The Hardest Goodbye

 

Pete, the very first horse I rescued — the horse who inspired me to start Habitat for Horses, passed away. And he deserves a few words of tribute.  Pete was a skinny, crippled, terrified colt when I rescued him from a kill-buyer. On that very same day, Pete rescued a broken-down cowboy who needed a reason to go on. As I struggled to keep Pete alive, his own struggle ignited a fire in me to save more lives. From that first step with Pete, I rescued thousands of horses, donkeys and mules, pulling them from the jaws of neglect and cruelty.  For twenty-eight years, Pete stood by my side. He wasn't just a horse — he was part of me, and I was part of him. We never doubted, never questioned. We trusted in each other with a love so vast that it felt like it had no boundaries, like one soul mixed in with another.  And then, suddenly, it was over. Pete told me in the only way he could: "Dad, I can't do this anymore. I need your help. It's time. Let me go." On a sunny afternoon, in a pasture lush with grass and life, Pete took his last breath. My hand gently closed his eyes as he slipped from this world. The weight of that moment shattered me. I stood there, lost in the enormity of my grief, and looked out across the pasture. Fifty horses were grazing, a few resting in the sun, peaceful, alive. And in the other pastures around the ranch, hundreds of others stood, enjoying their freedom, their safety. "You did this, Pete," I whispered. "Every one of them, every life saved — it's because of you. Just like you saved me... " Pete is gone now, but his spirit is everywhere. Every horse that runs free, every donkey that feels the sun's warmth after a lifetime of neglect, they all carry a piece of Pete with them. And so do I. And maybe, just maybe, on some quiet morning when the mist lingers over the fields, you'll catch a glimpse of two figures, an old cowboy and his horse, standing side by side, silhouetted in the dawn. If you listen closely, you might hear the kind of song only sung between best friends. That'll be us — me, back with my soulmate, Pete — inseparable, forever. Love, Jerry Finch Founder of Habitat for Horses P.S. I plan to go on giving Pete a peppermint kiss each evening... even if it's only in my dreams. Because of him, I found my purpose, and Habitat for Horses became a reality. If today you feel like honoring Pete, think about making a gift in Pete's memory. Or just say a thoughtful prayer of thanks. He's up there, just beyond the clouds, running free. And he'll hear you. Thank Pete

6060 Habitat for Horses Lane  |   Alvin, TX 77511 Donate Now