| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| grace gerber |
Posted - Nov 02 2011 : 1:07:07 PM
It has been the terrible 19 hours for me and I hope you do not mind me sharing. For those who remember Bella - My very sweet goat born this year who was the subject of a naming contest here I have very sad news - this morning she passed away in my arms looking up at me with such love and kindness in her eyes - knowing I did all I could to save her once more...
This poor girl has been through so much in her short 8 months of life but also shared so much love and joy with me that even as the tears flow I give thanks that I had her in my life.
She was a twin to a very good mother who for some reason decided not to take care of them a week after their birth. So in the house they came and I loved and cared for them both until another one of my Mothers lost her baby and I thought why not give a try to see if Mother Goose would take them - Yep, as the trooper she is she loved and cared for them. Then a strange event happened with the other girl - she was jumping and playing as they always do - jumping on the back of their mother when she fell and smacked the barn wall and broke her neck. It took weeks to get Mother Goose and Bella back on track and stop mourning the loss and eat.... I almost lost Bella at that time because her tummy had issues from not wanting to eat.
On Halloween a stray dog came onto the farm and went after the goat girls and babies - my dogs took care of the problem but not until Bella and two of my bottle kids where scared out of their witts. I have been caring for their tummy problems - runs and such but at 10 pm Bella was really not doing well. So out in the thigh high snow I went, wrapped her up and brought her into the house. Spending every waking moment on the bathroom floor I tried everything my 15 years of animal care had taught me. Early this morning I made the decission to make the cut to her gut hoping to relieve the blot and pain. This is not something new to me and I hoped for the best.
I relieved the pain and she stopped crying... Bella sat in my lap for several hours with her eyes locked on mine. I quitely talked to her and I told her how much she has brought to my life. As she passed in peace my heart once again broke for the passing of one of my sweet one's.
I ask if you would to send a prayer our way today and another for the other two who are still dealing with a few tummy issues. We are not strangers to loss - it is part of what comes with raising hundreds of furry babies over 15 years and I always remind myself that the blessings are in the time I share with those who live here not in the counting of the days or the sarrow of the losses.
Thank you for letting me share - I know you all would understand.
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) |
| MaryLD |
Posted - Nov 09 2011 : 07:09:24 AM
Grace,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are so good to help Mother Goose grieve while you are also grieving. The loss of a dear animal creates a type of pain that goes so deep. My thoughts are with you and yours.
Mary LD
Haflingers- You can't have just one!
( I'm just one short of a drill team!) |
| grace gerber |
Posted - Nov 08 2011 : 1:24:49 PM
Debbie thank you so much for your kind words and prayers... I thought I would also give everyone an update on the bottle girls. I found some small raisinetts in the pen that they are sitting in to get well. They also are chipper and wanting me to spend my whole time with them so that is their normal state. I am still struggling about wanting to wash their bottoms but we have another bitter cold day here with the wind howling so for now I just give thanks for their potty dried bottoms and be counting my blessings that raisinetts are being produced.... Strange when our world is thrilled over the shape of poop...
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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| dmorn |
Posted - Nov 07 2011 : 7:11:00 PM
God's blessings and prayers to you in your loss. God has not given them to us without them giving something to us. I feel your loss as also have lost animals on our farm. You did what you could and you can feel you did your best. May blesssing be multiplied to you in your loss. |
| grace gerber |
Posted - Nov 05 2011 : 2:54:34 PM
Thanks for the heads up about the rice packs = I have not used them much but think my bones would sure appreciate them.
Michele I wished I would say that my quite time was helplful but I ended up doing what my mind requires during termoil - I clean and not the normal cleaning but like a OCD Monk on speed. My sons say it can be scarey to watch me during these times - nothing is safe and the tooth brush cleaning and rubber gloves get more then a work out. Today Bella's adopted Mom stopped me in the barn and cornered me again checking to see if Bella was with me. I brought her body out to Mother Goose when she passed but I don't think it sunk in so I had to do it again this morning. We sat together - me again with buckets of tears and she licked and sniffled her all over... I hope this is the last time we will have to do this but I once had a Llama mother that it took a week of daily revisits before she finally believed her little one was gone. I really don't think I can go through that again but I will do what is needed to get Mother Goose through this hard time..
