Robs Story

Rob: stolen May 9, 2004 - Found June 6, 2004  and Recovered June 16, 2004

My “prize"--Rob` story
by Shirley Sterkel
June 2004

My life started sixteen years ago when I got Rob, my “prize” Arab/Quarter Horse mix, a horse as beautiful on the inside as out.

With Rob, I’ve been to the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen – all of which I wouldn’t have seen without him. His were the ears that I whispered into, “Look at that…”.

On May 9th, 2004 my world came crashing down when I went out to feed my two horses – only to find one. I searched and called out for Rob. Then it settled in that Rob was gone.

For the next three weeks and three days, I was in agony – heartbroken, devastated beyond belief. Nothing was right without Rob here. Not once, though, did I give up hope that Rob would return home safely.

On June 1st, I received a call that Rob may have been found. I could not even think to rest until the next day when I was notified that in fact Rob had been positively identified. Preparations then started for his homecoming, including decorating for the homecoming  party!
 
When I finally got to Rob after two weeks and a five and a half hour drive, the elation at finding that the horse they found really was Rob was indescribable. Though, that elation was not nearly as profound as when I understood that Rob knew that it was really me there to get him! I think the fence between us is still standing, but I really didn’t notice. All I noticed was that Rob and I were back together.

Two weeks after that call that Rob had been found (today, June 16th), I sit at my table knowing that both
 of my “boys” are eating peacefully together (though reversed in stalls – very odd). I will go out and give both of them many more hugs tonight, and each night as long as we’re lucky enough to all be on this earth together as a family. Home is truly ‘home’ again.
 
During the search for Rob, I was astounded at the outpouring of support I received, much of it generated by Debi and netposse.com’s effort to bring Rob home. My most heartfelt thanks to all of them – and to all of you who care enough to read this.