Woman in Hospice Seeing Her Horse for the Final Time Has Everyone in Tears
Animals can have such a profound impact on the lives of those who love them, and it's beautiful to witness. Even in the most difficult times, a family pet or farm animal can provide the kind of comfort humans just aren't capable of.
When we saw this touching story from the New York Post about hospice patient Karina Courtmanche and her chestnut horse, Bella, we knew we had to share it. The moment may be bittersweet, but knowing the two were together one final time brings us so much peace.
79-year-old Courtmanche has been Bella's owner and caretaker for the last 3 decades--since the horse was just an energetic foal--so we can only imagine how much this moment meant to both of them. The special meetup happened thanks to the kind people at Connecticut Hospice, Mary Wade Home (Courtmarche's nursing home), and Bittersweet Farm, where Bella is staying.
"We were talking with her and she kept talking about her horse Bella, that she wanted to see Bella,” Michelle Walker, RN Case Manager for Connecticut Hospice, told WFSB News. So that's what they did! In just a matter of days, they'd coordinated to get the best friends together for one final visit.
Courtmarche--who enjoys getting dressed up and having her makeup done-- was transported to Bittersweet Farm in Bethany, Connecticut, with the help of an ambulance and medical transport team. Once there, she pet Bella and even fed the horse carrots.
Walker said, "I’m very excited that I’m able to give her this last wish. It’s important to her, so it’s important to us.” Needless to say, countless animal lovers and pet owners have also been touched by this heartwarming story.
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