Lonesome George Died Today

Our beloved old mule, Lonesome George, died today.  Kathryn found him dead in his corral early this afternoon.  She came to the door, in tears, to tell me.  I rushed back out to the corral with her.  There he was, laying on the ground, while his blind girls -- Lena, Nikki and Destiny -- milled around, unsure what had happened to their Uncle George.

We moved the girls into the barn and then huddled with George.  Yes, losing this little mule reduced us to tears.  He was no ordinary mule.  He was as cute as can be, easy-going, dignified, gentle, and adorable.  He had an unflappable, dreamy nature about him ... an almost Buddha-like manner.  He was a mule you could invite into your house and he would have ambled from room to room and never knocked anything over.  If we'd ever had a cocktail party here, we could have pictured George mingling with the guests.

George was ever so sweet with the blind foals he helped Lena raise.  He never understood or appreciated why we turned him into a 'nanny mule' -- it was a role he didn't like but he performed so well.  George could certainly be mule-ish, but in such an endearing way it made us love him even more.  And he could dig a hole by the gate in an hour, pawing at the ground because he wanted out ... or in.  It didn't matter, he pawed whenever he wanted something.

We used to let him just wander around the ranch because he loved to explore.  George never went far -- he cherished Lena and would hee-haw in distress if she disappeared from sight -- and he always stayed within view of the barn.  Even yesterday morning we turned him loose so he could wander.

Yet it was clear in recent weeks that he was losing his battle with cancer, despite the chemotherapy.  His appetite had diminished and he started losing weight rapidly.  He became "ribby" and bony, even while his personality stayed pretty much the same.

So today wasn't a shock, but still an emotional jolt.  Even when you're expecting it, you're never really prepared for it.

Beth soon joined Kathryn and me at George's side.  I called Alayne, who was in Missoula, to tell her the sad news.  Then we set out to bury George.  His grave is close to the barn, so he'll still be able to keep an eye on his girls.

We loved this old mule.  We still do.

Comments

[Ellie R]

I realize I'm quite late in sending my condolences but I started reading your blog from the beginning a few weeks ago and just now am learning of George's death. His original post, about how came to be called Lonesome George, brought tears to my eyes so I suppose it's only fitting that his last blog entry does the same. Even though I am late and never actually knew you, George, my heart is saddened and you will be missed.

[Miranda]

I missed a day then checked in today and what a shock about George. Odd isn't it how one can never actually meet an animal in person or touch it in person but it can touch your heart. I've been following his story and I cried when I read of George's demise. All I can say is that he was a lucky guy to have found his forever home and love with you and that he was cared for so much. Thank you for that and I am sorry for your loss.

Cyber hugs,
Miranda

[Dianne]

When Lonesome George first came to the RDR, I read the story of his life and was in tears thinking how sad he must have been feeling an outcast and getting picked on.
Today I am in tears again, learning of his death. I am so thankful to you all that for at least a while, he was loved and part of the RDF family...no longer an outcast...no longer feeling he had to separate himself to feel safe. My sincere condolences to you all.

[sarah]

how sad. I'm sitting at my computer (at work too!) with tears in my eyes... poor old George. He will be missed :(

[Nina]

My tears and heart go out to you all at the ranch....Sweet Lonesome George will be missed!

[Karen SA/TX]

Ahh, this day came too soon. I have been worried that Uncle George's days were limited. He was real special to me also. He still is, in heaven.

[Leilani]

Lonesome George will be missed so much! The void of his talents, disposition and foal raising duties are, I'm sure, missed already.
My love and comfort goes out to you all; Lena too, as this is a huge loss for her as well.
I'm so sorry your beloved mule is gone.

[Leigh]

I love you too Lonesome George. You have a place in so many hearts.

[Linda Lee Balkin]

I am so sorry.

[Mandy, Laramie, WY]

I am so sad and deeply sorry to hear of the loss of George. You did so much to keep him as happy and healthy as you could and I'm sure he will always be with you.
Please send my deepest condolences to everyone at the ranch.
Take care!

[Jacque Lanier]

I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with all of you.

jacque

[Laura Whale]

I have tears reading about George. He was the sweetest mule I have ever met!! I am sooo glad I had the opporunity and the privilege of meeting and helping (once a month) care for George. I will miss seeing his sweet face. You will be greatly missed!!!

[Roz]

Oh, goodbye, wonderful Lonesome George. You, along with all the animals at the ranch, were in my prayers last night. You had an honored place at the ranch, George. Steve, Alayne, Kathryn and Beth, please accept my condolences for the loss of your friend.

[Jean/Nevada]

It is so sad that the only comment I can utter is that my tears join yours.

[ginger & Tobias (the greythound)]

We are so sorry to hear about your precious George. He was such a character & special guy. You gave him a wonderful life at the RDR surrounded by creatures and people that dearly loved him & he knew that. We're sending consoling hugs,
ginger & Tobias

[Heidi and the kitties]

I am so terribly sorry to hear about George! I am in tears - he was my favorite of the hooved creatures. I loved hearing about his antics with his "girls" and seeing all his photos. I am glad his twilight years included so much love there at the ranch. I will miss him dearly.