A Memorial for Sakina and Olive: Two Beloved Souls of Hay Burr Inn
Hay Burr Inn recently experienced a profound sadness with the passing of two cherished members of our sanctuary family: Sakina, our graceful Arabian mare, and Olive, our elegant and ever-present Irish Setter. Though their time with us varied, both Sakina and Olive left indelible marks on our hearts and will be deeply missed.
Sakina, the Serene Heart
Sakina, whose name fittingly means serenity in Arabic, arrived at Hay Burr Inn in a difficult situation alongside her bonded, blind Appaloosa POA companion, Nahima. Despite her past hardships, Sakina quickly revealed a gentle and patient nature. She became Nahima's devoted "seeing eye" horse, a testament to her kind and supportive spirit. Their bond was a beautiful example of unwavering companionship, and our HBI family rallied to help them navigate their new life together.
Beyond her devotion to Nahima, Sakina charmed us all with her dainty, fairytale-like presence and her love for being brushed and scratched. She held a special affection for our pony, Mr. Bo, greeting him with playful prances and whinnies. Their sweet interactions brought smiles to our faces, and in a poignant turn of events, Mr. Bo has now stepped in to offer his companionship to Nahima in Sakina's absence, a comforting development for which we are deeply grateful.
Even in her advanced age and facing challenges like tooth loss and lordosis, Sakina possessed a quiet dignity and a polite demeanor. We were honored to provide her with the nourishment she had long been without, watching her blossom and gain weight. Her gentle nudges for her soaked alfalfa mash will be a fondly remembered quirk, a sweet reminder of her trusting nature.
Sakina's time at Hay Burr Inn, though perhaps shorter than we wished, was filled with love, care, and the peace she so deserved. She galloped into our hearts, leaving hoofprints on our souls, and we know she waits patiently at the rainbow bridge for her friends.
Olive, the Ever-Present Guardian
Olive, our elegant Irish Setter, was an integral and beloved fixture of daily life at Hay Burr Inn. Her presence was a constant, a happy and enthusiastic participant in all farm activities. From her playful interactions with the horses, especially her sweet bond with Kiya who would groom her through the stall door, to her "obnoxious" yet endearing demands for attention, Olive filled the farm with her unique charm.
This sprawling sanctuary was Olive's personal playground, where she joyfully roamed acres, ponds, and barns, considering horses and donkeys her cherished playmates. She was always "There," a silent but steadfast assistant during chores, a furry reminder of feeding schedules and nighttime barn checks. Olive was more than a farm dog; she was an unofficial time clock and a comforting presence, especially for those who cared for her most.
Olive had a remarkable ability to offer quiet support during difficult times, always near, always touching. Her absence leaves a profound void, a silence where her happy enthusiasm once echoed. The farm feels different without her watchful eye and playful antics.
We are heartbroken by the loss of our elegant farm dog, who brought so much joy and unwavering companionship to Hay Burr Inn. Run free, dear Olive, your happy spirit will forever roam these grounds, and we know the heavens are now filled with your joyful antics.
Together, we mourn the loss of these two beautiful souls who enriched our lives in unique and profound ways. Sakina's gentle serenity and Olive's enthusiastic presence will be deeply missed but never forgotten at Hay Burr Inn.