Algiers will be going on his final journey tomorrow

[magical thyme]

He made it clear this past weekend that it was time. I had hoped he'd hold out until next week, when I have a week off, but that is too much to ask of him. His body is failing, and his spirit is ready to leave now. He is separating from us, although when he lets me hold him, he stands with his head pressed to my stomach while I scritch his neck at his favorite spot. When foals press their heads to their mother's sides, the pressure points release endorphins. Love and feel good chemicals.

In the past when I imagined this time, I thought I would bury him in the hillside by the road near the drive-through gate. So it was weird, the last several nights, to come home from working 2nd shift and find Dahli waiting for me, and him alone, in the dark, standing by the far gate staring toward the road.

I realized this week that site wasn't good. So yesterday I took an excavator up to my arena-pasture in the far back. One end of the perimeter gets full sun all day, so even after last night's cold there is no frost.

This morning, for the first time since grazing last fall, he slowly made his way up to that far back pasture. He stood on his grave site staring into the woods for a while. And then turned and moved next to the grave site, aligned with the boulder I used as a mental marker for where to have him waiting for burial. He stood there for an hour or so staring up at the house.

A short time ago, I had a second excavator, Duane, come, and Algiers moved to the middle of the pasture. Duane suggested moving the site about 50 feet over into the corner. That was fine. I just came home from walking the dogs and found Algiers standing by his new grave site, staring across it into the woods.

[Howler]

1. I am so sorry Magical thyme......

Sending love and light to you both in this time of transition.

[MorningGlow]

2. Oh, MT...sending you light and love at this difficult time

Your post had me in tears--it's obvious Algiers loves you so much (and you him) and you share an incredible connection. I'm sorry it's his time to go, but it's also obvious how much he trusts you and knows your heart. You've taken care of him so well for so long--know that you've done everything you can for him and given him a good life. Thinking of you. Please keep us posted.

[BanzaiBonnie]

9. What MorningGlow said...

[Tsiyu]

3. Sending a great big hug

My heart is aching with yours. Horses are such intuitive, loving people.

You've made his last days comfortable and have been kind to him and I know he loves you as much as you love him.

We all grieve with you.

[bigmonkey]

4. I don't know what to say, but I want to acknowledge the importance of this.

Thank you for sharing this account. I wish you and Algiers the best.

[BlueIris]

5. Terribly sorry. But at least his pain will be over soon. nt

[LiberalEsto]

6. Safe journey, light, and peace to Algiers

and hugs to you.

[Tumbulu]

7. Oh magical thyme

I am in tears reading this- yes you are so right, your Algiers is ready to go. I am sorry that it is not when you have more time to take care of all the details as you wish you could.

I hope that his passing is as easy for all of you as possible.

Sending light and love and comfort.

What a wonderful horsewoman you are!

[cate94]

8. I am so sorry

Although it is time, it is always so difficult to say good-bye.

Peace.

[MagickMuffin]

10. Wow, How intuitive Algiers is :=O

Blessings to you and Algiers.

Perhaps it might be best to be able to do this the week before you take your vacation, as it will provide you with some time to keep yourself busy until next week. Perhaps Algiers is trying to make this easier on you, as I stated he seems very intuitive and this could be a somewhat small blessing in disguise.

Next week you will be able to mourn and spend time with Dahli, and at the gravesite with Algiers.

I realize this is never an easy time for those of us who offer our selves to care for our animals. Just remember to thank the Cosmos for bringing Algiers to you, so that you both could share the love of each other.

and to you Dahli and most importantly to Algiers.

[Celebration]

11. oh, amazing story

[Mnemosyne]

12. Oh damn. I am so sorry, mt. He has been blessed to have you and you him.

[WolverineDG]

13. So sorry to hear about your beloved Algiers

[irisblue]

14. i am so sorry

i will light a candle for algiers, and for you. blessings

[OneGrassRoot]

15. Bless your dear Algiers....bless you

[Kookaburra]

16. Loving light to Algiers

And to you Magical Thyme, and to all your beautiful furry companions.

May you be comforted by angels and Algiers' sweet spirit.

[Ecumenist]

17. i am so sorry, Mt abd I want you to know that i'm going to pray for you and send

you all the good energy and healing energy for Algiers to pass to the next world easily and smoothly. God bless you and you hoofed baby. All the love in the world for you.