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On behalf of the entire Agape team, it is with great sadness that I share with you that our trusty companion Rusty passed away on Sunday evening.

[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”Small Line”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” bg_position=”left top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]On Sunday afternoon Rusty displayed some abnormal behavior. We are very blessed at Agape to have well-trained, caring, calm and alert staff. We contacted our Janssen’s Veterinary Clinic promptly and they came out to evaluate him. Upon examining him they recommended that we take him to Purdue to examine him further due to concerns related to possible neurological causes. In the short time we had to prepare to take him to Purdue his condition worsened very quickly. He passed away peacefully in his stall surrounded by our Agape team praying and thanking God for the opportunity we had to serve him.

Unfortunately, we do not know what caused Rusty’s ailment. It happened very unexpectedly and quickly. For these reasons we did still take Rusty to Purdue to have a necropsy (fancy and official word for an animal autopsy).  In the meantime, it is of utmost importance to us that we take time to grieve the loss of our steady, trustworthy teacher and companion – Rusty. It is during times like this that we must choose gratitude over understanding. We lean into our suffering trusting our Savior that when we don’t understand why we know that it is never meaningless. Our loss and grief is never meaningless.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ animation=”none” boxed=”true” column_padding=”padding-5-percent” background_color=”#ede8de” background_color_opacity=”1″ font_color=”#be4d3d”][vc_column_text]

And I know that I can speak for our team when I say that we are oh so, so very grateful for having known and loved Rusty.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]“Trusty Rusty” is how I like to describe him. He was a gentle giant who had a wise way about him. He always took it nice and easy with his riders, making sure they were safe and comfortable. Before he came to Agape, he was a trusty trail horse and his years on the trail prepared him to be a great therapy horse. And what a supreme honor we had to serve with him in his last job.

We want to take this time to cherish Rusty. We will have a memorial to Rusty at his stall beginning on Monday, October 5th. Please take time to write him a note about what he meant to you and how he made a mark on your life.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”Small Line”][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text]

And to Rusty – We love you and will miss you, our trusty companion.

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