I’ve posted several times recently about BP–because people often ask about her. I promised I would let you know when she was gone. Some readers don’t know what I’m talking about when I mention putting BP down. Winter is hard on BP. She slipped and fell twice last winter, and both times I needed the help of two men to get her back on her feet. She’s an elderly cow, and she’s always had a limp, ever since before I got her. I didn’t want to risk her falling again once the weather turned the ground icy and slippery. I didn’t want her to suffer. Besides the chance of her falling, she has trouble keeping weight on anymore. That happens with older livestock just like it does with people.
One person asked recently if I couldn’t just take her to another “safer” farm where she could live out her life. My farm is as safe as any farm. In fact, there’s quite a bit of flat land here. I put her in the safest pasture that I have. A friend of mine had his cow somehow manage to fall backward into a water trough the other day, land upside down, and get stuck, and that cow was in a stall. There’s really no place you can put an animal where they might not figure out how to get themselves into trouble. (They’re kinda like little kids.)
I wanted to give BP one last summer and fall of green grass and sunshine, here, at her home. I was planning to bring her into the back barn yard for the first couple weeks of December, let her spend some time with Glory Bee, then have her put down with the kindness and respect that she deserved. But BP was always ready ahead of time, like a good milk cow, standing at the gate waiting to be led to the milk stall.
She did not wait for her appointed hour.
I had it all planned, how I was going to make it so special, for her. Or, you know, DUH, for ME. The couple of weeks with Glory Bee, the chosen person to put her down for me, and so on….. And BP said, “Woman, you were always too slow.”
BP with her flower the day I took her to the bull.
I check on her every day. Yesterday, I was up in the field and found a downed fence and a horse out, so I spent quite some time fooling with the subsequent shenanigans. See here.) When that was finally settled, I went back to look for BP, because I hadn’t seen her when I’d been dealing with Zip, Shortcake, and Poky. I found BP just off the path to the creek coming down off the upper pasture. She fell and hit her head up against the trunk of a tree. From the angle of her head to her body, there’s no doubt she broke her neck. As hard as it was to find her that way, I was glad, too, because she didn’t suffer. I’m sure she died instantly.
She taught me to be patient–with her patience. Oh, how she put up with my early milk maid efforts, and how she quite often put me in my place. She was gentle and stern all at once. She taught me kindness and determination and persistence and how to listen to the birds and feel the beat of the sun on my back. She taught me a lot more than just how to milk when I sat at her udder. And she gave me my Glory Bee.
Rest in peace in your great green yonder, my Beulah Petunia. I’ll never forget you.
You can order Chickens in the Road: An Adventure in Ordinary Splendor now!
Diane says:
RIP BP. She had a good life with you.
On November 19, 2013 at 5:35 am
Joell says:
My heart is heavy for you Suzanne. I am sure, if she could, she would tell you that she loved you as much as you did her, and she would thank you for taking her to your farm and giving her a happy life for several years. You still have her baby and good memories.
On November 19, 2013 at 6:45 am
Snapper119 says:
Awwww…RIP BP! Take care Suzanne.
On November 19, 2013 at 6:47 am
dl30f0dls says:
A beautiful tribute post for a very special milk cow. Rest in peace, sweet BP.
On November 19, 2013 at 7:49 am
brookdale says:
Sad for you this morning, Suzanne. You wrote a beautiful tribute.
I am sitting here with tears in my eyes.
Rest in peace, dear Beulah Petunia.
On November 19, 2013 at 7:57 am
DancesInGarden says:
Thank you for letting us know.
On November 19, 2013 at 8:05 am
oneoldgoat says:
:cowsleep: What a lovely post for BP. She was lucky to have lived with you. Rest in peace BP
Beth
On November 19, 2013 at 8:05 am
Imperious Fig says:
RIP BP. (hugs to Suzanne – it is hard losing a loved animal)
On November 19, 2013 at 8:07 am
The High Altitude Tea Duchess says:
I’m sorry, Suzanne. She was such a pretty cow. I hope it’s a bit easier on you that you were spared from orchestrating her demise. Hugs.
