In 2007 I bought a sweet Thoroughbred gelding. He was jet black in color and had a star the shape of Africa on his face. Having been a ranch horse he had quite a life, been there done that. I bought him from a Boys Ranch in our area. We had two and a half short years together. But in this time, my nieces, nephew and I had a lot of fun times on him. His advancing age came with challenges some were a surprise others were expected. He had a stroke and a bout with colic at the same time one night. As I reached up to adjust his winter blanket he fell to the ground. I literally had to jump back, it was 5 1/2 hours of walking and resting and meds that finally brought him through enough I felt comfortable with leaving him to rest. Our bond may have been strengthened by this but it was hint that his time was short and he would probably not be with us much longer. One effect from his stroke that night was the damage done to his vocal cords, whinnying and neighing were now a challenge all their own. He'd do his best to whinny when he saw me come for feeding time. It broke my heart hearing his muffled scratchy greeting. Yet I knew he was trying his best to say "hi". When that day came to have him put out of his misery it was hard for me to call my sis and tell her to tell the kids "their" horse was gone. Theres not a day I don't think about you Chey, thanks for all you taught us and I am glad to know your pain is gone and you are running free once again. Big hugs to you my black velvet, love and miss you constantly.