Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Gut-punched

This morning I took photos of color.

This evening I took photos of color.

And then I went down to do evening chores . . . and found Browning dead.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
We're in shock. Browning was still under the weather but not worse; we had wormed him after everything pointed to parasites, and Rick said it would take awhile for him to bounce back. Maybe we'll learn more tomorrow after a necropsy.

Browning was the lamb that Brian begged to keep as his sheep eight years ago. He has always been an outstanding Shetland ambassador, a calm and friendly fellow who would let anyone pet him. One magical day years ago, he and Jackson romped as friends, a joyous glimpse of when the lion and the lamb will lay down together in peace, in a place where death will be no more.


22 comments:

Jean said...

What wonderful pictures and memories you have of Browning. So sorry he is gone. {{{{{HUGS}}}}}

LannieK said...

I am so sorry for your loss ~ hugs to you all...

Anonymous said...

So sorry for your loss. He looks like he was a wonderful sheep. Lovely photos of him. Do keep us posted on the necropsy results.
Maureen

Leigh said...

Oh Michelle, I am so sorry to read this news! Some critters just create a place in our hearts and Browning was one of those special ones. Your photo tribute is lovely.

Retired Knitter said...

Oh no. I am so very sorry. He looked like a wonderful fella.

Theresa said...

Michelle and Brian, I'm so sorry. Sharing hugs, prayers and tears with you this morning.

Barb said...

Oh! So sorry, he was such a part of your life.

Mama Pea said...

What a lovely, touching, tearful tribute to your very special Browning. His death sounds like one of those instances in which we'll never know why or fully understand it. Absolutely beautiful pictures of him for you to have always. Sending hugs to you.

A :-) said...

Oh no. Oh no. :-(

I remember when you kept him (because I was hoping you would keep Belfast. :-)) Since I just looked up the life expectancy for a sheep, I can see that Browning's was cut a bit short. I'm so sorry for your sudden loss. I'm glad you have so much photographic evidence of him and his place in your life so you will eventually be able to remember him with fondness and joy instead of tears and sorrow. Again, I'm so very sorry for your loss.

C-ingspots said...

I'm sorry Michelle...

Claire MW said...

So sad to read about Browning. I do hope you get more useful information from the necropsy. You've had a run of sad things lately - I do hope that there are some great things just around the corner to even out the score. Thinking of you.

Susan said...

What a shock that must have been! They can go down so suddenly. I am so sorry, Michelle. He was a beautiful and outstanding fellow.

Anonymous said...

Hugs... so sorry and what a shock, since you were thinking he was on the upswing. I'll eventually share a "quote" with you about sheep, when things aren't quite so raw.

Goatldi said...

What a sad day for you and your family. It never gets better just easier with time. Safe journey Browning and may peace find those left behind.

FullyFleeced said...

so sorry Michelle. Browning was a beautiful boy. so, so, sorry.

Laura said...

I'm so sorry. He was an awesome boy, and his boy will miss him. Hugs!

Tombstone Livestock said...

Sorry to hear this, lost a couple of sheep this summer that was totally unexpected. Just saw a post from my hay guy of a large wad of hay rope hanging on a fence ......... came out of a steer he had butchered. Even our butcher posted he had the same experience with a steer .... not only with hay rope but a whole lead rope.

I am always picking up hay rope (use to tie fence panels and gates) that the goats chew on.

Hope you get some answers from Necropsy.

MiniKat said...

So sorry for the loss of Browning. He was a special boy and was loved deeply. I hope time eases the sting of grief and that you learn something in the necropsy that will help bring you all some closure.

Sharon said...

What a blow! I'm so sorry for both you and Brian. He and Browning had a very special thing.

thecrazysheeplady said...

Oh, Michelle and Brian. I am so sorry :'-(.

Anonymous said...

I was on vacation and now just catching up. I am so sorry about Browning. What a shock.

Anonymous said...

:( So sorry. What a loss for you and Brian.