Luvmypets Journal: A New Season

[Baymule]

Today we said goodbye to our sweet alpaca Sequoia. He was the oldest of the crew, easily pushing 14, it was time. He had rapidly lost all his body weight in the past week, we knew it was his body going. Tonight I found him down in the field, kushing, on the half frozen ground. My dad attempted to pick him up but his legs were gone. When we let him down he rolled on his side and his neck curled back. He barely had a life force left, he was hanging on by a thread. We sat with him assuring him it was ok to let go, and that we loved him. However he was really holding on. I prayed and asked for the help of archangels to help guide him over. After about forty minutez, he was still with us on but his body was limp other than his twitching legs. I felt frustrated because there was no reason for him to hold on. I told my dad how I had prayed and he asked me if I had prayed to St Francis, the patron saint of the animals. I told him no, and we sat their and said our prayer. Within a few seconds of us finishing Sequoia crossed over. It was a very powerful moment as we felt his soul leave his body as his twitching stopped and the life force was gone. Losing an animal is never easy, but I found a beauty in the way our prayer was answered. RIP Sequoia

As heartbreaking as it is when we lose one of our beloved animals, I find it easier when it is an older animal that has had a good life and now that day is here. Sequoia had a good life with you, loved, cared for and cherished. It is good that you were able to be there to hold him, talk to him and pray for him. I know it was not only a comfort to him, but a great comfort to you.

 

[luvmypets]

It is freezing for our area right now. Last night it was 11* and this morning it was 4*. It is back to 11* now and it should be going into the 20's tomorrow. Never thought I'd miss the 30* weather.

Also I started a farrowing thread, no babies yet but we should see some within a week
https://www.backyardherds.com/threads/lmps-2019-farrowing-thread.38925/#post-589693

 

[luvmypets]

I woke up yesterday to get ready for school and everything was normal. I hopped in the shower and when I was finished I went to go check on my dad to wake him up. He is heavy sleeper, and I often have to nudge him to get up and drive me to school. He was asleep when I walked in, and I touched his foot to nudge him awake. Except his foot was cold and stiff, I grabbed his arms...I called 911 immediately but in my heart as much as I wanted to believe he was still with us..I felt his spirit around me trying to calm me down as I waited for the EMTs. My father passed away in his sleep at 55... He was everything to me and my partner in crime. I was always told that I was a female version of him, which is probably why we butt heads so much. The pig business was our baby and we worked so hard to build it up. The last thing I want to do is tear it down right now. Priss is massive and due in a week, we still need a shelter for her, Lucy is due soon, and Callie as well. We have 29 pigs with more on the way and no source of income. My brother is going to college in a few months and won't be around and I will be starting community college which I will be around but very busy. Im scared right now because these animals are everything to me. I know we are going to have to downscale but I refuse to give up on this.

If you guys know anyone near or around Hunterdon or Warren county NJ who could help us out that would be wonderful. Family and friends are reaching out and we have a lot of offers but at this point we need all the help we can get.

 

[Goat Whisperer]

I have no words. I am so sorry. I truly cannot imagine what you are going through. My prayers are with you.

 

[Southern by choice]

So sorry for you, no words can express how heartbroken I am for you.
Sending you love & hugs and praying for you and your family.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

I am so sorry for your loss. I really hope you can find the help you need right now. My prayers are with you.

 

[luvmypets]

The cause of death was a cardiovascular disease that caused his arteries to harden. Big idiot was too stubborn to go to a doctor

 

[Bruce]

Oh Luv, my heart goes out to you. That is just awful. I wish there was something I could do to help but I'm much too far away.

Can you find someone from your FFA group that can help with the animals?

In memory of those that die too soon, your father and Latestarter

 

[B&B Happy goats]

my heart goes out to you and your family, i am so sorry for your loss of your dad and best friend
You are a very smart girl, you take after your dad, ....can you postpone school for a little while and you take over the business, and find the help that you need....I got faith in you that you can do it if you set your mind to it , and you would make your dad even prouder of you than he already was.....
Big hugs to you, your dad is watching over you you are a wonderful young woman, and stronger than you think.

 

[Baymule]

I read with sinking heart, your post. It's like I knew what was coming, but didn't want it to be true. I am deeply saddened for you and your brother.

No source of income and 29 pigs. The first thing that comes to my mind is to go wait tables in a nice restaurant. When my DD was in college, she was a server. I worked as a server in my younger days. It is quick money, you can adjust your hours and you can make pretty good money. My daughter complains that she made more money waiting tables than she does as a college professor. In the early days of her marriage, her husband also was a server.

I have complete faith in you. You can do this, it won't be easy, but you can do this. You won't have to give up your pigs, you will find a way. You have the tenacity to dig in, and not quit. You will reach your goals, you may have to adjust things along the way, so be flexible.

I wish we lived closer. Sending a virtual hug, my heart is with you.