Ned left us exactly one year ago today. We buried our young prince near Lota's final resting place, overlooking the valley where the Divas roam today.
In the short time we had with Ned, he touched many of us differently. One of his caregivers recalls that Ned always seemed to exude this air of being pleasantly surprised. Her favorite memories of Ned were the times when he was feeling very good and would get a little playful. She would be making notes in his log, and out of the corner of her eye she could see his shadow on the wall, watching her. The shadow's trunk would curl and then start to swing. This was usually about the time a flake of hay would hit his caregiver in the back. She would turn with a smile or a teasing word, and Ned would look back very innocently as if to say, "What? No, I didn't throw that. Wasn't me." One time, she turned just soon enough to knock the flake out of the air with her hand before it reached her. Ned's expression remained innocent, and as his caregiver pushed the flake back to him with a broom, that feeling of pleasant surprise grew again.
Ned was a beautiful boy, and while we know there really wasn't anything more we could have done for him, our hearts still ache at the short time we had to care for him. Watching him learn about grass, dogs and other things in and around his domain, was truly heartwarming. His caregivers, as well as his many devoted followers, wished we could have seen him learn so much more. Namaste, sweet Ned.
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As caregivers, we remember Nedley with a bit of sadness for a split second, then we just have to break into an automatic smile. One caregiver remembers the day Ned arrived...cold and windy. She could only imagine his thoughts as he was about to exit the trailer after the long trip with Scott from Florida- listening to unfamiliar voices, smelling unfamiliar smells, hearing unfamiliar sounds, etc. Our first look at him brought smiles from everyone present, and looks of concern for obvious signs of what he had endured during his circus life.
As he cautiously, but easily, stepped out onto the porch of his new home, he wasn't greeted with any music, banners, crowds wanting to see him, etc.; but rather, just a few people who had gone the extra mile to rescue him; and a few others of us who had waited for him to come home so we could care for him.
Caring for Ned was a privilege, and getting to know him was a lot of fun. He really came out of his shell once he realized there would be no punishment if he was feeling a bit off, grumpy, or just wanted to keep to himself. He was quite a comedian, and took advantage of any little chance to toss some of his food at a caregiver.
Ned was a champion hay tosser, and had good range and aim. A caregiver recalls one morning in particular....she had given him his morning meal, and turned to write the details in the log book. He was very quiet, and came to stand in the stall behind her. With no sound or warning, a BIG glob of sticky oatmeal sailed past her head and landed on the wall a couple of feet above. Part of it stayed, the rest lobbed down to the floor. She turned to see Ned standing very tall, looking absolutely pleased at his accomplishment. We all learned to stand a bit to the side to keep an eye on this boy, as he loved to catch you unaware. Everyone got things tossed at them at one time or another. For some, it became a silent game of shuffling....We would see him get into position and start to gather hay in his trunk. The caregiver would slowly move to the other end of the barn and do something over there. Once Ned relaxed or moved down closer, she would casually move back and finish her notes, thanking him for his cooperation before she left.
Another favorite memory of a caregiver is of Ned eating some fresh pineapple. The caregiver took a big chunk and slid it to him at the front of his stall. He scooped it up right away and popped the whole thing in his mouth without hesitation. He bit down, and suddenly his eye squinched tightly closed, and his cheeks clinched up...just like when you bite into something sweet/tart and get that sensation that makes you pucker. His eyes opened back up after a moment and he began to chew, then swallowed his treat happily. He also used to fill his cheeks when drinking from the hose, chipmunk style. One could not help laughing out loud at his actions. He was a funny boy.
A favorite image which always makes us smile is a picture of Scott holding a grain bin and a pumpkin while encouraging Ned to explore his yard. Ned had a face for the camera, that's for sure. We used to love calling to him and walking down the fence line so he would follow to the grass, which at first was foreign to him and he didn't quite know what to do with all that soft, sweet smelling stuff under his feet. Eventually he learned to enjoy his luxuries and freedom and spent a lot of time in his tall grassy habitat.
Pictures of Ned flip through our memories quite often, and they always make us happy. We are very glad to have loved, known and cared for him. We so appreciate those who cared for Ned from afar, in the same way they have cared for our Girls. Ned was a very loved boy, and we are sure he felt that love after coming here to live out his much-too-short life.
Thank you, Nedly.....we all miss you very much.