By: Elizabeth Holliday

In 2001, two days after the tragedy of 9/11, I had to have my dearest equine friend and companion, Banner, put down at the age of 29. My one remaining horse, Prince, was left without his pasture mate and buddy of the past 14 years. To help us both adjust to Banner’s absence, I took on loan a tiny Miniature Horse filly, just a yearling, to share our pasture. The filly lost no time in capturing my heart and completely inserting herself into Prince’s world as well. The loan turned into a full-time commitment and “My Treasure” officially joined our little family this past spring.

[private]Then, this year, on the 1-year anniversary of Banner’s passing, as I found myself profoundly grieving his absence, my astute and so very sensitive neighbor sent me this wonderfully uplifting message:

“I’m so glad that little Treasure seems to fit the hole in your heart, and while being small enough not to cover up Banner’s memory, she is big enough to hug when you need her.”

Now, isn’t that a warm fuzzy for a horse lover’s soul?[/private]