In a heart-warming story that shows how strong human-animal relationships can be, a cowboy battling cancer was granted his dying wish to see his treasured horse one final time.
55-year-old Kevin Adkins had spent almost 20 years in the daily company of Vic, his 27-year-old horse. His illness didn’t alter his devotion to his equine friend, as he continued to spend hours each day taking care of Vic even after his ill-fated diagnosis.
“They’ve been partners for all these years,” explained Jennifer Wadley, whose family owns the ranch where Adkins bought Vic. “It could be pouring rain; it could be snowing; it could be hotter than heck; he was always here. It’s truly a love story between a man and a horse. It was just an unbelievable friendship.”
After fighting cancer for three years, Adkins checked into the hospital and wasn’t able to see Vic for weeks. He asked his family and friends to help him see his four-legged friend one last time, and his daughter Delaney made his wish come true. After spending a few magical moments with his beloved horse, Adkins passed away the very next day.
“Just a note to let you all know that our dear friend and long-time boarder … went to heaven this morning,” D&J Ranch wrote in a Facebook post. “We loved him dearly, and he will be missed so much by all. His face was one that we saw almost every day, and he always had a smile. He never hardly missed a day with his horse Vic … even with the tremendous pain he was dealing with towards the end with his cancer. So much love and respect for this man.”
Adkins’s funeral will take place on February 15, where Vic will be an honorary pallbearer.
Rest in peace Kevin, and be assured that you and Vic will be reunited one day. Animals and their human companions always reunite when they pass over to the other side so until then rest in peace and remember where you are there is no time so the wait will be very short
Bless Kevin for his devotion to Vic. I am sure Vic misses his friend, but knows where he is – waiting over the Rainbow Bridge to greet him with all the love he held on earth. Take care of Vic for his friend and allow him to go peacefully when his time comes for the Great Reunion.
Such a special and heartfelt read.
Such a beautiful story! I’m glad his final wish was honoured. May he rest in peace, and may one day he and Vic be reunited.
OM, I have tears in my eyes and my heart is sad. What a beautiful story of love between a man and his horse. RIP dear Kevin. Your family and friends said that you were a wonderful person and I send my sympathy and prayers to your family and Vic who I know is missing you too.
Love and prayers,
Soooo touching and heartwarming. My heart is sad. Condolences to the family and friends and to Vic too!!
Why did this man have to get sick and die while so many bastards are running around torturing animals that NEVER get sick and break down!!!!
It’s so unfair! The rotten man will live to be 100 years old!!
Oh, Henny, I do do agree with you. Thanks for your post.
I agree Henry!!!! It doesn’t make sense!
Oh Henny you are so right! Couldn’t have said it better myself
I’d feel the same way
The love of an animal is the truest.
What a wonderful sad story. RIP Kevin. D&J ranch I hope you continue boarding and taking care of Vic in honor of Kevin. Thank you for caring.
What a heartwarming and inspiring story about the long-lasting and special bond between a caring man and his beautiful horse! It brought tears to my eyes and yet is so heart lifting and life affirming and a reminder of the great love all humans should feel towards animals.
What a heartwarming and inspiring story about the long-lasting and special bond between a caring man and his beautiful horse! It brought tears to my eyes and yet is so heart lifting and life affirming and a reminder of the great love all humans should feel towards animals.
I am so sorry to hear of this man’s passing. Anyone that loves his animal companion this much has a big heart filled with compassion. My condolences to his family. I sincerely hope that a member of the family will take this beautiful horse and continue to give him the love and care that he had with Mr. Adkins.
Most horses don’t live that long! That is ancient for a horse. Glad the owner got to see him.
How can anyone watch all this unkindness… Abuse….and not be moved by them…. Words cannot just cannot say what I feel about these people… But Karma will get you… Unless Hell does first…
I wish all the beautiful people would never die so they can spread more love for the weak minded and cruel people of the world. May you be happy in your new home…heaven.
moche
Beautiful story, shows the world that animals are indeed beloved family members – not disposal property. I hope Vic the horse was given to someone special and loving who will continue to cherished and love him as his former guardian did. The poor horse must be grieving the loss of his person and I hope he learns to love someone new soon. A update about the horse and who has him now would be nice and ease the mind of us animal lovers.
Beautiful story, shows the world that animals are indeed beloved family members – not disposal property. I hope Vic the horse was given to someone special and loving who will continue to cherished and love him as his former guardian did. The poor horse must be grieving the loss of his person and I hope he learns to love someone new soon. A update about the horse and who has him now would be nice and ease the mind of us animal lovers.
A very touching story.
What a sad but touching story. RIP Kevin.
What a beautiful story. 🐴🐎❤❤
Such a very touching story
OMG how sad and sweet.