if anything, it makes me feel a little better that my pets all passed away peacefully from old age. thistle was nearly four, pippy was four and a half, and crow was nearly 24 (half arab, yes, but he had been abandoned and starved at least 2-3 times in his life and had foundered twice before i adopted him).
wats were rescued from a hoarder who kept at least 50 in a crammed, waste-covered cage, and they lived the rest of their lives in a huge, three story cage that was made out of a bookshelf. so much fleece!
crow lived out the last years of his life as a pet, being groomed and doted on by little kids. he only lived in his stall at night or when the ground was icy/slippery and dangerous. otherwise at 5am he was turned out in a 5+ acre run with his best friend Charlie and other pones.
idk as sad as i am about them passing away, it makes me feel better when people reassure me that i gave them the best lives and care possible.
always take care of your pets and treasure them, people.