Lost one of my mules this week...:(

[JFoster]

Just a little tribute to "Frank" the mule. He has been a part of our family for 10 years and the finest, most gentle boy on the mountain. I've put the most inexperienced of kids and riders on him and packed every big game animal in the west on his back. He was first to the gate for a "hug" and a treat and not one time did he ever have a problem.
Man, is it ever hard to find a good one like Frank. He was 21 years old with many mule years left to go.

I found him stretched out in pain in the pasture and immediately called in the vet. Turns out he had an internal tumor that wrapped around his colon and choked it off. Probably been coming on for a few years, but mules rarely show symptoms of a problem until it's late in the game. Tough animals, but I sure wish I'd known a long time ago that he was having an issue...
Rest easy Frankie! We'll miss you in camp this year in a big way..

 

[Mallardsx2]

Keep your chin up buddy!

And thanks for sharing the pictures. He looked like a good one!

 

[MarvB]

Great looking animal, sorry for your loss...RIP Frank!

 

[F250]

We have had to put a few horses down over the years. My wife and I are thinking of you and your family.

 

[2rocky]

Thoughts are with you. I think we all are looking for a "Frank" and when we find one they are gone too soon.

 

[SFC B]

Sorry for your loss. Animals always give us so much more than we could hope for. I hope good memories comfort you.

 

[noharleyyet]

Tough loss...sorry

 

[RoughCountry]

I know the feeling !! I’ve had horses that were like him, take you all over the mountains in any terrain safely and get you back to the trailer to ride another day. A good horse/mule is a good friend no doubt.

 

[brockel]

Sorry to hear that. A good mule is very hard to replace

 

[406dn]

Please accept my condolences. I just got home from a nice ride on a good horse. It is so tough to say good bye, especially with so little warning.

He left you with special memories, you won't forget him.

 

[Corn king 60]

Sorry for your loss of what was a great partner for you.
plenty of great memories I’m sure.
pay tribute to him next time you’re on his favorite mountain

 

[cowboy]

Sorry to hear - good ones can’t be replaced. I have to put one down tomorrow and ain’t looking forward to it.

 

[JFoster]

Sorry to hear - good ones can’t be replaced. I have to put one down tomorrow and ain’t looking forward to it.

uff da.. sorry you have to go through it too.. not fun at all.

 

[Pagosa]

God loves His creatures great and small! I have hope that Frank is grazing peacefully in a mountain pasture and his work is done, and his reward is complete for being a faithful pack/riding animal. Really sorry for your loss

 

[OntarioHunter]

Any riding mule is worth its weight in gold. Sounds like Frank was exceptional. He will be hard to replace. Sorry for your loss.

 

[elkduds]

20 years is a longer relationship than many marriages. Sounds like you always knew there was something special under those big ears. Sad for your loss.

 

[Hunting Wife]

Sorry for your loss. It’s hard not to feel like they’re family when you share so many adventures.

 

[Southern Elk]

Sorry to hear this. I’ve had to put a couple of horse down. It’s never easy.

 

[Slate]

Sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing

 

[duckhunt]

Sorry for your loss