Again, I thank you all for your wonderful support - I read again all the posts gathers strength for the day -- blessings.
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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| batznthebelfry |
Posted - Nov 04 2011 : 10:18:22 PM
ohhh just love the rice bags...I have so many made from old socks that I am never without them when needed.....I use them for my carpel tunnel, sore muscles & migraines...can't live without them...I even have some that I made with shorter shoes for stuffing down the rubber boots when its cold.....when rice goes bad...no longer heats i just untie the knot, dump it & put new it...very simple....
Hope you are having a better time now Grace...hope your time you took to be quiet & pray helped ease your pain a bit....am thinking about you here in Ma!...hugs...Michele'
Chickens rule!
The Old Batz Farm
Hen #2622 |
| Alee |
Posted - Nov 04 2011 : 7:23:19 PM
Grace- do you have rice packs? They sure help defrost that bone- deep cold that can settle in during these winter months. When I have to do a lot of outside work I will take a warmed rice pack and strap it to my lower lumbar with a 6 inch wide ace bandage. It sure helps hold the heat in and if you put a couple layers over that it helps keep the blood warm as it circulates through your body. You can make little ones that you can again Ace bandage to the inside of your wrists. This can help the blood going to your fingers say a bit warmer and be warmer as it heads back into your body.
I am so glad the little ones are happy and alert. Hopefully the winter will be milder than last year. You are in my heart. *hugs*
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
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| LuckyMommyof5 |
Posted - Nov 04 2011 : 7:07:29 PM
Grace, I am so sorry for your loss. I will pray for the healing of your heart. We're all here for you.
Farmgirl Sister #3243
"The real things haven't changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong." - Laura Ingalls Wilder |
| acairnsmom |
Posted - Nov 04 2011 : 09:34:00 AM
Grace, you are such an inspiration! And yes! You ARE an amazing woman! Here you are going thru all this drama of your own and you are kind enough to post some loving comments on the loss of my Hobbs. I'm sorry for you losing Bella and all the wonderful creatures you've lost. You truly have a heart of gold to comfort and care for these sweet animals. You've suffered loss and heart ache by the score and yes, you have moments of doubt but you pick yourself up and put those feelings aside and get on with the care of your charges. You have an amazing capacity to love and you share it with everyone (and thing) you come across. I know when I think of MJ's ideal Farmgirl, I think of you and all you do.
Audrey
Toto, we're not in Kansas any more! |
| grace gerber |
Posted - Nov 04 2011 : 09:11:58 AM
Thanks Sherrye for the check in - Well, it was another long and bitter cold night. The bottle girls are where thrilled each time I opened the frozen barn doors and sat with them to give a warm bottle and tons of kisses. I on the other hand feel like I am frozen to the bone and dead on my feet. I just finished all the morning chores and dishes.. Will finally I hope get a shower in this morning and try to find some positive light... I don't feel like an amazing woman today - I feel more like a scared rabbit being chased by a fox. After my shower I think I will shout the nose down here and sit in prayer.. The voices of fear have been screaming so loud for so long that I am beginning to believe their rants.
I thank you all for your kind words - right now I am feeling more like a failure.. Blessings to you lovely lady and please keep the little one's in your prayers if you would.
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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| sherrye |
Posted - Nov 04 2011 : 08:03:37 AM
good morning grace, i am hoping you had a better night? i am hoping the kids are better today i agree with kris and the girls. you are an amazing woman. i have known you to always go the extra distance for your critters. i just know they will be ok. hoping you have a warm day and a calm one. sending hugs sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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| grace gerber |
Posted - Nov 03 2011 : 7:16:47 PM
Michele you made me giggle - thanks for that!!! Kris the horses have been a problem here for a couple of years now - it even charged my truck and broke three fences going after my huge billies... So those little ones just do not understand why a animal would want to hurt or chase them... I never wish to hurt an animal but I think the rifle is coming out of the closet - I am tired of being the good natured lady who puts up with owners who do not take responsibility for their animals...
