Sunday, February 15, 2015

The downside of time

That accursed clock. Simply put, time (on this earth, at least) runs out. This morning it was clear that it is running out for two of our denizens.

The Buff Orpington hen that went broody last year is on her last legs. Her comb and eyes show it, and she is having a hard time getting around. I agree with Terry at The HenCam that the kindest thing is a quick and painless end, but I am incapable of providing that for her. So I did the next best thing, putting her in a protective cage within the coop so she could eat, drink, and rest in peace.


When I did chores this morning, Annabelle was resting in her corner. I loaded up my horse for a lesson off-farm; when I returned three hours later, she was still resting in the same spot. Hmmm. I went in and checked on her, then opened the gate to let everyone out on pasture. Annabelle tried to get up and go, but couldn't. I assisted her, and with my help, she made it out to graze. I kept an eye on her out the windows as I worked around the house; after several hours she laid down in the sun.

At one point I noticed the teenagers (Bali and Blaise) standing over Annabelle. I stopped to watch, and to my horror, Bali started butting her! Fortunately, I got an immediate response when I shouted out the window, and the rest of the time, Annie rested in peace. When it was time to bring the girls in, though, I again had to assist her to her feet. Her legs just don't want to work after she's been down awhile. I worry about her during the work week when I'm not around to keep an eye on her and assist her to her feet periodically....


Vienna also rested quite a bit so I kept an eye on her, too. I thought she was waddling (she's definitely a wide load), but when she got up and I watched closely, she's actually gimping with her left hind leg. Probably more of that bad-mannered bashing; sheep aren't much nicer to their own kind than chickens. *sigh*

For every beginning,

there is an ending. I wish it were otherwise.

That's it for now from . . .

9 comments:

Tombstone Livestock said...

Sorry to hear Annabelle is having trouble getting around, I know you wanted a ewe lamb from her to carry on.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry about your animals. That must be hard.

thecrazysheeplady said...

Amen :-/

Lisa Smith said...

Oh Michelle, I just read this with such trepidation. . . . even the words "The Downside of Time" jumped off the screen at me. I feel so passionately about this subject that all my life I've felt there is something very wrong with the way I process dealing with death of an animal. I am hopeful that someone else such as yourself will read this and be able to shed some light on this very difficult subject. I found you through Sara’s blog “Punkin’s Patch” and have always admired the way she handles the delicate subject when one of her sheep dies, such as “Queen Elizabeth” recently.

I am so very sorry that Annabelle is having such a difficult time of it all.

Warm Regards, Lisa in Lake Oswego, OR

Unknown said...

You are a good shepherd!

Mary Ann said...

The hardest, hardest thing to do on the farm. I don't know what I did before Keith.

MISS PEACH ~(^.^)~ said...

my dear sweet friend...please know that the Lord is with you always...but you do know that! dark and sad days in our lives happen and we must soldier on through them somehow with HIS hand on our shoulders we have hope of a more brighter time at their end. I am sad that you are struggling so much as a family to make due...we here are just short of breaking our the ration book LOL for cat food. Finding contentment in all circumstances is a must...let the search begin!
Much love to you and all the creatures on the farm...your friend Karla

C-ingspots said...

I understand how you feel Michelle. As you know, we have quite a lot in common on this subject. All we can do is love and care for these wonderful animals as best we can, and when their times comes, have faith that we're acting on their behalf and help ease them into their rest. It hurts and it's so very hard to do, but if they could express their feelings in words, I think they'd tell us that our kindness was appreciated. My hope is that they can go to sleep with grace and dignity, and feel peace and contentment. And like you, I long for the day when we will be home, where there will be no more tears, no more sickness, and no more death. How joyous that will be! Until then, like you told me, we mourn the loss of life and are reminded that the wages of sin is death. Thank you for that reminder, they have given me a measure of peace, knowing that I hurt, because I love. Big hugs...

Michelle said...

It would have been nice, Audrey, but she has still given me a LOT.

It is always hard, Tubaville; it is the price of caring.

I know you understand, Sara.

Lisa, I don't think there is any "light" to shed on a subject that came about because of darkness. I believe we rail against death because we were created by God for LIFE. It gives me comfort to know He sorrows over the death of His creatures, too, and longs to take us home to a land where death can never visit.

I try, Nancy Kay; that's all I can do.

Rick hates it just as much as I do, Mary Ann.

Only by His grace, Karla.

Amen, Lorie!