Saturday, September 02, 2017

Good bye, Penny..

Last Tuesday, we sadly had to euthanize our goat Penny, maa-maa to three beautiful kids: Annabelle, Luc and Rosie.


Penny had had ongoing health issues since we adopted her from the OSPCA in the fall of 2015. She was pregnant with triplets at the time and managed to give birth to three beautiful kids. But I have been struggling to keep weight on her since the spring,  the vet has been her numerous times, and last week she developed yet another lung infection, so we decided to euthanize her rather than put her through any more treatments. My vet said to me a few months ago that eventually I would have to make "a decision"... so we did.


Penny was an awesome goat and an excelllent maa-maa to her babies.


Gordon and Annabelle, one of Penny's kids.

I had no idea what goats were like when we adopted our first six two years ago. But since then, I've come to realize that they are amazing, intelligent animals with very specific personalities. And Penny was just lovely.



Daphne and Penny having a little tête-à-tête.



Penny enjoying a bucket of warm water with molasses just after giving birth in January 2016.


Such a good mother.


She was always giving me that look!


Annabelle and Penny

The vet who euthanized her was the same young vet who did Daphne's C-section last March. He was incredibly kind and had tears in his eyes after he put her to sleep. 

I find this time of year difficult to begin with, as I have lost many humans (including both my parents) and animals at the end of August/start of September. Losing Penny at this time wasn't something I saw coming. And meanwhile, we are of course keeping a close eye on Millicent the cat, who has a huge tumour growing in her abdomen that will also necessitate a decision sooner rather than later (fortunately the prednisone is helping her right now; fingers crossed that that continues for a while.) Even as we watch Penny cross over to greener pastures, I knew that there is another vet visit in our near future that will end in the same way. I'm trying not to get too down about it all, but this time of year always makes me feel uneasy.


Rest in peace, dear Penny. You were such a stoic, sweet goat. Never a complaint from you, even with all the injections I had to give you over the past year. You are very missed by me and Gordon.

PS Next post will be more cheerful, promise...


21 comments:

  1. So sorry for all your loss.

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  2. So sorry Natalie. Penny was a wonderful goat.

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  3. What a beautiful tribute, Knatolie! Deeply touching. Did Penny participate in the Yoga?

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    1. No, but her three kids did! :)

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    2. You hit the nail on the head about the "look" Penny would give you. I remember it, too. She'd pause and stare for a moment, to acknowledge your presence. Very sweet, and I'll remember her for it.

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  4. I'm happy I got to meet her. Rest in Peace, little one.

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  5. You are doing such a beautiful job at your chosen work, Knatolee. Penny loved you for her life and babies.

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  6. Boy, you've gone through a lot of loss lately; but those animals couldn't have been in a better place than with you and Gordon. Your heart is so big and loving, XOXO

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  7. I am so sorry for the loss of Penny. You gave her a good home and safe place to have her babies and raise them. With so many animals I know the losses keep on coming but it is a part of loving and taking care of them. You and Gordon are brave, kind, loving people! Hugs!

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  8. So sorry, Natalie. You and Gordon are the best. Sending love and ((hugs)) from water-logged Texas.

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  9. RIP Penny. Sorry for your loss, Natalie.

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  10. They are fascinating smart creates indeed. We often spend our evenings on our front porch spring summer and fall watching the family of goats right across the road in our little rural "suburb". Most of the time its far more interesting that anything on TV. This is real reality and we even got to watch a live birth and were amazed how quick the kid was on its feet...:)

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  11. Sad that you had to put Penny down. It was for the best.

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  12. I am so sorry that you have had another loss.

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  13. Like all your animals, Penny had a fabulous life!

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  14. The down-side of all animal husbandry. Very sad.

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  15. A sad element of all your kindness, caring, and sensitivity. But you make this world a better place! My heart is with you. If you live long enough, any time of year can be a tough time of year (is that consoling?!?)... Anyway, you fill this world with love and you gave Penny the BEST three years.

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  16. So sorry for your loss, Knotalee. But when you care for so many and most of them (if not all) rescue animals, it kind of comes with the territory... (not that this helps, just not unexpected). I do find that when the time comes, you know... and somehow knowing that they are no longer suffering, does help. And Penny brought 3 new adorable lives into the world to remember her by (You will pass your love of her onto them).

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  17. I'm sorry for your loss of sweet Penny. She was a beautiful girl and good mama to her babies. She had a good life on your farm.

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  18. this is sooo sooo sad, you have been having too much sadness lately, we pray things lighten up. Sending you (((hugs))) and love We are so deeply sorry xoxoxoxo catchatwithcarenandcody

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  19. I am so very sorry. She was blessed to have you and you her.

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Thank you for all your comments, which I love to read!