Lisa Beech, 49, has dealt with cancer since she was 15 years old. Just weeks ago, the doctors told her that the cancer had spread throughout her body and she’s since been admitted to hospice care at Saint Joseph Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, WKYT reports. She was told she only had days to live.
In an effort to cheer her mother up, Amanda Sturgill decided to bring Beech’s cherished Appaloosa, Jake, to see her. Sturgill made many calls and received help from the McConathy Farm Rescue Team to get the horse to the hospital. They succeeded, and the moment was touching, with Jake going right up to the hospital’s front entrance.
![]() ![]() Lisa Beech and her horse of 16 years, Jake, shared a touching goodbye. Photo via WKYT/Facebook |
“Her face just lit up with so much joy and so much excitement. His ears went forward when he heard her talking, and he was marching up there like he was going to go into the hospital if he needed to,” Sturgill told WKYT. “She’s so happy, you can tell Jake was so happy and all of the sudden everybody broke down in tears. You could feel how much joy it was bringing her to see her horse again.”
Beech and Jake shared a 15-minute hug and a final kiss.
Jake was recently an equine model for Horse Illustrated. |
The bond between a horse and his owner is great one; we’re happy Beech and Jake had that last moment together.
Welcome to Barn Banter, the official podcast of Horse Illustrated. In Barn Banter episode 29, hosts Susan Friedland and Horse Illustrated…
The nurse mare industry has been a source of controversy over the years, but practices are changing—meaning a better outlook…
Horse ownership comes with incredible rewards: the thrill of a pleasure ride, the camaraderie of competition, and the deep bond…
By tapping the power of neuroscience and the miracle of brain plasticity, spending just a few minutes a day practicing…
The U.S. horse slaughter industry is as hot-button an issue as there is. Find out where current legislation stands with…
You may have wondered if you can take the edge off an anxious horse or add pep to a lazy…
View Comments
i had tears running down my face .u needed to see him and he needed to know that u was still with him. i could see the love u both have for each other. bless u very much
I think it is wonderful. Having horses for a long time I know how deep that bond is for both the horse and his/her person.
What a bittersweet moment.
Bittersweet and touching story