Wherever Spirit roamed, Banker would be by his side as a
wonderful calming adult influence, Banker would warn Jessica if he was at the
Goose feed or had escaped the confines of the field, they had a bond between
them that went beyond companionship, he was the patriarch of the pack but most especially
of Spirit. He had an amazing influence on so many people and horses in his 34
year longevity including his incredibly loving owners. Whilst all were loosing their
heads around him Banker remained steadfast and reliable, he was indeed the Old
Major that had been on this plane a few times before. Not much surprised or
shocked Banker, he was Jessica’s rock.
Two years ago on 12th November Banker collapsed
in the field with life threatening chronic colic, Jessica was by his side the
whole time whilst someone ran to fetch the vet. She soothed and talked to the
old boy praying he would be alright, it was looking bad as he could barely
move. Jessica would never want him to suffer and knew she had to give him
permission to leave this life if he felt it was time, so with tremendous
strength she told him he could go if he wanted to, that she would be sad but okay.
All of a sudden Banker had an amazing jolt of energy and pulled himself to his
feet as if exclaiming ‘he was not done here yet!’
Banker’s previous owner travelled some distance to see him
for a day each year as indeed she did on Sunday 11th November this year,
they all had a wonderful day in the sunshine, grooming his teddy-bear winter
coat and catching up on cuddles. Banker was chatting away the whole time, happy
to have his two loving ladies pamper him. Jessica was so pleased with him she
had commented on how he had the look of a foal about him.
At 3am the following morning something woke Jessica, she opened the window to check on the boys but only two heads appeared at
the stable doors: Banker was not responding. She could hear his feet pounding
the floor and the sound of straw being thrown around. Jessica knew at once he
was in trouble, as she rounded the corner to Banker’s stable he staggered
towards her: the colic had struck once more, two years to the day. This time he
was not going to recover, the vet was there very quickly and Banker passed
quietly in the early hours with Jessica by his side and his pals nearby.
I visited Jessica, Spirit and Blacky later that day to offer
my support; Jessica and I were worried about Spirit’s reaction to losing his
best friend, we could not have been more wrong; Spirit galloped for the first time in years with his tail in the air, racing into the field
with Blacky as if Banker was by his side. He was sprightly and happy, Blacky
was the confused one. As a healer I have often felt the complete understanding
and almost dismissal of dogs that have lost fellow dogs, it is an understanding
of death that I struggle to find in other animals: they know the deceased has
simply moved on to the next life continuing on their journey, there is no remorse
or sadness, they are almost happy for the deceased, it is so refreshing to
feel. That day I watched Spirit play in the field after his best friend had died was
just the same; he was fine with the situation, almost excited for dear Banker.
Spirit could feel Banker’s soul close and free and he was happy for him.
Blacky was not so sure of the situation, he is a sensitive soul
that has a need to know how, why and where everything is. Though Blacky could
feel Banker watching from the trees he did not understand Spirit’s euphoria.
I think Banker will be keeping a close eye on them all for
some time to come.
All the best dear boy, I'm privileged to have met you in this life and I have no doubt you will continue to be a strong presence.