Natalie I do save their fiber if possible for those who pass here - sometimes I just get their box of fiber out and place my hands in their fiber and remember what it was like to hold them. Other times I have made something for one of my sons who had a special connection with them - it all depends.
I am so overwhelmed by how many have taken the time to read about Bella and then to send such words of love and caring - it really has been my strength thru this difficult time. The bottle kids are alert and I am still keeping their three hour checks going thru the night - I know I am a worry wart but I would not be able to sleep not knowing how they are anyway - I am hoping we see solid poop soon.
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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| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Nov 03 2011 : 5:03:20 PM
I want a bumper sticker like that. I wonder where he got it? That would go along with all my other farm stickers.
Grace, y'all really did have a horrible night. Horses are scary enough to little goats but then a crazy dog cornering them. Poor goats. Mine get all nervous when people do fireworks. I hate it for them. They are so scared and will not settle down at all. And this will go on for a few days out here. The loud popping ones are the worst. So I can just imagine how your animals are all stressed out. I so hope they can get over this soon. You do so much for them.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
| YakLady |
Posted - Nov 03 2011 : 5:01:42 PM
I'm so sorry for your loss of Bella, Grace. I hope you're able to make something that can remind you of all the good days she had on earth thanks to you and all your efforts.
~Natalie~ Just a farmgirl in Western Montana. http://mtnme.blogspot.com
Starting a family and raising Tibetan Yaks, Nigerian Dwarf Goats, Laying hens, Muscovy ducks, and a few dogs. |
| batznthebelfry |
Posted - Nov 03 2011 : 3:41:18 PM
Each fall I try to get as many field pumpkins as I can & cook them up & freeze them for the kids in the winter....I roast the seeds for the hubby who adores them....I make the kids stone cut oats in a crockpot then mix the pumpkin with that & whatever else I want them to have a a morning breakfast...even the cats will eat it while its warm...then I get mind out before I add the other stuff like raw oats, flaxseed ect.....I do like the idea of the roasting the oats & think that will be a new item for them this winter along with all the other stuff I give them.....
have to tell you all this...now don't get all offended please...but I saw a old pickup today with a P.E.T.A sticker & thought well thats odd to see on a farm truck...well got up to it & it said under it...'People eating tasty animals'....Now that made me laugh out loud...yes I am very against any cruelty to animals but this ticked my funny bone....guess that old farmer had a sense of humor...won't ya say?...Michele'
Chickens rule!
The Old Batz Farm
Hen #2622 |
| ceejay48 |
Posted - Nov 03 2011 : 3:32:59 PM
Grace,
I'm soooooooo sorry! It is so difficult to lose our animal friends! Will be praying!
CJ
..from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665.
Mother Hen: FARMGIRLS SOUTHWEST HENHOUSE
From my Heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
From my Hands - www.cjscreations-ceejay.blogspot.com
through my lens - http://ceejayscamera.shutterfly.com/
from my Hubby - www.aspenforge.blogspot.com |
| Bear5 |
Posted - Nov 03 2011 : 3:04:55 PM
Grace:
So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you both.
Marly
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." Elisabeth Kurler-Ross |
| Dorinda |
Posted - Nov 03 2011 : 2:33:48 PM
Grace I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers are with you.
Seize The Day!
Dorinda |
| grace gerber |
Posted - Nov 03 2011 : 1:30:53 PM
Thanks so much Kris - I have learned tons from you and know I have much more to learn.
The problem was the neighbors horses where out in the middle of the night running all over my place and getting my dogs into a fit which kept me and the goats going all night. Then when I finally thought we had it under control with the neighbors finally rounding up their beasts then this stry dog come on. I thought at first the dogs where still grumping about the horses but instead this dog had cornered the girls and went after the smallest. The billies in the next pastures charged the fencelines and the llamas where screaming and I running and my dogs trying to jump the huge fences to get to it. Needless to say we all where shaken to the bone and none more then my bottle kids. This was the first time they have every experienced anything like this - even a few of my huge billies had a potty problem but short lived... He just needed to calm down but the little one's are much more delicate to this type of stress... Right now I am right there with them. My nerves seem for the past year to be raw and exposed.. Luckly I am still a comfort to my animals and that is what matters... Peace and calm are what I am working on - fear has gripped this farm and that is never a good thing.
