Ode to George

[Donn Hewes]

We euthanized George this week. He was a 10 yo Percheron mule that was born on our farm. Unfortunately he struggled the last few months with a spinal or CNS problem that was impeding his ability to walk normally. In the end there really wasn’t the option of even finding a good home for him.

Ultimately, I believe they are work stock, like a dairy cow or any other animal we have taken care of, and worked with, and now chosen to end their life at the appropriate time. But a mule like George will not make that easy.

People often ask me why mules; and really there is no great difference between the work the mule does and the work of the draft horse; but mules like George, just have a lot of personality. George would make you look silly if he could, But he would come back to you in the next moment.

Two Mares were preg checked in foal with mules the same day, so by next spring hopefully I will have five young mules. No shortage of personality here!

[dominiquer60]

I am sorry for your loss Donn, and happy for your 2 mules in the oven.

[daniel grover]

Sorry to hear this, Donn. He was a great mule..

[horsemedic47]

I’m sorry for your loss, Always hard to lose a animal,

[J-L]

That’s too bad Donn.

I sure like my quirky mules. They’re so fun to work with.

Sad fact of life that our work mates die, sometimes too soon.

[Author]

Posts