The relief of Marcel getting better was quickly dampened by Sherman having trouble. We treated him as aggressively as we could, but ended up having him put down this morning. Such a sweet, sweet boy.
They are not sure if it's residual damage from the drought (mild nitrate poisoning can apparently mimic a phosphorus/calcium imbalance and other nutritional abnormalities and would be common during and after a drought because the plants in the field are stressed and do not chemically act right), a supplemented mineral issue, something completely unrelated or just general bad luck to have two sheep in less than two weeks with similar problems after years of none. We sent him for a necropsy in case there was anything to learn.
Making a call to end an animal's life, especially a dear friend, is tough. Seldom are you 100% sure you are doing the right thing. You frequently struggle with worrying that you didn't give them quite enough time (or too much time), maybe the meds would eventually help, maybe the animal themselves isn't ready. Sherman was ready.
As I was scrolling back looking at pictures I found this series. These might be my favorite pictures of one of my favorite sheep.
He was a good sheep. Even Comby would agree.
They are not sure if it's residual damage from the drought (mild nitrate poisoning can apparently mimic a phosphorus/calcium imbalance and other nutritional abnormalities and would be common during and after a drought because the plants in the field are stressed and do not chemically act right), a supplemented mineral issue, something completely unrelated or just general bad luck to have two sheep in less than two weeks with similar problems after years of none. We sent him for a necropsy in case there was anything to learn.
Making a call to end an animal's life, especially a dear friend, is tough. Seldom are you 100% sure you are doing the right thing. You frequently struggle with worrying that you didn't give them quite enough time (or too much time), maybe the meds would eventually help, maybe the animal themselves isn't ready. Sherman was ready.
As I was scrolling back looking at pictures I found this series. These might be my favorite pictures of one of my favorite sheep.
He was a good sheep. Even Comby would agree.
49 comments:
So sorry. So sad. Your blog gets me all involved with your wonderful animals. I weep with you.
Gloria
I am so sorry you lost Sherman. He was a good, good sheepie. You can second-guess yourself into an ulcer, but, in the end, you just have to do what is best.
So sorry you lost Sherman, and glad that Marcel is recovering. Hope you find answers in the necropsy. My neighbor has 27 acres, no livestock, does not mow, and now I have Johnson Grass growing on my fence line and spread into the sheep pen where I planted some trees. I need to get busy and get on it before it takes over here. Keep us posted on the necropsy results.
P.S. such a cool picture of Sherman in more ways than one.
Oh I am so sorry to hear about Sherman. I hope you find out what happened. I'm sending you a big hug.
Oh Sara! I weep for you and the passing of a giant sheep with a giant heart and so young to pass! This has surely been a year with more than your share of losses. I purchased a ball of his roving at the end of the Wool and Fiber event. Now it's even more special. {{{hugs}}}
So sorry to hear about Sherman. Thank you for sharing his story and photos.
Oh no, I am so sorry to hear about Sherman. I'm sure you will miss him dearly. All our animals have a place in our hearts. I will be thinking about you.
I'm sorry to hear this sad news. Rest in peace, sweet Sherman.
I'm so sorry Sara. It is never easy to make that ultimate decision and I know you did what was best and kindest for Sherman, no matter how painful it is for you.
I want that picture in an 8x10 matte finish! I'm serious!
Shermie was a good one, for sure. This has not been a kind year for us Kentucky shepherds. I'm so, so sorry.
Poor Sherman! {{{Hugs}}}
I pulled up all the Sherman tags on the blog this morning, and this was my favorite shot! Go easy on yourself. You are the best shepherd I know.
I'm sorry, I did not read the first of your post until after I commented on your picture. I'm sorry you had to put Sherman down....that's tuff. :(
So Sorry for your loss.
RaNae
So very sorry for your loss.
Losing Sherman so unexpectedly at a young age is really hard. You made the best decision for him and letting him suffer longer would have been pointless and cruel. Shepherds have to make painful decisions sometimes. It's good that you're having lab tests done to determine what was afflicting him. "Let the dead teach the living" my vet says.
