cactushugger

Hey everyone, Please remind me of how wonderful my trip is going to be. I leave for CR one week from today, but, this morning I had to put my sweet, old horse to sleep. It was his time. There was nothing that could be done for him. But, after 18 years of soft whinnies when I came home, a velvet nose on my cheek...he will be greatly missed. I'm sure being immersed in the jungle and surrounded by the fabulous birds and mammals will cheer me up. So, help me, please, what was the most exciting critter, plant, or, place you've experienced in CR. Thanks for sharing.
Gretchen

cmcfong

I am so sorry, Gretchen. It is hard to lose an old friend even when it is time. Bless you.

jette

This kind of news always touches a cord in me. I'm a horse owner/rider/trainer of 40+ years and each one has changed me in so many wonderous ways.
I can't offer you any suggestions for your trip other than to have a wonderful time and take some special time for yourself to remember him and the special bond you shared.
When you get back and are ready, pick up a copy of "Chicken Soup for the Horse Lovers Soul". Some stories will make you laugh and others weep but it's always comforting to know others share your passion.
I hope you're as excited as I am when planning a trip. I think the anticipation of something really special, like travel could really help you right now.

Amanda23

I am so very sorry for your loss. I hope that being in a beautiful place like CR will raise your spirits a bit. To answer your question, my favorite critter we saw in CR was actually an anteater - they're way cuter than they sound like they should be! He looked like a little panda with a longer nose - so cute!

MyDogKyle

I just wanted to extend my sympathies, too. I completely understand how hard this kind of loss can be, but it sounds like you did the right thing by him and loved him very much. Please keep in mind how good it was that you could be with him at the end of his life. I had a wonderful horse for 20 years and it was so hard when she died, even though she was in her mid-30s and had had a great life. The biggest relief to me was that I was able to be with her, and was not off traveling when she died. I agree with the other posts that it is probably a really good thing that you have the trip to look forward to now, and I'm sure you will find ways to honor your friend's memory.

Suzie2

So sorry to hear. I remember my horses nose on my cheek as he would come over and lay his head on my shoulder. He always seemed to know my mood and act accordingly. Even he had days when he wasn't in the greatest mood. They are so intelligent. Splendor has been gone for many years now but you never forget.

We recently lost a 12 year old dog. All a part of life but it never gets easier.

I think those monkeys down there will bring a smile.

atravelynn

I am sorry about your horse. Eighteen years is a good long life.

I especially liked the olingas and leather back turtle laying eggs.

Have a wonderful trip.

hopefulist

I, too, am sorry for your loss. I had to make the decision to have my old best-beloved dog euthanized a year ago and I'll never stop missing her. Haven't been to CR but I've loved the variety of butterflies in my travels in Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. People are usually the most interesting animals, though.

Scarlett

Oh cactushugger, my sympathies!
I had a sweet old horse when I was a kid, I grieved for her for so long when she died. She was always there for me to share my day and my secrets with .. big hugs to you ...

Diana

I'm so sorry cactushugger.

We've lost two horses we loved dearly, and since we don't have kids, they are like our children.

I know you did the right thing by letting him go. That's a hard decision, but the best one.

I will give my Bailey an extra hug and kiss tonight when I go down to the barn to tuck him in for the night, and we'll be thinking of you.

coolbluewater

I'm so sorry for your loss. I had to put my darling kitty to sleep last year and I will never stop missing her. Sending you my sympathies...

shillmac

Well heck, this has turned into a sad post for lots of animal lovers.

And what a testament to the Latin America Fodor's Family. . .all are sorry to hear of your loss--as am I.

Your trip WILL cheer you up as you already know. .I hope you see plenty of Blue Morpho Butterflies. . .they always seem like a little gift from God everytime I see one. . .a reminder of His presence in our lives.

We have an mutt of a dog--Daisy. She's approaching 11 years and I'm starting to notice the age creeping up on her. . .just thinking about that a few days ago. It was hard on our entire family when we had to have our ferret put to sleep a few years ago! Good to know that we have hearts for feeling and loving, isn't it?

I hope you have a wonderful trip. And I am very sorry you had to say goodbye to your friend.

cactushugger

Thank you everyone. I'm so touched by your condolences. As a lifelong pet owner, and, a professional pet sitter, I know the death of our faithful friends is inevitable. It's kind of a heart ache we sign up for. But, I can't imagine my life without a fourlegged friend to share it with. My horse, Frosty, was given to me in 1989. At the time the vet and farrier both estimated his age at 10 to 12 years. So, he was old. Plus, we refered to him as the most expensive "free" horse in history. Despite our best preventive efforts Frosty coliched about every other February. I lost track of how many thousands of dollars his care has cost. We tried everything our vets could think of. Even so only repeated emergency trips to the equine hospital kept him alive for so many years. But, this time his old heart was not up to the fight. He was buried this morning on a beautiful Virginia hillside not far from where he spent his happiest days. (I hope for the same when my time comes.)
Thanks, again, for sharing your own stories of lost pets. It does help to know that so many people understand.
Happy trails,
Gretchen