We have been struggling with Brandy and Bandit’s quality of life for some time now. Over the past two years, both mares have faced challenges that have required us to closely monitor their comfort and happiness.
At the beginning of November, Brandy’s condition declined further. She developed persistent loose stool, and despite our efforts to help her feel better, she no longer seemed physically comfortable or content. She was not thriving, and her eyes were telling us she was tired.
Brandy and Bandit’s personalities had also changed over time. The two could no longer be turned out together — Brandy became aggressive toward Bandit — and yet they remained extremely herd-bound, which made it distressing and unsafe when they were apart. Bandit had also withdrawn from people, often showing that she preferred not to be touched or approached.
We knew the day would eventually come to give these girls a peaceful end, and had hoped to make the decision before the cold weather set in. After discussion with our veterinarians, we decided that now was time to let the girls go, together.
The decision to let them go as a pair was both heartbreaking and merciful. Brandy had always been the leader, and while Bandit might have been able to go on a bit longer, she would not have coped without her friend. Their bond was as strong as it had been since the day they arrived at SAFE, and it felt right to allow them to cross over together, peacefully and without fear.
The mares left us on a beautiful afternoon, with the sun on their backs and grass in their bellies. We are so thankful for the wonderful, kind volunteers who visited over the past week to shower them with love and spend extra time by their sides.
We are so fortunate to have such caring volunteers who give so much of themselves to these horses. It was a hard day, but not a bad one. We truly believe the mares haven’t had a bad day since coming to SAFE. The day we let them go was about protecting them from the fear and suffering that can come when we wait too long. That, to us, is the truest act of love we can give.
BRANDIT FOREVER — Never to be forgotten.
