Posted on 04/11/2014 8:42:40 AM PDT by 1rudeboy
Gandalf’s horse Shadowfax from the Lord of the Rings films has died.
The famous horse, called Blanco, had been ill for some time and owner Cynthia Royal made the decision to have him put down.
In a statement posted to theonering.net, Royal explains that Blanco had suffered from ‘serious issues with his intestinal tract and liver.’
She was present when he was euthanized in his stable.
‘Although my heart was breaking,’ she explains, ‘as my final gift to him, I stayed strong, balanced and focused, gently repeating “Relax Blanco. Let go. Walk into the light. Relax and let go” as the Blanco I’ve known so well and loved so deeply slipped away.
‘While this leg of Blanco’s journey has passed and my heart still aches, I will live in peace knowing we gave our all to aid in his recovery.
‘We spared no effort or expense, even though doing so in conjunction with the on-going expenses of my own health challenges has placed an additional financial burden on my family.’
First seen in The Two Towers, Blanco’s most memorable moment as Shadowfax came when Gandalf and Pippin rode to Edoras in Return of the King, with Gandalf uttering one of the most-quotable lines: ‘Run Shadowfax, show us the meaning of haste.’
The horse did it in one take.
It sounds like she gave the horse the most humane death she could.
So, why is there so much debate about how lethal injection is inhumane because it might cause unknowable pain to the human condemned?
Rest in peace Shadowfax
Even if captive-bolt (or bullet in the back of the head) is more humane for horses, it’s off the table for humans, at least in the US. But that’s a debate we’re not having, anyway.
“I don’t want to get in a debate over whether lethal injection for humans is inhumane, but there is debate in horse circles about lethal injection versus captive-bolt (or simply a bullet). Some States mandate lethal injection despite evidence that the latter is more humane. “
I know most vets favor the bullet, but as nearly all are part of the Equine Practitioners, it would be business suicide to go against EP position.
Most vets will tell you that if the animal has some serious intestinal problem, the body’s release of adrenaline can over ride the pain killers used with the lethal injection. The animal will fight the injection after administration. It is very, very violent and very ugly.
Broken legs can have similar effects. WE have always shot and they all go down quickly.
I did shoot a very old cow last year. The 30 30 bounced off her forehead. She was a nasty animal. Fortunately it stunned her and as she spun I got a heart lung.
Another interesting one, I put a goat down with a 38 special fired from a 357. I fired into a towel as there were people nearby and I wanted it to be quiet. Again, the animal was stunned, but wouldn’t die. I then realized that the 38, point blank, did not penetrate the towel, but knowcked the animal out. I never would have guessed.
Thanks for posting.
It would have been nice had they told some backstory on the horse and his owner(s).
How old was he?
What was his lineage and purpose?
Show horse?
Race?
Stud?
Pet?
Full time Performer?
Did he sire any descendants?
But, nah....too much like reporting.
RIP, Shadowfax
Because it’s all about how “offensive” or how it makes the (human)sensitive wimps “feel”, not what is more humane for the horse.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.