Sharing your sadness {{hug}}
So very sorry. Ours are all like family here & I see it is the same with you. A very dear & wise goat woman shared with me that animals can stoically deal with hunger and pain but that fear is the hardest on them. I am sure he never had a thing to fear as you tenderly cared for him.
Please keep us up on the necropsy results. We've had issues with our sheep & drought so would appreciate any info you can share.
You are a good shepherd and you have made a difference in the lives of all your animals - especially the rescued ones. Sometimes good shepherds have to make the hard decisions, it's part of what makes them good. The world should have more good shepherds like you. I am so sorry for your loss. Chris S.
Oh noes, Sara, I am so sorry to read this.... it must be hard, so hard to make that decision. May you be comforted by all the wonderful memories you had together. Beautiful photo.
My dear Sara...what a summer! So sorry to read about Sherman...I know how much you love every one of your animals. Thinking of you and the rest of your babies.
I am so sorry. I think there are many of us that will remember this as the summer that sucked.
I am so sorry. I think there are many of us that will remember this as the summer that sucked.
Oh Sara, I'm so sorry. That's the problem with love - the accompanying pain of loss.
Sending sympathy and hugs. We will all miss Shermie and his antics. He was "a good sheep".
I know you did the very best you possibly could for Shermie, as you do everyday, for each and every one of your critters. By the way, he's probably up at the pearly gate right now telling everyone what Sheep Heaven really looks like.
Hearing this makes me so sad. I can only imagine how you feel. You are so close to your sheep. I also know that they have wonderful lives with you. Thinking about you.
Oh no! I'm so very sorry.
Sara- I'm so sorry about Shermie. He was a good sheep. And he had a good life.
Sara- I'm so sorry about Shermie. He was a good sheep. And he had a good life.
Loved the Stupid Butt Sherman photos..I am so sorry..BUT you know how lucky you are to have had him and all your other sheep in your life..and they are lucky to have you too. The decision to help out a friend is never easy..rest assured you did your best. Sending a hug:)
So sorry. It's a tough decision to make, but it is the sign of a good steward of your charges that you do the right thing by them even as your heart breaks.
Life can be so damn hard.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Even when they are old and ailing, it's so hard when they must go on without us. I can't imagine what it's like to lose a younger one who seemed to be ok, until recently.
Sending much sympathy.
I'm so Sorry to hear the news of Sherman.... Hugs to you all...
Faith
Hi There, My condolences on that difficult but correct decision and the passing of Sherman. I hope the rest of your week will be a pleasant one. I so enjoy your blog!
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Oh no! Not Shermie!! So, SO sorry for your loss. I haven't looked at the photos yet, but my favorite was the one of him making like a '3-day eventer' and jumping the dry creek to get to some cookies.
He's probably hanging out with Miss Ewenice right now, talking about what a great life they had with you.
It must be hard when you love your sheep so very much.
I am very sorry about Sherman.
So sorry to hear about Sherman. Hugs coming your way.
Jean- MN
I was so very saddened to read of Sherman's passing, S.
He was a great sheeple and I know you will miss him greatly.
I can only wish that the hole he left in your heart will be eased by fond memories with the gentleness of time passing.
My condolences and a raised glass to toast one fine sheep.
Travel well, Sherman.
I don't know how I missed this post. You have my heartfelt sympathy. I agree with Christine. This has NOT been a good summer.
kim
Love ~ understanding ~ and deepest heartfelt sympathy.
I am so sorry for you, Tim, and the flock. Thank you for doing the best thing for Sherman. NEVER doubt that! He was a good boy and a fine sheep and friend. Love to all of you at the farm.
I am SO sorry to hear this, Sara! Sending gentle hugs...
Thank you all so much for your kind and insightful words. I feel like I need to share it all, good or bad, because these sheep are all of ours...if that makes sense. I miss Sherman :-(. Hug your loved ones often.
Oh man, I'm soooooo sorry to hear about Sherman. Major bummer..
When you love an animal, it's so hard to lose them. Sherman isn't suffering anymore.
We had to put down two beloved goats in one month. It still feels empty around here. Such is life with animals... but I wouldn't have it any other way.
Take care.
So sorry to hear about Sherman. I'm sure he'll be missed by you all, sheep and humans alike. You had to make a really tough decision. Big Hugs.
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