Tribute to the Best

Tribute to the Best.
Staff Writer, Beth West
August 1, 2018

As pet owners, we take our responsibility to the animals very seriously.

Sometimes we get to make easy decisions such as which halter looks the prettiest, or what color ribbons look best in their tail.

Sometimes we have to make really hard decisions. Decisions about their health, well-being and what is best for the animal. Today was one of those days.

Today we made the selfless decision to say goodbye to Belle. She was at least 25 years old. As she was retired, her ears and appetite told us she was happy, yet her aging body told us a much different story. Belle had been battling several health issues for a couple years, all of which were managed by medications. However, there comes a point when the medications aren’t working as well and our equine friend was hurting. It was in that moment we made the decision to humanely euthanize her and stop her pain.

Now we want to focus on her life:

Belle was one of the first ponies we started Ponyland with. She has been part of our family since 2006. We bought her from well-known horsemen, Bob Barnard. A cute little Shetland that resembled Brian’s childhood pony.

She instantly became best buds with Bear, another pony we had recently bought. They did everything together. We eventually called them “husband and wife” because they were inseparable.

Belle went on to be the poster pony for Ponyland. She could do anything, any party at any venue. She went on to become one of our nursing home ponies, visiting the elderly as a reindeer for Christmas or just walking through the halls of a facility to bring a little joy.

We estimate that over her career, Belle participated in 1, 152 parties, giving in area of 15,000 pony rides. Belle LOVED doing pony parties. She loved getting all prettied up, being ridden and loved upon by children. Belle HATED her ears touched! (Every good woman has one flaw).

Belle will never be replaced. She truly was one of a kind. We are devastated but know we did what was in her best interest.
Her “husband” Bear passed away last year and she is now running free of pain, with him in Heaven. Yes, I believe animals have a place in Heaven, why else would God have created them?

Belle, thank you for choosing us as your family. Thank you for 12 years of your antics, your dedication and your soft muzzle nudges. You will be terribly missed.