The end of an era. I
milked Dandelion and D’Arcy for the last time last night, and for the last time
used the milking machine. I have such
sorrow about letting them go, but there’s a part of me that, regardless of
sorrow, knows it must be done in order to move on. I’m going to miss them, D’Arcy
especially. I love them both, but D’Arcy’s always been my
pocket goat.
 |
| Last time milking |
I've been dispersing my herd for a few months now, but
today was different. D'Arcy, Dandy, and Leo went to their new home, and Fedra will be joining them on Monday. When I walked out into the barn
tonight to feed the remaining animals, it felt empty. No D'Arcy, no Dandy, no real
milking, only Leah, who is almost dry.
I
feel like crying. I teeter between numbness and overwhelming sorrow. Goats have been so much a part of my life for the last 9 or 10 years that it's hard to imagine life without them. When Leah leaves...well, I'm not going to think about that until it happens.
When I left the two does at Stephen Lee’s, Dandy was bleating
loudly. Yes, it was probably because the
other goats had gone out to the pasture, but she and D’Arcy were turned toward
me, watching me. I felt like I had betrayed them.
I know the cure for this.
Let myself feel the grief, then help someone else. Get out of myself completely. In the meantime, I'll go hug a goat.
 |
| Dandy settling in. Her doeling, Hermione, is on the other side of the fence. Instant recognition, and "Mama, can I nurse from you?" "No!" |
|
 |
| Dandy--with her daughter in the background, and her granddaughter next to her. |
 |
| Are you really leaving us here? |
 |
| Hey! Where are you going? |
 |
| Leo doesn't have any qualms. He has a new buddy, and in a few days, a new purpose. |
 |
| Apron off. Time to get down to some serious eating. |
