| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| grace gerber |
Posted - Jul 13 2011 : 3:51:42 PM
My day started full of purpose and joy. The bottle kids and Opal had a great morning eating in the back yard grass - having a go at a great day. I put everyone up for their morning nap and I went to work on the outside chores and then inside to get started on fiber. By noon I went to go give the kids their bottles and as I walked to the barn I found Opal dead by the door. I could not believe it. She was perfect not more then two hours before.
I picked her up to make sure she was gone but I could also tell by her mother (Olivia) behavior and calling. The bottle kids where frantic and wanted me to pick them up. I sat in the barn holding Opal and in turn holding the bottle kids. Finally after about an hour I left the barn. I checked her over and could not find any signs of a problem.. It was hard to see thru the tears but I continued on. I then placed my Wee One Opal in a sheet and headed to bury her in the forest.
I have been doing this farm for 15 years now and have had to say goodbye to many a four legged family member but I must admit the passing of first Sugar, then Ebony and now Opal has but this gal over the edge. I am thankful for the 4 months I had this sweet soul with me, her kindness to the bottle kids, her giving her mother a reason to stand up and walk on a broken leg and her daily yelling to be first out of the barn but I just think this was the last straw...
Forgive me for pouring this all out but I know you ladies here would understand. Would you say a prayer for my sweet Opal and swift journey to a better place. I wished I could have had you here longer but thank you for the time I got.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Blessed in Colorado |
Posted - Jul 19 2011 : 11:24:48 AM
How beautiful, what a wonderful way to start your day.
Email coming.
Farmgirl Hugs,
Debbie
www.etsy.com/shop/CollectThisTreasures
http://debbielynnf.blogspot.com
http://myworld.ebay.com/debbt |
| grace gerber |
Posted - Jul 19 2011 : 11:20:18 AM
Linda - thank you for the kind and understanding words. Last night while trying to get one of the silly two year old boy head out of the fence again I had to giggle - with all the bad that has happened over the 15 years here there is thousands of good for each bad and that is GREAT ODDS!! I then reminded myself of all the hundreds who have lived here and bought such joy...
Today Agatha jumped all over me today to want to play because I think she is realizing that I am a caring mother - she even let me hold her for about 5 seconds. WOW - that's a great day moment....
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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| wooliespinner |
Posted - Jul 19 2011 : 09:22:49 AM
Catching up on the threads. Have not been on for awhile.
So sorry about your baby. I know when I lose one of my animals a piece of my heart goes with them. Its just so painful you just have to take it one day a time. God bless you. I truly know what you are going through.
I also agree with the fact animals do have incredible emotion and feel loss deeply. I can feel their pain pass right through me when they are in pain.
Linda
Raspberry Run Farm
Nubian Dairy Goats |
| maggie14 |
Posted - Jul 17 2011 : 10:19:12 AM
I'm so glad! :) I'm doing good. :) No, I never posted about it but I lost a little one at birth. The other one almost didn't make it either but with lots of special care she did.. It was one of those bitter-sweet moments.
Anyway, I'm so glad you are doing better!
Hugs,
Hannah
Farmgirl sister #1219!
"Lifes not about the breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away."
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| grace gerber |
Posted - Jul 16 2011 : 5:47:05 PM
Doing better Hannah and you??? Today I let the bottle kids have a pasture with my big Great Pry "Chief" - They ran and ran and had a great time and then all went into the barn and curled up on top and next to him. I wished I would have had the camera... It is these moment that I make sure I am completely present and aware of just how wonderful something as simply running can be - remember we are not sure how long any of us have - so enjoy every minute...
I don't think I read what happened to you little one Hannah - did I miss a posting???
Hope you all are having a great Saturday - way too hot here and muggy..
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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| maggie14 |
Posted - Jul 16 2011 : 4:41:25 PM
How are you doing Grace? Been thinking of you. :)
Hugs,
Hannah
Farmgirl sister #1219!
"Lifes not about the breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away."
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| grace gerber |
Posted - Jul 16 2011 : 11:47:28 AM
Thank you so very much Margaret and Debbie for the very kind words. This was not easy but it never is... Once I am done crying I am able to gather myself and remember all the incredible moments I had with her and how much I loved her. I have been so blessed to have such sweet one's in my heart and for that I am able to withstand the sarrow... This morning I remembered not to hurry thru my chores and give everyone who would allow me to give them hugs, snugs and kisses. There are so many in the world who will never get to know the joy I have with these animals and for that I give thanks again.
Have a great weekend and hug those two and four legges a couple more times today..
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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| Blessed in Colorado |
Posted - Jul 16 2011 : 07:05:17 AM
Oh Grace I am so sorry, as you know I just returned yesterday and got your email this morning of Opal's passing. So very sad and to not know the reason must be the hardest part for you.
Know that my heart breaks for you and that I am here for you.
Your are in my heart, thoughts and prayers.