On November 19, 2013 at 8:28 am
Busy Solitude Farm says:
Sorry for your loss, but as you said, glad to know it happened quickly. BP will live on in legend.
On November 19, 2013 at 8:44 am
doodlebugroad says:
So sorry to hear the news – even though you know time is nigh it doesn’t make it any easier when you lose any farm animal that has been with you through ups and downs and taught you so much.
There’s an old gospel hymn that popped in my thoughts reading your post:
Beulah Land
I’m kind of homesick for a country
To which I’ve never been before.
No sad goodbyes will there be spoken
for time won’t matter anymore.
Beulah Land, I’m longing for you
and some day on thee I’ll stand.
There my home shall be eternal.
Beulah Land — Sweet Beulah Land
I’m looking now across the river
where my faith will end in sight.
There’s just a few more days to labor.
Then I will take my heavenly flight.
On November 19, 2013 at 8:48 am
SwissMiss says:
I’m sorry for you Suzanne, but relievedfor BP. It makes for a heavy heart when an animal that you have spent so much time with and had so many experiences with passes. She spared you having to make the decision to humanely end her life. It is possible she had a heart attack and went down. We had a couple of elderly cows that happened to . It is pretty quick death and they fall right where they were standing.
On November 19, 2013 at 8:49 am
Glenda says:
I am glad it ended the way that it did. It is awful to have one down and sick and know
there is nothing to do for them. My vet wouldn’t shoot one of our Holsteins that was down and couldn’t get up. What a horrendous few days that was. We carried water and feed to her the whole time. I still think it would have been kinder to end it for her.
I know it was easier on you this way. Bless BP.
On November 19, 2013 at 8:49 am
jmac says:
Farm life can be so harsh sometimes, but BP gave smiles to more people than perhaps any milk cow in history ever did. Thank you for sharing her journey with you with us! RIP BP
On November 19, 2013 at 9:35 am
MMHoney says:
How fitting ~~~ Beulah Land was written by Squire Parson who was born in Newton WV….HIS DAD AND MINE WERE BIG BUDD
On November 19, 2013 at 9:42 am
acsinos says:
So sorry to hear this. It’s always tough with senior animals, be it livestock or pets (which can be both). She lived a great life and you gave her the best…as did she. RIP BP.
On November 19, 2013 at 9:43 am
wildcat says:
I’ll miss reading about BP. I’m so sorry for your loss.
On November 19, 2013 at 9:47 am
BrownsFan says:
I was so dreading this post, but am a little relieved that BP’s life ended on her own terms. I feel so sad, but know how loved she was. My condolences to you, Suzanne. She was a good cow to you, and you gave her probably the best years of her life. 🙁
On November 19, 2013 at 9:47 am
foofeee says:
I am very sorry for your loss but glad that you gave BP a few extra good months on nice green grass.
On November 19, 2013 at 9:48 am
Faith says:
You made me love that cow. So sorry Suzanne.
On November 19, 2013 at 9:48 am
Sue, a Florida Farm Girl says:
Oh, what a sad moment. But, it was her time and I’m glad you know that. You gave her excellent care and loved her. Nobody could do more. Hugs.
On November 19, 2013 at 9:49 am
daria says:
Count me among those with something in my eye after reading this. I’m glad she didn’t suffer, and, silly as it seems, glad she went in her own way.
On November 19, 2013 at 9:50 am
SpinnersEndFarm says:
Sorry Suzanne. We had an elderly sheep named Chunk who recently did the same. We wanted her to have one last good summer and put her down before the winter, as they were just too hard for her anymore and she beat us to it. You know everyone is ready for it but it just doesn’t make it any easier. Hugs.
