It is a sad day in the Middleton family. Duchess our Spotted Appaloosa was diagnosed with cancer three weeks ago. They operated to remove what they could. After three weeks of shots and changing bandages the tumors are back and I had to make a difficult and painful decision to have her put down. We’ve scheduled it for next week.  This is one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make in my life.

I want to thank Doctor Kelly and her staff for taking such good care of her. Everyone that helped with Duchess was very caring and compassionate. We all cried when we knew what the decision was. I will never forget you guys.

Duchess is 20 yrs old. Her given name is  Wun Dun Chu Double Duchess. I bought her 15 years ago for my oldest Son Chris when he was 8yrs old. My other son’s Matthew and Jared have been riding her for the last several years among many other friends and family. Duchess has provided us with much joy.  She has been trail riding not only in florida but Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia and many other places. She has run in speed competitions like barrels, poles, flag race and many others. She has been on drill teams and parades that included the Gasprilla, Temple Terrace, and Brandon. She trained with the Hillsborough River Riders and other clubs.

My most proudest moments is riding in the Resurrection Catholic Church Passion Play. She did great with the crowds and the riders that rode her. This includes My Son Chris and PJ Winn.

For a horse to do the things that she did there had to be a over following amount of trust between rider and horse. And I raised her to trust that I would never put her in harms way.  

Sound familiar, “saying to Yahweh, 'My refuge, my fortress, my God in whom I trust” “ But I, like a flourishing olive tree in the house of God, put my trust in God's faithful love, forever and ever” “Let dawn bring news of your faithful love, for I place my trust in you; show me the road I must travel for you to relieve my heart.”

The Boys and I will take the next few days spoiling her with carrots and apples. Duchess,. May God accept you into his arms. We will miss you forever. 

David Middleton
August 31, 2009