From Today's Las Vegas Review-Journal, Norm Clarke's column:

Horse tries valiantly to aid pasture mate

On the last day of my Colorado getaway two weeks ago, I witnessed an incredible act of compassion by a young horse named Skids.

The drama unfolded as a reddish sunset ran the length of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Skids, a black 2-year-old quarterhorse, saw his pasture mate collapse on the Roberts ranch near Westcliffe.

While Hank, a 26-year-old retired saddle horse, appeared to be giving up, Skids gave his all to save his friend.

Skids tried everything, from lifting Hank by the ears and his mane to biting Hank's lips and the side of his face.

Hank responded several times by getting up on his knees. That's when Skids lowered his head and tried to bulldoze the old horse to his feet, only to see him flop back down in the grass.

The most touching scene was followed by the most jarring: Skids tenderly pawed Hank's side, consoling him. Then came loud whacking sounds. With a hoof, Skids was tapping Hank's head, trying to keep him from slipping away.

But nothing worked. Soon the owner and 9-year-old son arrived and the vet was called to put Hank down. An agitated Skids was led to a pen, where he repeatedly bucked in frustration and raced in circles.

He fought for his friend to the end.

Hank was buried the next day near the barn.

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It's sad, but uplifting at the same time.