I want to thank each of you personally for all the kind words. But I can’t. Every time I try my eyes fill with tears and I can no longer see what I’m typing. Thank you – each and every one. And forgive me if it seems impersonal. It truly is not. I just can’t get past the emotion.
I suspect I’ll never get over losing sweet little Hope. Especially since I’ve learned what I could have done to prevent it. And even what I could have done to save her. It would have been hard. But I could have done it. That will haunt me forever I’m sure. But now I know. I won’t lose another to bloat. At least not without saying I did my dead level best to save her. But honestly? I did my best with Hope. I just didn’t know……
Georgia is doing GREAT. She is already running to me when I go into the goat barn. I’m not surprised that she is showing dominance. She is the Queen, and I am respecting that. Mirrie? Not so much. Mirrie couldn’t care less about the Queen. When I enter the goat barn Mirrie runs up to me screaming bloody murder. Georgia is right behind her, and butts Mirrie out of the way. I understand that Georgia is Queen. I reach down and pet her first. If I’m feeding Mirrie a bottle, I make sure I offer some sweet feed to Georgia first, and then feed Mirrie. I’m trying to teach Mirrie, but she is too danged sweet, cute, and stubborn. And before it’s all said and done I am on my knees kissing Mirrie and loving on her. Georgia comes right up, and I’m sure to show her as much attention as she will allow.
It’s going to be ok. I don’t think I’ll ever really get over this experience, but it’s going to be ok. We’re building a milking stand this weekend. It will hold goats while they are milked, and while they are worked on (trimming hooves, etc.) I’m excited to get that finished.
Please allow me to also quickly bring you up to date on the pups….We had to take them to the vet for booster shots this afternoon. Diesel weighs 77 pounds. Dolly weights 70 pounds. The vet wants to see Diesel at 70 pounds, and Dolly at 65 pounds. This will not be easy. These pups exercise daily – a lot. They also enjoy their treats – a lot. The vet asked what they get treats for and Bernie said “Breathing.” And the vet reached down and petted both of them and said “You are wonderful pups – but breathing just isn’t that special”. *sigh* Now the pups are on a diet. The good news is that the surgery Diesel is certain to have due to hip dysplasia may be prolonged if he loses weight. That’s worth is to all of us. At just over one year old, Diesel has a fair amount of issues with his hips and legs…..
Thank all of you. Not only for following my blog, but being such sweet friends. Spring is springing – and soon I’ll be posting about planting in the garden, preserving, canning, baby chicks, pregnant does, and all the wonderful things that this time of year brings. Thank you for sticking with me during the hard times. Because there are always hard times. No matter what you dream about living in the country, you must accept that there will be hard times. It’s not easy, but you can get past it. Maybe you can learn from my mistakes. In the end, that really is why I started this blog in the first place.
XXXOOO
Love you here for you if you need us.
Penny, I don’t know if you’ve read on my blog about my raising Paddy, an orphaned baby beaver. But she died of basically the same thing as Hope, right when I moved her to what was supposed to be her new home with her new mate. It was the worst pain I’ve ever felt in my life. The pain lessens with time, but still, you can’t help but going over things and all of the “if only I had”…
We live and learn and do our best. We’ll have scars on our hearts forever but we keep on doing what we love. Hugs
((((((((HUGS))))) Love you Penny!
It seems I can’t send you enough hugs… so I sent you a care package. But now after reading that Diesel and Dolly need to cut back on their treats… well, dang it all. I guess you can freeze them, or just give them ONE a day. LOL . Oh, and I DID send some treats for you and Bernie too. You guys rock, and you deserve a few treats because after all…. you breathe.
If I had goat treats, I woulda sent some of those too.
HUGS!!!!
I am so happy you are happy with your goats. I know all about fat dogs. I had to put Steve’s dog on a diet when we got married. It really didn’t take long for her drop to her right weight. Steve would leave her bowl full 24/7 and she would eat it all!
Let go of the “what if” and have faith in the “what now”. You have a lovely big heart and it shows in all that you do. So glad that Georgia and Mirrie are getting along well together. The goat barn looks fabulous! And really comfy.
So there is a dog whisperer………wonder if there is a doggy version of Richard Simmons???????
We will be home next week, cannot wait to play in the dirt. If I can remember to take the camera out of the truck, will send you a few pics.
Oh Penny, I’m gone for a few days and return to find you have had a tragedy. I am so sorry. Life can be cruel at times. We have to accept the bad events and move on. Enjoy and embrace the good – Georgia and Mirrie are precious.
Oh dear, life on a farm can be heart breaking. I have been gone to Seattle to visit my sister and come home to your sad story. I know how these things can be. Very hard. But life is full of memories and lessons and we go on and grow. I am the kind of person who uses my good china and if it gets cracked I am thankful for the memory of who ever was with me when it happened…
Thinking of you and your babies… take care of each other.
good thing spring is on it’s way, we have gardening to look forward to.
Hugs
Karry Ann
Penny, I’m so sorry to have read about your beloved Hope. I’ve just been updating myself on the blogs I follow – I haven’t been able to read them in a few weeks. Again, I’m just so sorry. I am so happy that you’re sharing the information you learn as you go, though, because it truly is appreciated.
Enjoy the beautiful babies Georgia and Mirrie.
-Staci
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Thank you – each and every one. And forgive me if it seems impersonal. It truly is not. I just can’t […….