We all loved Maggie, but there is one among us that formed a bond with her far deeper than with any other horse. It became personal and intense, much like my bond with Pete. Why it happens with a certain animal and a certain person is a beautiful mystery. When it does, it changes the lives of both. To see it is to believe in the power of love, in the communion of spiritual creatures. For the person that truly bonds, they finally know the power of unconditional love.

If I were to walk with the one who formed such a bond with Maggie, there are words I’d want her to hear, knowing that she must hear them, and things I’d want her to see, because she must see them.

I’d tell her that no amount of tears will ever bring Maggie back. I’d make her remember all the wonderful days, all the laughter, all the great hours she had with Maggie, and that tears do not do justice to her memory. She was a great horse and great horses should always be remembered with respect and admiration, not tears and sadness.

I’d tell this special person about all the wonderful things she did for Maggie, how her involvement in Maggie’s life made such an extreme difference in Maggie’s attitude and outlook. I’d tell her to be proud of that, to walk with her head high, knowing that she brought love into a horse’s life. That’s a rare thing, a special power, a gift that is not given enough. - Jerry

It was Carol who brought Maggie to us
She was a thoroughbred, tall and stately, with an incurable love of candy. Bred to race, she had not taken well to the racetrack and it's regimen of stall, to track, to stall. She was sold off to someone who got a few quick foals out of her and then dumped her in a kill pen. Although rescued and placed she didn't do well, they wanted a horse to ride, and the sight of a saddle gave her great fear. She came to Habitat where she soon won the hearts of all with her love of people and caring for the other horses.

Today she lay down for the last time, slipped the bonds of Earth, and went to join the herd across the Rainbow Bridge. She taught us appreciation of unconditional love, acceptance for one who saw what we could not, heard what we were deaf to. She leaves a void in the herd and heart of Habitat For Horses, and a deep sorrow in the hearts of those that knew her. Sleep well dear Maggie, we will see you again some day. - Carol

The Smaller Gate
by Kit Goodwin

I pad on silent feet, down the dark tunnel, released from pain and the ravages of illness. My goal is ahead, a fact that I sense with every fiber of my being. I am alone, having reluctantly left behind the one I loved and served with my entire devotion.

Ah! I have reached the light, and I step out of the darkness to find that I am at the end of a dusty road. Before me stands a gate. It is unlike other gates I have known in my life - a barrier too high to jump or climb, with no breach along its edges. The latch is not made for one such as me. Beyond the gate, I glimpse rays of light and a meadow. I sit on the path in confusion, and then I see it - the Smaller Gate - a passage in the wall to one side of the Big Gate.

The Smaller Gate is welcoming and familiar. It is obviously made for one such as me. I dare to approach, and enter. As I pass through, I am greeted by others of my kind, who came here before me. I do not know them, and their scent is strange but reassuring. With them is a man named Francis. My new friends greet me in peace. They accompany me as I travel a new path that leads through the bright meadow. I am comforted by their companionship.

I know in my heart that I am safe from all harm here. I sense that the meadow is not lit by the sun, but by the Creator of all. I know in my heart that when my loved one comes, we will travel together on a pilgrimage to our Master, the source of that Light.
When I am not playing in the meadow with my new friends, nor accompanying Francis on his rounds, I often bask in the warming rays of The Light. At these times, I become lost in reverie, recalling my life before, and the one I loved. Sometimes, Francis senses my mood, and comes to comfort me, whispering into my ears a reminder of the Glorious Promise.

I wait eagerly and with anxious longing for that moment. Then, I will be reunited with the one I love, and I will be set free to share in my loved one's glory.

For Mary,
With Love,
Everyone at Habitat

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