On November 19, 2013 at 9:52 am
lifeisgood/ Melinda says:
I am so sorry for your loss. My daughter in law lost her sweet dog of 14 years this morning and she was devastated. When you love an animal it really doesn’t matter how long you have had them it still hurts. While I am sad that you had to find BP like that, I think maybe she knew if you had to carry out your plan it would have been harder on you. Just like BP to take the decision out of your hands! Beautiful tribute.
On November 19, 2013 at 9:54 am
marymac says:
Awww so sorry to hear. I’ve read all the posts you ever had about her, and this is the saddest one, I’m crying over a cow I never met, but that’s how I am. I would never be able to be a farmer. Some time life is cruel , RIP Beulah Petunia! 😥 😥 😥 :hug: :hug:
On November 19, 2013 at 9:54 am
Mountain Top Fibers says:
I only catch your blog on occasion, but thoroughly enjoy it when I do. It’s hard to express the fine line between farm animal and cherished pet. Sorry for your loss; I understand your sense of loss and must go on. sometimes farming sucks. most of the time it is wonderful.
On November 19, 2013 at 10:03 am
ibpallets (Sharon B.) says:
BP was your first cow and I know you are going to miss her, but you gave her a good life-
On November 19, 2013 at 10:11 am
Flowerpower says:
Suzanne…sorry to hear of BP’s death. Just glad you were not the one to have to put her down. I am never very good at stuff like that. Boo hooed over your cow and we didn’t even know each other. Rest in peace Beulah Petunia!
On November 19, 2013 at 10:15 am
invirginia says:
I need to quit reading these at work! :-((((((( Sad post, but sweet and definitely the better way for it to end, but darn, I’m just so sad right now! I’m sorry for your loss!
On November 19, 2013 at 10:17 am
LilyG says:
While the loss is always painful and hard it is never better than when on the most natural of terms. What a wonderful life you provided for her and what wisdom she gave you. A beautiful time was had by all. Take care.
On November 19, 2013 at 10:21 am
holstein woman says:
I’m sorry for your loss. I know how you feel as I have had to put down cows I loved and still do. To me they are like part of my family. We spend so much time with them and then they are gone. I believe God has a special place for them until we meet Him on the other side of Glory. BLESS you.
On November 19, 2013 at 10:23 am
ladybird_1959 says:
Even though I’ve never been to the farm to meet BP, I felt like I knew her. I had tears in my eyes while reading about her passing. I hate that she fell and died alone but she did it in her way, in her time, accident or not. God bless you.
On November 19, 2013 at 10:26 am
hillsideslide says:
What a moving tribute to a well-loved friend.
She had a good life.
RIP BP
Condolences for your loss.
On November 19, 2013 at 10:29 am
twoturkey says:
So sorry to read of BP’s death…..I must say this post certainly was a “Tear Jerker”….even expecting it to happen soon before winter. May she always have green grass to munch on in heaven.
Mrs. Turkey
On November 19, 2013 at 10:29 am
GreenGardenGal says:
She did you a very big favor, Suzanne. Last year I found one of my old horses (Splash) who had died suddenly of natural causes on the trail to the pond. I was sad, but it was not the heart-wrenching grief that racked my soul when, a few months later, I had to put down my oldest horse (Pete), who had gone blind suddenly from a stroke. Even though you know it’s the last loving kindness you can do for an old friend, it’s a terrible thing to go through.
On November 19, 2013 at 10:33 am
JudyT says:
This post brought tears to my eyes, I am so sorry for you loss Suzanne. She had a good life with you.
On November 19, 2013 at 10:37 am
Andrea the Kitchen Witch says:
Suzanne, Glory Bee and all the creatures living at Sassafras Farms, I am so sorry for your loss. BP was an amazing creature. I never met her and yet she touched me deeply. Her kind soul will live on thru GB and her future calves. Rest sweet BP. You were a great cow!!
On November 19, 2013 at 10:44 am
lattelady says:
My heart is with you this morning. You gave her the best life a retired dairy cow could ever dream.
