06/30/2025
The Wish feels a bit emptier today... and our hearts do as well.
I need y'all to reminisce with me waaaay back to last July when we welcomed the two most handsome gents ever, Ted and Garth. We were asked to take them in when their Mom made the decision to no longer manage the barn they were being boarded at. Thankfully, the transition went well, and the boys acclimated quickly... and stole a few hearts (human and four legged) along the way as well, of course! I mean... it was quite literally impossible NOT to fall in love with them.
In the next few months, Ted and Garth became well known residents here at The Wish... Garth for his beautiful blue eyes and LOUD attention seeking neigh (okay, it wasn't even a "neigh", but there are LITERALLY no other words to describe the noises he managed to generate!), and Ted for his stylish haircut and cunning personality! We took them to several events; the most memorable, of course, being when they stole the show at the Sturgeon Bay Christmas parade where we won second place for best float!
Unfortunately, this spring, we began to notice that Garth didn't seem to be feeling well. He'd lost some weight, he was chewing more slowly and soon, he became lethargic and weak as well. We were able to get him into Veterinary Associates but unfortunately learned that we were too late. Garth had severe infections in his mouth due to some teeth issues and despite their best efforts, he passed away on April 17.
This spring was INCREDIBLY rough for us as we dealt with several losses in a very short amount of time... most of which we haven't even had the heart to share yet. And so, in the midst of the pain we were barely navigating through, we found the only way to cope was to retreat. It's not that the loss of any animal is insignificant or does not cause a severe emotional impact... it's just that sometimes, we can only handle so much. We are still humans; humans who pour their heart and soul into the care of every animal that resides here. So, we cope the only way we know how. We bottle up our many emotions, and we carry on ... as we must, knowing that all losses leave behind a mourning family that needs us.
In the aftermath of Garth's loss, his Mom decided she wanted Ted closer to her family where they could see him more often. And so, yesterday, Ted was moved to his new home. He is now in a beautiful boarding facility where he will be well taken care of and well loved. But even still... seeing him walk on to that trailer hurt just as badly as any other loss here has.
Ted and Garth will always be remembered as family members here at The Wish. They will always be a part of our journey and our story... and their memories will live on here for years to come.
If you were lucky enough to meet Ted and Garth and have any photos or stories to share, we would love to hear them. We miss them both terribly, but again ... be strong we must, as we move along in our journey.
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