A woman in Massachusetts who died of stomach cancer wanted to be buried with her horse, sparking a battle in the small town of Sandwich, with many seeking to save the horse and some who favored euthanizing the animal to meet the owner’s wish.
Barbara Collins’ dying wish was to be buried with Brady, whom she named after New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.
Many were against putting the horse down, including state Rep. Steve Xiarhos, who announced on Thursday that Brady will not be euthanized and instead will go to a horse farm on Cape Cod.
“Happy Thankful Thursday!” Mr. Xiarhos wrote on Facebook. “We have incredibly heartwarming news to share! A horse rescue on Cape Cod providing alternative therapy for children with special needs has generously agreed to provide a beautiful forever home for Brady, the horse whose fate was uncertain after his owner’s passing.”
Mr. Xiarhos thanked the community for its support, saying Brady will “now live out his days in comfort and care.”
“Despite his challenges, he will now have a safe and loving home, thanks to the efforts of everyone involved,” Mr. Xiarhos wrote. “We extend our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who followed Brady’s story, offered support, and helped make this happy ending possible. Together, we’ve shown the power of community and compassion.”
Help From State Lawmaker
Mr. Xiarhos told The Epoch Times via email that he is asked to help in many ways every day as a state representative and always does his best to serve.“In this case, Brady’s former owner died without a will, so without clear directives for Brady, the focus was on finding him the best solution for his final years,” Mr. Xiarhos said. “I’m grateful for the collaboration with a local veterinarian and horse farm owner, who stepped in to provide a safe and healthy home for Brady.”
Mr. Xiarhos said the farm, which specializes in caring for horses, requested to remain anonymous.
The Crescent Moon Farm, which has been caring for Brady since Ms. Collins’ death, told The Epoch Times in Facebook messages that it would no longer be talking about the situation, saying “there is too much out there now and it’s a little out of control. We just take care of Brady but have nothing to do with what happens to him.”
“A horse isn’t a dog,” Ms. Booth-Frasier told the outlet. “They’re more money, more responsibility, and they’re 700-pound animals. They can hurt you.”
“You gotta do right by the horse,” Ms. Booth-Frasier said. “Sometimes you have to leave your heart at the door.”
Allie Hammond of Rhode Island, who owns Brady’s sister, told The Epoch Times by Facebook message that she’s glad Brady has found a new home.
Public Opinions
Hundreds of people weighed in on Brady, and when hearing he was not to be euthanized and would be sent to a farm instead, most were elated.Debbie Feest wrote, “thank you State Representative Steve Xiarhos and Allie Hammond for helping to save Brady’s life. As a friend of Barbara’s, I know she would want Brady to live his best life until it’s his time for them to be together. It is my hope we can all go forward in grace and stop the harsh comments. Life is short, let’s be kind to each other even if we have differences.”
Cindy Coleman Celeste wrote, “hopefully when he passes he will be laid next to Barbara.”
Others, such as Kirsten Dorsey, said that Ms. Collins’ wish should have been granted.
“His fate was not ‘uncertain’. She willed him to be humanely euthanized so he never ended up in a bad situation,” Ms. Dorsey wrote. “Who is going to keep a close eye and make sure he is always safe, healthy, and taken care of? Is he going to be retired, or used in this program? I think it’s insane to go against someone’s will.”
Mr. Xiarhos responded to Ms. Dorsey on Facebook, saying that Ms. Collins didn’t have a legal will.
Despite the controversy surrounding the fate of the horse, Mr. Xiarhos told The Epoch Times that “it was heartwarming to see the community come together to advocate for Brady’s well-being instead of having him be euthanized.”
