Sorry I haven't posted in a few weeks, but I lost one of the 'good ones' to old age...I guess it just kinda sends you spinning for a while. Anyway, I thought I would post a small rememberance of my long-time partner in crime...
Gran Tryumph, "Thunder", (23 y.o.) CCFPD Police Mount, Ret. Loyal and brave partner to his Officer Kathy and beloved friend in retirement. Thunder trailer thousands of miles, took to thousands of miles of trails and streets, in his 10 years of service, in order to serve the public from a pet on the nose and an introduction, to some of the most newsworthy searches and riots. A bay Thoroghbred of 16hh, there was never a child that he wouldn't voluntarily bow his head down so that a small hand could touch the white snip on his velvety nose (or, sneak a piece of cotton candy!) Thunder would try anything you asked, even if you had to argue with him (in which we had many; mostly over whether or not crossing one particular 50 foot bridge was a wise decision-he would always end up having to go over it 'in reverse'). His genuine interest in doing his job and protecting his Officer was unwavering; as his bravery, mind and trust saved our butts in sketchy incidents many a time. Thunder proved his ultimate ability and eventual retirement by placing 3rd in the US at a Nationally reconized Mounted Police Competition in 2002. He lived out the remainder of his years on the grass of his own pasture with his best buddy, Cooper, enjoying an occasional rum and coke with a starlight mint, or the casual trail ride - just for kicks.
