Sometimes in life things are put in front of us to help us get through other things, for us understand opportunity and loss, for us to appreciate more, challenge us, to remind us to count our blessings and to help us grow. Yesterday was one of those days. One of those days that we would rather not have had.
Yesterday we had to say our good-byes to three of our farm yard friends all in the short space of a couple of minutes.
Yesterday we lost No Knees' Speckle Park bull calf and sadly, due to complications that also meant we had to put No Knees to sleep. This is a part of the harsher reality of calving and farm life, and maybe something that is not always talked about. We did all we could, however neither of them could be saved.
We bought No Knees and her mum from a mate in Lismore a few years ago, we always make it a point to form relationships with our calves and Rachael (Mrs Mooey) and No Knees bonded immediately, it was obvious from the get go that I was on the outside of this little circle. No Knees was going to be the beginning of our Speckle Park brood - if you don't know about the breed, they are one of the fastest growing beef breeds in Australia, originally developed in Canada. This breed is known for being highly fertile, easy calving, generally being hardy and tough with great yielding carcasses and quality, tender meat. As well as all of that, they are super attractive looking cows. Needless to say the loss of both No Knees and her bull calf were a devastating loss for our growing herd. Then, as I was still processing what had happened, within less then a couple of minutes my phone rings, and it is Mrs Mooey, telling me we need to take her little dog, Meg, to the vets (quickly!) We got her there, but sadly Meg didn’t make it either. I couldn't believe it - A massive triple blow!!
Meg and Mrs Mooey were best mates, and Meg was looked after better than me - to say she was spoiled is an understatement. Meg and I, on the other hand, had a love-hate relationship, but family is family right!? And it was still extremely hard saying good bye to animals you love.
So today, as the sun comes up, give your dog or cat the extra pat, get that cow the extra bale of hay, give that horse the extra scratch and give your loved ones that extra cuddle and make sure you tell them you love them.
As you never know when it will be the last.
Mitch 🐂
Comments