When I got up Monday morning, I thought I was taking Graham to the vet clinic to get a mouth x-ray. He'd been losing some weight and we were pretty sure he had a tooth issue, which is common with older sheep. Not usually a big deal.
I don't ever like to haul a sheep by itself, especially an older one. As with most things in life, having a buddy with you always helps. When we took Maisie to Hagyards, I rode in the trailer with her. I picked Maisie to ride with Graham.
And why did I pick Maisie? Well, um, let's see...how to put this, um, delicately...Maisie has a big boob. She always has what the vets and I refer to as her "fat girl boobs". Right now one is extra fat and I wanted it checked out.
I tricked her into the trailer with food (partly why she has "fat girl boobs" ;-) and then led Graham in behind her. When we got to the clinic we unloaded Graham, I gave Maisie a flake of hay and told her we'd be back in a few minutes. We weren't back for over an hour.
Graham collapsed in the hallway, they pulled a blood sample, his numbers were awful, there was something very wrong with his liver that the chances of fixing were pretty much zero, we talked to several other vets to make sure, Graham calmly sat next to me, the vet cried as much as I did as she gave him a shot and he laid his head across my lap just like he did when he was a baby, a class act to the end.
And then we had to carry on.
As we walked outside, I carried Graham's bell to the truck and quickly warned the vet not to open the trailer door until I got back there. She knows Maisie and completely understood ;-). We carefully slid in and as I slammed the door behind us I heard "Oh my goodness, what's on her head?!?"
I took one look and knew exactly what she'd done. I just had to figure out what she'd done it on. Maisie had eaten as much of the hay as she wanted, felt like she'd stood there as long as she should and with no people around to punch (the little darlin' ;-), had head butted the next best thing, the aluminum trailer divider post.
"Yeah, I know. I'm kind of a little stinker."
Maisie's boob doesn't seem to be anything serious, probably just a weird hormonal issue...which would probably explain a lot about Maisie ;-). We are supposed to keep an eye (and hand :-o) on it and wait and see.
"I'll let you feel my boobs if you scratch my butt [to distract me]."
The things we do...
Don't judge me. I've been on the receiving end of that aluminum block, I mean, black head ;-D.
Don't judge me. I've been on the receiving end of that aluminum block, I mean, black head ;-D.
31 comments:
Maisie, gives you a laugh when you needed it most. So, who gets to wear Graham's bell?
I put it on Andy. I'm not exactly sure why, but it seemed right.
Yup right choice!
As to Maisie...she just wanted a new hair color! Like Sheep Goth?
Maisie is trying to give you more gray hairs by coloring hers!!!
I am just so sorry about Graham, but sometimes the things we do at the end for our babies are the best. Maisie... she has always been a character!
Ooops Maisie did it again... stealing the show.
Maisie entertains in the worst of times, bless her heart. You paint a wonderful scene of your farm and I know being a shepherd has down sides along with the good. What you have created in your blog is some sort of wonderful that I look forward to whenever you post - you bring a smile to my face, or tears as warranted. Thank you for your stories as I do understand the hard work you put into your blog - the photos, being a shepherd, and all your other responsibilities on your farm. You are so appreciated.
Just what I needed a laugh in the middle of tears.
Maisie sounds like quite a character!
You did good. We have to always put the animals first even if it is breaking our hearts.
Maisie has old lady boobs already...poor girl, those old hormones anyways. Wouldn't you like to know what goes through her head..or not:(
Thank you for telling this story. I'm sure it must have been heart wrenching to put it into words but it is appreciated. It gives your readers closure which for me is helpful to know he left in peace. I didn't realize that Graham was considered "older" at his age so thank you for the education as well. Gotta love Maisie;)
Awwwww..... I'm thankful that Graham had a peaceful passing with those who loved him.
Maisie. Oh Maisie. Isn't it a male sheep thing to head butt? Maybe she has too many of both types of hormones?
Got a question, what is the average lifespan of sheep?
Oh Graham.... Oh, Maisie!
Each one of your wonderful sheep are special and I am glad you have shared stories of Graham.
Oh, I am so, so sorry to hear about Graham... Hugs.... That Maisie just knows how break up the mood... Hugs to all...
Faith
All sheep will butt and sometimes a girl on girl fight is just as crazy as two rams. Usually not as deadly (rams can kill each other) because I'd like to think girls are smarter...but probably because they aren't as big ;-).
Maisie butts because she's incredibly sassy (why she lived in the first place)...and maybe a tiny bit spoiled ;-).
The average lifespan of sheep is kind of like dogs. The little breeds will live longer than the big ones. It's not uncommon to have Jacobs live well into their teens. The big Cotswolds or Ewen (Hamp/Suffolk)...10-12 would probably be pretty old :-/.
I think I know why. And, yes, it seems right.
Sorry to hear about Graham. Hardest part...
Thank the sheep Goddess you brought him into the vets and he was where he needed to be for an easing into the next life......and believe he will be there looking for his bell when you get 'there' !!!
Oh Maisie...I feel your um, 'pain' with gravity and boobs....... Thank you for telling us what happened, SO difficult.
Thanks!
You are an amazing Shepherdess! Hugs my dear friend.
Linda
What a shock trying to find out what was ailing Graham. Thank you for telling us what happened. At least it was a peaceful end for him with his Mama and a most devoted Vet. Never a dull moment with Maisie. She must have had quite a headache.
What a shock trying to find out what was ailing Graham. Thank you for telling us what happened. At least it was a peaceful end for him with his Mama and a most devoted Vet. Never a dull moment with Maisie. She must have had quite a headache.
There ain't nothin' in that head to hurt ;-D.
So sorry to hear about Dear Graham. I'm so glad you were with him for comfort. Brave Mama.
So sorry to hear about Graham.....I remember way back when he was born and was such a huge part of your blog posts then....I missed out on the middle.
Maisie knew you needed a distraction.
Poor Graham.
It's an awful shock going into the vet for what you think is routine, and reeling out again when it wasn't. I really feel for you!
That Maisie! I wasn't here yet in the year you raised her, but by golly I think she must be as opposite to sweet Liddy as a sheep can be. :)
I'm sorry for your loss :(
Oh Sara... our lambies are such characters and we love them so much. They bring SO much to our lives, even when we must go through the so-very-hard part at the end. What a beautiful (and mischievous) life you helped Graham to have. And that Maisie!! Silly girl!
Thank you for sharing what happened to Graham. I am so sorry. I think putting his bell on Andy was just right. You are such a wonderful mama to your flock.
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