She gave you many life lessons, and you learned from all of them.
On November 19, 2013 at 10:46 am
Pat says:
Rest in peace, dear BP. She is now standing over the rainbow bridge with her friends, enjoying an endless summer of warm sunshine and tender, green grass. Much love to you, Suzanne.
Pat in Eastern NC
On November 19, 2013 at 10:49 am
SanAntonioSue says:
So sorry to hear about the loss of BP………… She taught you how to be a farmer…….Prayers for you and BP going up
On November 19, 2013 at 10:55 am
cabynfevr says:
I’m sorry for the loss of BP. She had the most beautiful face and warm eyes. Hugs and love to you and rest in peace sweet girl.
On November 19, 2013 at 11:15 am
CarrieJ says:
She was a great first cow for you. Your words were fitting for her. Thanks for letting us know. RIP BP.
On November 19, 2013 at 11:16 am
Marigene says:
I am so sorry for your loss, Suzanne…she at least had a chance to take her last breath at home. Rest in peace Beulah Petunia.
On November 19, 2013 at 11:27 am
marrypoppinz says:
Such a sweet tribute…thanks for sharing her with us.
On November 19, 2013 at 11:29 am
boulderneigh says:
Your sweet milk cow gave you one final, HUGE gift. What a lady; RIP. Sob….
On November 19, 2013 at 11:35 am
Heidi533 says:
Rest in peace, BP.
On November 19, 2013 at 11:44 am
lizbeth says:
My condolences added to all the previous posts. I’ve always loved Glory Bee, her beautiful eyes, and now the same eyes in her calf. BP did a wonderful job when she gave you Glory Bee. Hard as it is to lose a beloved animal, you know she’s in cow heaven now.
On November 19, 2013 at 11:44 am
nursemary says:
Rest in peace and eternal sunshine BP.
On November 19, 2013 at 12:06 pm
Claudia W says:
Thanks for letting us know. Rest in peace BP and peace be with you Suzanne.
On November 19, 2013 at 12:13 pm
Esor says:
I know you are going to miss her, we all will. Hugs to you Suzanne.
On November 19, 2013 at 12:24 pm
MousE says:
I”m so sorry, Suzanne. She was a good cow……
On November 19, 2013 at 12:28 pm
farmershae says:
it figures she would go out on her own terms. I’m so sorry you lost her, but so glad you were her keeper in her last years. Thank you for sharing her with us. :hug:
On November 19, 2013 at 12:28 pm
Southern Belle says:
My heart is heavy for you and I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet Beulah Petunia. She was so beautiful, I just loved her big brown eyes. BP will live on in your heart and you are blessed to have her Glory Bee to love. I have been reading and enjoying your blog for several years, it’s part of my morning ritual. Thank you for sharing your life and adventures with all of us, Suzanne. God Bless You!!
On November 19, 2013 at 12:29 pm
DeniseS says:
I am so sorry to read about B.P. I have tears in my eyes as I am typing this. She passed naturally in a place that she was loved, cared for, and returned that love many times over. Perhaps the distraction with the horses was God’s way of allowing B.P. to pass and have you not be present when it happened. She is in heaven’s pastures now. Peace and comfort to you, Suzanne.
On November 19, 2013 at 12:41 pm
cinderbama says:
My heart is breaking and I have a lump the size of a grapefruit in my throat, but I am relieved at the same time. I’m so sorry Suzanne. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful cow with us. Your tribute was very touching.
On November 19, 2013 at 12:50 pm
zshawn says:
She lived out her days on a very special farm. Rest in peace, BP! And my sympathy to you for your loss.
On November 19, 2013 at 1:01 pm
alyceshane says:
So sorry for your loss. She was an inspiration for me to get a Jersey cow of my own. Thank you for sharing her with us. ((Hugs))
On November 19, 2013 at 1:07 pm
melonhead says:
As a long-time follower of CITR, this post makes me sad, so I can only imagine how you feel! I’m in the middle of reading your book and am right at the part where you’re taking her to the bull to be bred, and she was wearing her flower. So sorry for your loss!
