As I type, we are just coming out of Storm Amy, which was quite a doozy, even by Shetland standards. Everyone survived fine and there was only one casualty – a small window in an old shed blew out resulting in shattered glass everywhere. It’s all been cleared up now.
Apparently the lowest UK barometric pressure ever recorded in October (947.9 hPa) was set in Baltasound, Shetland, during Storm Amy yesterday. Now that I can believe, as I had a stonking headache all day and went to bed feeling very grotty indeed.
I have made the decision that the old horses/ponies will stay in their sheltered field for the time being as there is more bad weather to come this week. Tis the season and we are used to this. The other Shetland ponies may get increased hay rations when it is bad but I am trying hard to hold off on this practice as they easily get used to more food and hang about asking all the time rather than going out and getting a job.
Meanwhile, today I think is Edna’s last day. She has been getting lamer and lamer for a while now and nothing is helping her. Despite many examinations by vet and other sheep experts, there is no diagnosis and nothing helps her. She has finally reached the stage where she can’t walk, and therefore keep up with the flock. The light and her brightness are fading from her eyes and I know what that means. The vet has been called to put her to sleep tomorrow and I feel sad about this. Edna is my friend and a dear sweet soul. How Madge (her very attached daughter) will cope, I do not know either. We will play it by ear with her. Tomorrow will be a miserable day for us all. One I knew would happen but not so soon. I will ask the vet if she has any magical cure/potion but I am not hopeful as we have tried I think just about everything already.
Think of us. It was not an easy decision to make.
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I am so sorry to hear about tomorrow.
You will all be in my thoughts.
I think it is the last kindness we can show.
Hugs.
Thank you. Never an easy choice and not one made lightly. xx
God bless dear Edna…..we have all had to make this decision. Please give loads of cuddles to Madge, she is going to miss her Mum so much. Love to you all..
Thank you. I would cuddle Madge if I could get remotely near her. I have noticed, though, she is not staying with Edna, preferring to go out with the others.
Thinking of all of you and knowing Edna has had the best life, there, with you.
Peace. Debbie
I want Edna to be peaceful and no more pain xx
Will be thinking of you all, as you do the hardest thing there is – putting the well-being of your animals ahead of your own feelings.
That takes courage, compassion, love and is not something that everyone is prepared to do. {{respect}}, xx
Thank you. Doing my best is very hard sometimes. Xx
Always so hard making these decisions. I’ll be thinking about you tomorrow. Take comfort in knowing you gave Edna and her daughter a home when they needed it and you gave them all the care any sheep could hope for. xx
Yes. She’s been nothing but grateful.
So sorry; it’s never easy to say good bye. The price of love can feel very steep sometimes.
Please know that you’ve given her a wonderful life.
Sending hugs.
Thank you. She will take a piece of my heart.
My daughter and I were driving past a flock of sheep today. They are rarely in this field and it always makes me happy to see them. I was telling Rachel about your blog and how it made me see sheep in a whole new way. I am so sorry about Edna. You gave her the best life.
Sheep are the best pets.
Oh so very hard. I recently lost a sweet little goat after weeks of doctoring and upping calories. Small comfort that my vet insists she only held on as long as she did because of me. As my present household contains two old mares and a very old dog I can see heartache in my future. I do know how awful it is for you and how hard it often is to do the right thing.
I tell myself better a day too soon than a day too late. Xx
My thoughts and my heart are with you. This is never easy but you are letting her go with so much love. You are the very best sheep mom ever.
Thank you. Today will be hard. Xx
My most favorite vet said this ” to cause our animals no pain is the most difficult thing we can do” I am sorry Edna is failing – it breaks my heart. The kitten Sisters are sending mighty purrs your way.
Your vet is right and thank you to the kittens. Xx
Frances, so very very sorry. It is heartbreaking. At the same time, you don’t want them to suffer. You are such a fantastic steward of your creatures.
Thank you for your kind words x
I’m so very sorry about Edna. I hope her passing is peaceful.
Yes, it was very. She went to sleep in my arms.
Rest in Peace sweet Edna. We’ll miss you.
Thank you, Shelley x