Farmgirl Hugs,
Debbie
www.etsy.com/shop/CollectThisTreasures
http://debbielynnf.blogspot.com
http://myworld.ebay.com/debbt |
| MEWolf |
Posted - Jul 15 2011 : 6:43:56 PM
Oh Grace, I am so sorry for your loss. It is never easy to lose a beloved companion. Hugs to you!
Margaret
“Kind hearts are the gardens, kind thoughts are the roots, kind words are the flowers, kind deeds are the fruits. Take care of your garden and keep out the weeds, fill it with sunshine, kind words and kind deeds.” ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1808-1882)
Farmgirl #3020
www.grey-wolf-farm.com |
| Sheep Mom 2 |
Posted - Jul 15 2011 : 08:55:42 AM
When I watch programs on animals on PBS or other doc channels, they always say that humans put these characteristic on to animals - that they don't communicate like we think they do. I say that is just bunk! Animals are far more intuitive and communicative than those researchers give them credit for. Having been around animals my whole life, I know without doubt that they do communicate, have distinct personalities, and rituals that humans rarely get to see. I count myself so blessed to have been allowed to be a witness and a participant in this dance. I cannot imagine my life without a myriad of animals in it - the experience, good and sad, has enriched my life more than words can express. We - all living things - are in this together. We cannot survive without mutual respect and compassion. I think when all of humanity finally gets that - then we finally achieve the balance that we all seek. When one mourns, we all mourn. When one rises above, so do we all. There truly is a time for every purpose under Heaven.
Blessings, Sheri
"Work is Love made visible" -Kahlil Gibran |
| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Jul 15 2011 : 07:28:43 AM
Reading all these stories is so amazing to me. I know animals suffer just like we do. I know they miss their babies. It's so sad. I took the 3 wethers up the road to their new home and poor Sandy is grieving. I have to remember to be patient with her. She is a Nubian and VERY loud right now. She misses her boys. Abby is ok because I kept her girl. But she misses her boy too, I know. I also have a Rat Terrier who just turned 14 the 7th of July. her twin sister died in Jan. She is so deaf but she still hears thunder and wants to come in. She's like a very old lady right now.
Grace, I am still thinking of you. You have been through so much these past few months. I am praying for a sunny happy day on the farm for you.
Hugs, Kris
Happiness is simple. |
| grace gerber |
Posted - Jul 15 2011 : 06:00:56 AM
Good Morning Ladies - not much sleep another storm and the frog's - hundreds all singing so loud that it kept the whole farm up. Glad they are enjoying the continual rain.
Connie I am so sorry that soon you will be without your life pal - I am sitting at the same door with my Kasha and I know that that day will fracture me above all the other losses. She is my heart and soul but I find more time to be with her just in case. I will be there for you Connie - as best I can with the distance between us.
Hannah Hugs and prayers still coming your way.
Sheri we had sheep do that too but I was so amazed at the groupings and non verbal mourning they displayed. I did have our first ewe loss a baby after about having three years of no complications. Her mourning was so profound that I thought she was going to die. She would not eat, drink and just made this low sound. I had the vet out, several other long time breeders and they all said to put her down. I just could not - after everyone left I sat with her for almost a day and her and I cried and mourned the loss. It finally hit me, I got up and brought in the ram who was a very kind soul. Everyone told me it was a bad idea. The he would go after her or the other babies but instead he came and sat with us, his head on her her shoulder as she had her head in my lap. He made a sound I have never heard again. For hours he made that sound and it seemed to calm her and me as well. Then after about 6 hours he stood up, she stood up and they walked out of the barn side by side. After that she was fine and the following year she spent every waking moment loving on her newest baby. Learned a lot that year about the misconceptions folks have about rams...
Update on Olivia - she had a rough patch around 6 pm crying and trying to get out of their side of the barn - we where in another storm and I worried for her but the bottle kids ran around her and got her mind on them and that seemed to quite her down a bit. I will give her some Rescue Rememdy again today for her mind and spirit. We are going thru a lot of that around here.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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| amomfly |
Posted - Jul 15 2011 : 04:32:48 AM
Oh Grace, I am so sorry. I feel your pain. I hope you are begining to have a better week. atahe loss of our beloved pets is sometimes feels best when we can share.
Come visit my blog
http://angieruralliving.blogspot.com/
God Bless
Angie-amomfly
#1038 |
| rough start farmgirl |
Posted - Jul 14 2011 : 8:41:27 PM
Grace, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I am sending a prayer for you and all the souls you look after. I hope you get some restful sleep tonight to help repair your body and spirit. Your love for your life and livestock comes thru so loud and clearly that I have found myself admiring you and your resilience time and again. I tip my hat to you farmgirl and thank you for the beautiful stories you share.
marianne |
| walkinwalkoutcattle |
Posted - Jul 14 2011 : 2:31:46 PM
This thread is bringing me to tears! :( I'm so sorry.
Farmgirl #2879 :)
Starbucks and sushi to green fried tomatoes and corn pudding-I wouldn't change it for the world.
www.cattleandcupcakes.blogspot.com
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| maggie14 |
Posted - Jul 14 2011 : 1:12:58 PM
Thank you Grace. :) The loss of a little one is so hard.
