that he was going to pass. I think he loved the both of you so much, he wanted to spare you that. It happens like that alot in the people world and the animal world. (I used to be a chaplain assistant at a hospital and have seen it many many times). He had to leave and goodbyes hurt so much, to both parties. To the dying and to the loved ones left behind. He did it his way and if it was that quick, it was peaceful. I am so sorry for the hurt and pain that leaves behind. You guys were beside him and journeyed with him the whole way and went above and beyond to try to help him. Everyone needs to feel love and everyone needs the chance to love someone. You did both for him. You did good. Kathy