This page is dedicated to the lo

This page is dedicated to the loving memory my friend
"KAISER FRITZ"

Pictured above, Kaiser Fritz's sire. They look just alike don't you think?
Exciting news! I purchased a daughter of Bandwagon in January 2009 (half sister to Fritz) who is only 6 years old. I have named her "Karma", because what comes around goes around! Look for updates on my website about Karma's progress!

Karma, Fritz's baby sister! January 2009

"My lady has promised that I shall never be sold,

and so I have nothing to fear.

And here my story ends.

My troubles are over and I am at home.....

standing with my friends under the apple trees." Black Beauty

Fritz and I first met in 1989 when I was just 13 years old. I knew the moment I laid eyes on him he had a gift. I don't know why I knew this, but I just knew. He was barely broken to ride, but he had a look in his eye that told me he was special. To make a long story short, my dad borrowed the money to buy him and as a teen I showed this amazing animal all over in the Jumper Divisions. Kaiser Fritz and I were a true team. My goal as a teen was to make the Olympic Team with Fritz. We were schooling him over 5' fences and he would jump them with room to spare! My dream was to show in West Palm and train under Anne Kursinski, but due to financial reasons, I just couldn't afford it and neither could my parents. None the less, I loved this horse as though he were a part of my soul, and still do.

Fritz was diagnosed with Cancer in June of 2003. We've been told he hasn't long to be with us, and it in all honesty rips my soul out. I will be lost without him. I have been blessed to have him with me this long, and for that I am so very thankful. Fritz is 18 years old. I will post updates on how he is doing.

Sad update: July 14, 2003 My dear beloved friend, Kaiser Fritz, was humanely put to rest after a painful battle with cancer. He passed away at 5:50 pm EST and I must say this is the hardest day of my life by far. Please remember me in your prayers as I grieve the loss of my best pal, Fritz.

Sunday July 13th, 2003 Ashley gives Fritz a kiss.

"He Belongs To God"

I'll lend you for a little time a horse of mine, He said.
For you to love while he lives , and mourn for when he is dead.

It may be six or seven years, or twenty-two or three,

But will you, till I call him back, take care of him for me?

He will bring his charms to gladden you, and shall his stay be brief,

You'll have his lovely memories as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught down there I want this horse to learn.

I've searched the wide world over in my search for a teacher true.
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes, I have selected you.

Now will you give him all of your love, nor think the labor vain?
Nor hate me when I come to call, to take him back again?

I fancied that I heard you say, Dear Lord, they will be done,
For all the joys this horse will bring, the risk of grief I'll run!

I'll shelter him with tenderness, I'll love him while I may,
And for the happiness I've known, I will forever grateful stay.

But shall the angels call for him much sooner than I planned,
I'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand.

"Mount Up and Ride With God"

Sunday July 13th, 2003 Fritz with Gracie and Ashley

Artist : Diamond Rio
Song : I Believe

Every now and then,
Soft as breath upon my skin,
I feel you come back again,
And it's like you haven't been,
Gone a moment from my side
Like the tears were never cried
Like the hands of time are holding you and me

And with all my heart I'm sure,
We're closer than we ever were
I don't have to hear or see,
I've got all the proof I need
There are more than angels watching over me
I believe
Oh, I believe

Now when you die your life goes on
It doesn't end here when you're gone
Every soul is filled with light,
It never ends and if I'm right,
Our love can even reach across eternity
I believe
Oh, I believe

Forever, you're a part of me
Forever, in the heart of me
I will hold you even longer if I can
Oh, the people who don't see the most,
See that I believe in ghosts
If that makes me crazy, then I am,
'Cause I believe

Oh I believe

Instrumental Break

There are more than angels watching over me
I believe
Oh, I believe

Every now and then,
Soft as breath upon my skin,
I feel you come back again,
And I believe

Poor Fritz looking sick and swollen, just minutes before we put him to rest.

Kaiser Fritz and Ashley

Fritz the afternoon we put him to sleep. Notice the tumors under his belly and he was choking on grass when I snapped this photo. He looked beautiful other than the cancer.

My dad, Roger Godwin, pictured with our two favorite "family members", Fritz and Sultan, who started it all for us! This was taken just minutes before having Fritz put to sleep.

DO PETS GO TO HEAVEN??? Below is some suggested reading on that very subject!