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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| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Nov 03 2011 : 12:54:10 PM
Well. I totally agree with Michele. I feel like I could come to you for anything. You have helped me many a time. So these poor kids were not physically attaked by this dog? I can't even imagine what they went through. I am still sending good thoughts and wishes for a fast recovery for them. You are doing such a good job.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
| grace gerber |
Posted - Nov 03 2011 : 12:36:00 PM
Oh My Gosh Michele I do not deserve your lovely words. I have found such inspiration for all of you and believe you me someday's I would not get up and stand if it was not for the kindness of the ladies here. I have lost so many friends over the years to illness, financial collapse or changes in their views about life but I still have some amazing friends here. Even when we have never laid eyes on each other or hearts and minds are connected and that gives me strength. I learn more from all of you then I every can share with others and so I thank you and my four legged furry family members thank you too...
Pumkin is a great source of minerals and vitamins for just about any animal - limit the seeds for small one's. The reason to toast seeds and oats is the fat becomes easily absorbed and will digest a tade quicker when the outside temps are low.
Blessings and Hugs from this tearful farm gal...
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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| batznthebelfry |
Posted - Nov 03 2011 : 09:59:25 AM
for those of you who don't really know Grace, she is beyond wonderful...this woman is a one (wo)man bulldozer in life...she can do it all & still be a true farmgirl with a big heart...I have yet to personally met her but I have grown to love her thur out the time I have been a MJ hen & you know many here a super special well I just want you to know she is one of them also....
Grace to you roast your oats in the oven? or in a cast iron pan? I have been thinking of doing that for the kids as a treat since i saw you mention it.....one of my freezer doors came open so have some pumpkin out for the kids today that I will warm up with oats, flaxseed & wheat germ in a bit......Michele'
Chickens rule!
The Old Batz Farm
Hen #2622 |
| Acelady02 |
Posted - Nov 03 2011 : 08:01:15 AM
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, prayers and warm thoughts being sent your way. You are a wonderful fur baby Momma...
(((((Hugs All)))))Penny
Farmgirl Sister #3343
God gives Miracles to those who Believe, Courage to those with Faith, Hope to those who Dream, Love to those who Accept, & Forgiveness to those who Ask... |
| homsteddinmom |
Posted - Nov 03 2011 : 07:53:56 AM
Hugs to you!!! I also know how hard it is :*(.You are doing a great job!!!!!!
Homesteading Mom in East Texas. Raising chickens, Rabbits and goats here on my farm! |
| grace gerber |
Posted - Nov 03 2011 : 07:44:42 AM
I thought I would give you a update on the two bottle kids - Wyonna and Goldie... They received a couple of bottles (they have been off bottles for two months but love being back on it) with the med in it - so far the runs are still of issue but it has slowed down a bit. This morning I also had them take some warm water which relieves any cramping from the cold water in the barn. They are also loving the four hour checks, hugs and kisses... I admit they are spoiled but why not they started life in the worst of ways. I forgot to mention that the little bottle boy Maximillion who is just one cutie and is all fleece I mean ALL fleece was upset that he was not included in the bottles. He even nipped my hand at 2 this morning demanding a sip - Yes, I gave in a little but instead I brought out some roasted oatmeal this morning for him - Now he thinks he is King... Please if you would keep the girls in your thoughts and prayers - we are not out of the woods and today they are saying the temp will not get out of the teen's so that is never easy on any of us.
Again, I want to let you all know that your kind words, prayers and sisterhood gives me the energy to keep going - especially of late when the world seems to only value those knit wits who spend millions of a 72 day wedding or politicans who have nothing to offer us but more scandals and pocket lining. You all are the real people I focus on and pray for... Love you all!!!
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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| sherrye |
Posted - Nov 03 2011 : 07:39:00 AM
i have just seen this i am so sorry for you grace so very sad. i think its harder when they are young. such a short moment here. i am hoping you are a little better today. so you have snow. we are forecast for some too. i am not looking forward to walking in it to do chores. sending you hugs and love and a prayer for you to have the power you need to keep on. wish i was closer to you. sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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