My BF has a loyal, good-hearted friend named Bert. Bert owns an excavator. This is a very big deal for anyone who needs ditches dug, sewer systems put in place, or whatever requires heavy-duty digging.
Sometimes Bert takes on odd jobs. And when I say odd…it can be. Can you imagine being called upon to burry a beloved animal? That’s what Bert did. He got a plea to dig a grave that would accommodate a horse who had recently passed on into the afterlife.
Now, consider this: Excavators take high cost diesel. Plus, there is the cost of fuel to haul the excavator to the site. Then there is potential time away from other work Bert could be doing. Did Bert buckle? Nope. He was there on the scene to take care of this sweet horse-soul who had gone to romp in better pastures.
As my BF was telling me the details of the story, it wasn’t just Bert accepting the call of duty that impressed me. What really set me free was Bert’s kind, thoughtful attention to the way things should be done in sending a beloved soul into the other-world of life.
To explain…Bert came upon the scene. He excavated a proper grave. But that’s not all he did.
When the digging was done, Bert asked the owners of the horse for enough sweet, soft-smelling hay that would layer the bottom of the grave. He lovingly padded the site with the hay so this horse could receive a welcome bed upon which to lay the last remnants of his bones.
But that’s not all. Bert craned the beautiful beast into the grave. Can you imagine? I shudder to think what most contractors would do in these situations. But I know Bert lovingly weaved nylon straps around the horse, and gently placed him into his last resting place. Once rested, Bert lovingly repositioned this (very heavy) regal beast so his head, legs and tail were displayed in proper order.
Once he did this, the horse owners brought him horse blankets, and Bert proceeded to cover the magnificent beast with his best, favorite coverings. A gesture of comfort, kindness, love and tenderness. If that doesn’t jerk tears from your eyes, then I pity you. That’s worthy of waterworks, in my realm.
Now in my mind, Bert went far beyond the call of duty for what was asked of him. Did he get paid for his work? Sure he did. Did he get paid to go the extra mile to inter the spirit of this glorious animal? Nope. You cannot put a price on what Bert did.
Why did he do that? Why didn’t he just dig a hole, and be done with it? That’s what he was hired to do. Why not just dig and move on?
Well…I believe there are those among us who realize the spirit of things. There are humans who know that a horse is not just a horse…it is a symbol, a representative of fine, pristine value. Furthermore, some of us (including Bert) realize that the animals we dearly love are far more than just animals. They are our kin. Our kind. Our clan. Our family. That’s worthy of respect, and Bert knows this. That’s why he chose (voluntarily) to create a magnificent resting space for this horse.
You know…in my stint in anthropological studies, I’d put Bert in shamanic class. Why? Because our ancestors used to adorn their treasured, most beloved creatures with blankets, and special bedding – just as Bert did. Our ancient’s believed their precious beasts should be laid to rest properly in order to live a prosperous life in the next level of soulful living.
Keep in mind, Bert didn’t even know this horse. Bert just knew to extend kindness and pay tribute. It was instinct, that’s a shamanic vibe. I love that about Bert, and I think we could all learn from his actions.
What made Bert do what he did? I can’t say, but I have a feeling he acted so respectfully to this horse, because he knows the value of love and loyalty. I suspect Bert inherently knows the gift of faithfulness our animals offer us. I think he also knows what it means to be connected to our animal kin, and felt it necessary to pay respect to that familial connection.
Do I think our animal-family recognize the time and effort we put into their passing moments in this life? Absolutely. Indubitably. You betcha.
Consider: If you’ve spent a decade or more with an animal…you know each other inside and out. That’s going to be true in the afterlife too. When an animal soul ascends to the next great level of existence, they will absolutely remember how they were interred and put to rest. That reflects upon their well-being. This will also reflect upon their human counterparts.
Respect your elderly animal kin. Give them proper resting spaces. Give them honorable, heart-felt words of parting so they may move into the afterlife with ease, and peace. Give them grand passage so they may live grandly in the great beyond.
I know most of you who read this would do this instinctively. I just wanted to share with you the benevolence and kindness Bert showed as an example of how parting with our animal family can be done with class, awareness, and reverence.
Thank you, Bert, for being a mentor and a reminder of the respect we should all pay to our animal spirits.
