The vet who was with us when we rescued him suggested that we call him Coat Hanger, not because of the wire coat hanger around his neck that secured his fragile frame to a tree by the homeless that inhabit the ElMonte riverbed, but because he was so emaciated. His ravaged body told the tale of 25 years of constant and relentless abuse. At first he was so depressed…so hopeless and withdrawn that he wouldn’t make eye contact…couldn’t…wouldn’t…..allow himself to enjoy a moment or be vulnerable. His transformation surprised us all, red became his favorite color…he nickered at the very sight of a red t-shirt. He whinnied when his red bucket of sweet tea was delivered, delighted in an often offered treat, loved his stall…his bedding….and learned to enjoy being groomed, nurtured, loved….it was as if he was making up for lost time, soaking up the pleasure of being wanted, and belonging. He peacefully passed with his head cradled in our laps, in the stall that was his sanctuary, cocooned in a blanket of love so sincere that our tears poured without the punctuation or pause. The vet who helped administer the final gift of mercy thanked us for taking such beautiful care of him. It was truly our honor. As is our custom, Keller will be toasted in his stall Sunday December 2nd at 5:00pm, all of his friends, and those wanting to say good bye are welcome. We will miss him beyond our ability to articulate, he has made us more complete human beings, having known him.