One of my favorite things to do is stand in the barn lot in the evening while the sheep are milling around getting ready for bed. The best part of these nighttime sessions was standing with Daniel. Daniel was a hugger. When he saw the opportunity, he'd push his way in and then stand there next to me, leaning against my leg.
My arm would instinctively wrap around his neck and I'd bury my fingers in the wool around his neck and shoulders, gently scratching, and he'd stand there like that with me forever. I know my sheep like me. Daniel loved me. If I'd known the other night that that was the last time we'd do that, I'd have stayed there forever, too.
Daniel aka Big D
May 2013 – September 17, 2020
May 2013 – September 17, 2020
We've lost another good sheep to bladder stones. We tried to get him unblocked surgically, but were unsuccessful. The vet autopsied him and collected some sludge/sand to send off to be tested to determine the mineral make up of the stones. I hope that tells us something. Is it our grass, the water, the mineral mix...?
27 comments:
Oh Sara, you know I'm heartbroken with you. Praying for some actionable results that I hope you'll share with the rest of us who have lost boy sheep to this horrible problem.
Oh, Sara, I am so sorry. Daniel was a very special, sweet sheep. I loved the story of how he got a bell. I hope your happy memories of him can bring you some comfort in your mourning. Know that all of your friends mourn with you.
We lost a male fainting goat last year to stones, too. Buckeye was a wether just over 1 year old. We had our water tested and it was fine. We try to give the goats and donkey grass hay that isn't too rich as that can cause problems.
We ended up adding more ammonium chloride to their water and/or mineral along with apple cider vinegar in their water. We also add some Ruminex-B or D to their mineral (it smells good with spices in it).
All of this is mainly to get them to drink lots of water to flush any stones out. I don't know if sheep can have the ammonium chloride as I know goats can have things sheep can't (like copper).
I hope your vet can help with the kinds of stones and what to do. It's heartbreaking to lose any animal that way.
Sorry for the loss of Daniel,
Deb
Some people are just stone makers...I suspect that it is the same with sheeps. Changing PH makes a difference with people (me) I drink Lemonade year round every day.
Hopefully the Vet will be able to help you make good decisions based on the composition of the stones.
I am so sad to hear that Daniel died...my heart goes out to you:)
From your pictures and blog, it was Daniel who I was most intrigued by. Then, when I met your flock, it was Daniel who captured me. Must have been those great hugs he gave. Or that handsome face. Or the fine stance. Or just about everything.
Take good care of yourself Sara. SO much loss in a short time is a heavy load.
I’m so sorry. Daniel just always seemed so sweet. I would have loved to have met him
Hi hope you are able to get some answers that will help the others in the future.
Light and prayers to you.
Chris S in Canada
I am so sorry. That dear boy. :-(
I hope they can figure out what to do to help.
Sending hugs.
Damn. Im so sorry Sara. (Hugs)
"A little help here lady... "
"I have a chicken in my back!"
I loved that one ~
♡ Big D ♡
Oh Sara & Tim, I am sorry for your loss of Daniel. His personality always shown through in your photos. He was a love, for sure.
I hope the results give you some answers.
Every one who leaves takes a piece away with them. I hope someone new comes into your life to fill the hollow a bit.
So sorry for you. It’s so heartbreaking to lose our friends.
Loving is worthwhile work. Blessings as Daniel moves on to his next job.
Oh Sara, I am so so sorry for your loss. Daniel was such a sweetheart. So so sorry.
So sad. Knew something was wrong but was surprised it was sweet Daniel, the hugging sheep. Tough times. Hugs to you all.
So sorry for this loss. Daniel was a good friend, and I know you will miss him. Good luck with getting some answers from the vet.
All the words I start to write just seem so very inadequate because the truth is that there is nothing I can say that can make it better. All I can do is tell you how much getting to know your woolly friends means to me and how deeply I sympathize with you when we lose them. Daniel was a special boy, a sweet, funny and lovey boy. I know I’ll go back and read all his stories and smile and I hope that someday you’ll be able to do the same.
I, too, will be interested to hear what the doctors learn. Hugs to all....
He was beautiful! I’m sorry for your loss.
Too much Sara. I'm so sorry.
my goodness, I am sorry for your loss!! It feels like this year has been harder than most at your place...
I am so, so sorry for your loss and the sadness it brings. Gentle hugs coming your way.....
Safe journey sweet Daniel 💜
Sara I am hopeful that the findings from the necropsy are helpful in determining the cause of the formation of stones. At least then you can make adjustments to diet or pastures.
So sorry to hear this---I hope you can find an answer to the stones . . . like people I would imagine it is diet related.
I am so sorry, Sara. Running a farm has it's tremendously hard moments. Of which you know, and of which this statement doesn't help. My heart goes out to you---I know how hard it is. for the animals who live with us are just 'just animals' they are our kids in lots and lots of ways.
Love you.
So many times you make my day with the antics of your animals. Other times, I wish I could be there with you to give you a hug and tell you you are the best. Your animals are the luckiest to be with you. When we lose a pet, it’s catastrophic. We are bereft. I know you feel the same about yours.
Daniel was a beautiful boy. I am so sorry you've lost him. It's easy to see why your sheep love you so much.
Daniel Not Gone because he lives on in your blog and your photos and our hearts. So very sorry for the loss of another fine sheep. (((hugs)))
((hugs)) I'm so sorry for your loss. rest in peace, sweet Daniel
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