I called in sick today, feeling like I could use a day of puttering around the house, and acclimating to a life without goats. Plus, I didn't sleep a wink last night and didn't think I'd be able to concentrate. What I really did today is stew, grow even more raw nerves, and worry, worry, worry.
About mid afternoon, I realized that there is something I've been putting off that would be a perfect task for today. I bought a gun. It's only a tool, but it's a tool I didn't have yesterday.
PS - Huge thanks for the outpouring of support. It means a lot to me.
I think all people who have animals suffer through horrendous loss at one time or another. I know I've just had domestic pets and suffered a few pretty horrible losses myself. You could have never known this would happen nor could you have stopped it from happening. I hope you find some peace soon.
ReplyDeleteI lost some of my sheep this year and I was amazed at the grief I felt. For a couple months at least. It was harder than losing my mother a couple years ago. I say that just to say, I understand the horror of the violence and the depths of despair over not being able to do anything but be there in the end for the little critters we love. It is traumatic beyond words, really.
ReplyDeleteGood for you. I'm glad you're taking care of yourself--both taking the day off, and getting the gun.
ReplyDeleteWhat happened on your homestead was a crime. And it happened because of the irresponsibility of your neighbor in letting her dogs run loose. Therefore, you had every right to call law enforcement rather than calling her. She may be pissed but I'll bet she'll change her ways so she doesn't have to deal with the cops again.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good idea for all of us living out in the country to have a firearm. Even for having to deal with something like killing a rabid skunk attacking one of your animals.
Have been thinking about you a lot today, Jordan, and hope time will heal this wound.
Me, too: been thinking about you a lot today. I had a Murphy's Law kind of day but kept going back to your recent horror which put MY day in complete perspective!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you went out and bought a gun. Now, find a safe place to practice and DO SO. Get comfortable with firing it. A gun can do a lot if it's "only" fired over the head of some unwanted critter.
More hugs from northeastern MN tonight!
Hi Jordan, how are things going this morning?
ReplyDeleteoh, i am so sorry for your loss. i just came over from melanie's blog. big hugs and farm kisses from a chicken farmer in VT.
ReplyDeleteMy condolences to ya.
ReplyDeleteHey folks - thanks SO much for the support. It helps to hear from other people and realize that I'm not the only one that's gone through this. Logically I know it, but emotionally, it's easy to feel very alone at a time like this.
ReplyDeleteI'm still adjusting to being a non-goat owner. Two days ago I had a list of tasks to do, many were based on the goats. My schedule was determined by the needs of the goats (and dogs and cats). Now I think, "time to move the goats," and then realize it's not time.
I'm thinking crazy thoughts about moving away from here, to a place where there aren't any hillbilly neighbors. That will probably calm down soon enough.
I'd never heard about SSS, shoot, shovel, shut up, before, but it fits here. Thanks again.
This is a shotgun, right? Would a rifle also be a good idea? I suspect you'd be a good shot. And maybe your neighbors would respect you more if they heard you doing target practice on your property.
ReplyDeleteThe lady that owns the gun shop (yes, lady!) did think that a rifle would be a good idea. I was concerned that I'd have terrible aim in the stress of whatever moment, so went for the option where something still gets hit if I miss. Maybe for a future gun!
ReplyDeleteThere's no way I want an innocent animal to be put down because of it's owners irresponsibility. The thing I would be worried about is often when an animal gets a "taste" of this kind of chase, blood and destruction, it's hard to break it of the habit. Again, it's not the dog's fault. As has been stated before, the animal is just going by instinct. But if this age-old instinct has been revived in the animal, the animal could strike again if allowed to roam free and partake of the chase.
ReplyDelete