Hugs,
Hannah
Farmgirl sister #1219!
"Lifes not about the breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away."
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| Sheep Mom 2 |
Posted - Jul 14 2011 : 12:55:45 PM
I too witnessed something similar when my wether, Chisolm passed. After we buried him, all the other sheep went and laid down on top of his grave. They stayed there for several hours. I have never seen them lay there again since.
Blessings, Sheri
"Work is Love made visible" -Kahlil Gibran |
| CMac |
Posted - Jul 14 2011 : 12:48:33 PM
That is incredible Grace. I have heard that elephants stand over their dead as well. It must have been amazing and sad to be part of that. I'll always believe that mammals have more "feeling" than most folks understand. Grief may not mean the same thing it means to us but they still grieve.
My dog of a life time is in his last days I am afraid. I am so feeling your grief as I anticipate mine.
Connie
"I have three chairs in my house: one for solitude, two for friendship, three for company."
Author: Henry David Thoreau |
| grace gerber |
Posted - Jul 14 2011 : 12:18:54 PM
Thank you all so much ladies - Alee I know you understand my connection as you have shared with me before of yours.
Connie I once had a cria llama that passed and I witnessed the most incredible way llama's show their grief. The immediate mother of the dead cria along with all her bloodline sat around the cria and hummed. They sat there till the sun went down and then came the next group of bloodlines who where next in line of power.They each in turn walked over to the baby touched noses with it and then went to the mother and touched her nose. Then they sat and hummed for many hours and this continued thru the night with each bloodline. The mother never left the baby while this went on till sunrise. I sat out there all night too and just was amazed at the feelings of love and sadness. When I felt it was time to take the baby I touched heads with the Mother until I felt she understood it was time. I have witnessed this three times on this farm since that first passing - amazing. So I understand Connie that if we have the honor to be included in their world it is magical and much like our own grief.
Thank you so much Sherrye I know you have been thru this too and it is in sharing this with folks who understand that I heal.
Paula I have experienced that too with the weather - that is why I worried so also for the bottle kids - I thought maybe they would be the one's most effected by the weather. Then I checked on the mother Olivia all night between storms to make sure she did not go over the edge.
Hannah I was so sad to hear you had a loss recently too - my heart is with you - love and light to the little one.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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| maggie14 |
Posted - Jul 14 2011 : 11:16:35 AM
Love you so much Grace and will be praying for you both.
Hugs,
Hannah
Farmgirl sister #1219!
"Lifes not about the breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away."
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| StrawHouseRanch |
Posted - Jul 14 2011 : 11:10:43 AM
Grace, I'm so sorry to hear about Opal. What a tragedy. I wonder if the coming storm didn't have an affect on her. I know that horses will sometimes colic right after or before a bad storm. I lost my first horse who was in his senior years right after a freaky morning storm that came out of nowhere many years ago. He was perfectly fine right before the storm. Then the heavens opened up and a summer storm blew through that lasted only a few minutes. Just as we were preparing to leave for work I saw him laying in the pasture, rolling and groaning. That was it for Apache.
I'm certain the animals feel the changes in the weather more than we humans. How much I don't know, but it sounds like your storm was strong enough that their special senses just might have triggered something in Opal. That is just a big, useless guess at this point.
Hugs to you and your critters.
Paula
Farmgirl Sister #3090
A Beehive is the ultimate Home Sweet Home
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| sherrye |
Posted - Jul 14 2011 : 07:36:44 AM
well what a sad thing to have happen. it breaks my heart to hear such things. i hope you are better today. its all been said except i send my love and hugs to you. so very sad grace. sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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| CMac |
Posted - Jul 14 2011 : 07:10:38 AM
They do feel the loss! I've seen it in dogs, cats and horses. My mare was the saddest. She lost her foal and was desolate for weeks. I was only a child and it was one of the saddest things I ever saw. It was my first time to observe grief in any creature including humans. It had a huge impact on me. That is where I learned that just being present is the best you can do for someone so deeply affected by grief.
Know that I am there, present with you in your grief Grace. Can you feel my hand on your shoulder? No, your left shoulder. That is God's hand on your right.
Hugs on you Sister.
Connie
"I have three chairs in my house: one for solitude, two for friendship, three for company."
Author: Henry David Thoreau |
| Alee |
Posted - Jul 14 2011 : 07:05:23 AM
I am so sorry to hear that Opal passed away! *hugs* My heart is with you!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
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| grace gerber |
Posted - Jul 14 2011 : 06:52:24 AM
Just know that this Freaky Odd Ball is right there with you... This morning Olivia (the mother of Opal) is not looking at me at all... It breaks my heart but I know she is feeling the loss of her wee one. Folks do not give animals credit for feeling but I have seen over the years the heartache they go thru - some more then others but none the less they do feel and display greif...
How exciting about the chickens - my hens look like drowned rats with all this rain - giving them a treat this morning - frozen blueberries.
Can't make up for the horrible weather but it is a bright spot for them.
Hugs and many thanks Marcy for your kind words.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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