Simple Beauty - Tango and Erin
>> Wednesday, August 5, 2009
You remember the photo of Erin with the three Friesians that I posted last week? Well, that photo was taken three years ago when Erin was 12-years-old. This photo was taken on Saturday when my friends, Jeff and Rae, brought Erin back to the barn for a visit.
Erin had already had a big day. She'd been to the vet and had blood drawn, among other things. Erin was tired, but coming to the farm seemed to perk her up. She's such a good girl.
It had been sprinkling a little bit so the air was thick with moisture. Jeff carried Erin back to Tango's pasture.
I don't know why, but I'm writing with tears in my eyes. Maybe it's because I just lost Kelly and seeing Erin brings back a flood of memories. Or maybe it's because the beautiful simplicity of this photo fills my heart with joy. I guess my tears could be happy tears. Animals can make me cry and laugh!
My Tango is usually a goofball...no doubt about it. Yet on the day of Erin's visit, he wasn't. Tango seemed to sense that Erin's life is drawing to a close. He seemed to know that she is frail and old.
Tango watched Erin wobble as she stood. Instead of getting excited and frisky (like he usually does) when something or someone new comes to visit, Tango became subdued.
My boy lowered his gigantic head and managed to get it between the fence. Then he began to nuzzle Erin. At first Jeff, Rae, and I were a little concerned. Tango can nibble at the drop of a hat. He didn't do that. Instead, he began to groom Erin, like he would another horse, only much more gently. And as you can see, Erin let Tango groom her. It was like there was a mutual respect and understanding between them. I know that sounds crazy, but it was there. I saw it. Rae saw it. And Jeff saw it.
I can't explain why it happened. I only know how wonderful it was to live in that moment without really being a part of it. Sometimes the best things in life are quiet and peaceful. What a gift moments like these truly are.
10 comments:
Oh that was a blessed memory. Tango seems to be sensitive and understanding. Animals know more than we think they do. He was communicating in a way he knew how to.
That must have been so comforting to Erin to have that special touch. I know I would have loved it. It is one of lifes little miracles that you witnessed with your eyes. Tango told Erin everything is going to be okay.
What a special story.
love
tweedles
You are so right Tweedles. I think it was comforting.
I don't have to write stories about animals...they write themselves.
I truly believe that it is WE, the humans, that can't understand the language spoke by animals. Maybe it's an unspoken language. Maybe they can read thoughts or feelings. All I know is that I've seen too many of these types of situations to dismiss it as just happenstance.
I'm sorry your dog isn't well. Nothing is more heartbreaking than seeing a family member draw close to their end of time on earth. Praying for your peace and her comfort.
Thank you so much Parsley. Erin is a good friend's dog. I just lost my dog, Kelly. He was the oldest of my three.
I think you are so right. There is an unspoken language between animals and if we're lucky, we can witness it from time to time. What a blessing that day was....
What an awesome sight that must have been and what a blessing it was that you and your friends were lucky enough to witness it!!!
Oh. I see. Still, prayers for Erin and your friend.
Sorry for the typo/grammar error. I saw it after posting. I should have said 'the language spoken by animals' not 'spoke'.
Bothers me when I do that because I KNOW better but can't type better. LOL
I had to come back and read this fabulous story again. There is something about the way
Tango and Erin communicated, that I want to touch my soul and remember forever. It's a special message. Animals do not worry.(except when they want to eat) They live in the "now" and are blessed by it. What a wonderful "now" moment.
love
tweedles
I'm glad you and you friends have this moment to remember. It shows in the photo that she is a 'good dog'. They are all good, but sometimes some get into the heart deeply. I can see she is one of those.
Over and over through the years I've spent with animals, I've seen them care about each other, understand and just try to help each other. This is especially true with those animals that have had lives filled with love themselves. This was just so beautiful to see, and made me cry right away, as Erin looks so much like my old Shadow. I will email you about him.
This kind of story and picture will help foster understanding in people that animals DO care and try to help in their own ways.
That's lovely! To think that two species so vastly different (one predator, one prey no less) could communicate so easily. Makes you wish us humans could come to the same understanding so easily with our animals, let alone amongst fellow mankind!! Truly a lesson for us all!
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