On November 19, 2013 at 1:23 pm
mamawolf says:
Suzanne I am so sorry to read this. I had to wait a few minutes to mop up the tears before I wrote BP was a great cow and will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her, either in person or via
CITR. Rest in peace BP. Hugs to you Suzanne.
On November 19, 2013 at 1:24 pm
wanda1950 says:
I’m so sorry. There’s never any real way to be prepared for such losses. I enjoyed hearing about her so much. I’m shedding tears for her & will miss her. I know she loved you, too.
On November 19, 2013 at 1:53 pm
FreedomValleyFarm says:
What a wonderful cow she was. You gave her a great life. It just shows how close you were to her that you knew when her time was near. I know she has been a huge blessing to you and all of your readers.
On November 19, 2013 at 2:02 pm
AnnieB says:
I am in tears and I never met BP. I can only imagine how you must feel, Suzanne.
I am glad that BP left on her own terms. I’m glad you didn’t have to be the one to decide the how and when.
God bless you and BP.
On November 19, 2013 at 2:30 pm
Peggy in KY says:
Here I am sitting in my lounge chair with my puppy sleeping on my legs. My husband is sleeping in his chair. I am crying over the passing of BP, a much loved cow brought to life in blog land by Suzanne. BP will be missed. Your announcement of her passing was done with love and dignity. I am sure because of BP living on your farm during her last years of life, was a blessing to her also. My heart is sad for you, but you have good memories and wonderful pictures.
On November 19, 2013 at 2:39 pm
Linda Goble says:
So Sorry!!Reading your post about B.P. while wiping the tears.. I am so glad this happen on her terms and she didn’t suffer… Lots of hugs are being sent your way.
Rip BP.. 😥 😥 😥
On November 19, 2013 at 2:40 pm
Silent Echo says:
I’m sorry for your loss, I remember reading about when you got BP and what an adventure she made life! I’m sad that BP and Glory Bee didn’t get their time together before she passed but it’s sweet you had plans for her to finish out her life and make her last days extra special.
On November 19, 2013 at 2:57 pm
SuzieQ says:
So, so sorry. Some people don’t understand how we could love a cow we’ve never met…that’s the beauty of your writing. We KNOW her as if she was a neighbor. She made it easier for you. I had to put down my beautiful Malamute a few months ago and just a month later my parrot, of 30+ years, died unexpectedly overnight. Both deaths were hard, but making the decision that it will be “today” is so much harder. Love to you and BP. 😥 😥
On November 19, 2013 at 2:58 pm
CATRAY44 says:
Thanks for the memories, B.P. I loved the stories you told about her. I bet more than a few now have a family vow because of her. God bless you, Suzanne. ( the Buelah Land hymn is very fitting!)
On November 19, 2013 at 3:10 pm
catslady says:
I’m so sorry for your loss. I just lost one of my dear cat of 16 years – she died in my arms. Such sadness 🙁
On November 19, 2013 at 3:11 pm
missjane says:
Suzanne, I’m too emotional reading this and I’m so sad. I just want to say thank you for loving animals the way you do. BP had a wonderful life with you. Hugs, Jane
On November 19, 2013 at 3:39 pm
bonita says:
Suzanne, thanks for sharing your adventures with BP, and for writing such a heartfelt tribute to your first dairy cow. I hope the shock of suddenly losing BP is tempered both by your plans to send her on her way and the realization that you no longer have to perform the actual deed. You gave her a fine home for her senior years—she turned out to be a great friend and a fine teacher. RIP Beulah Petunia
On November 19, 2013 at 4:16 pm
steakandeggs says:
I am so sorry. When we have animals some are so special they weave their lives into our hearts and it’s so sad to lose them. BP was a very special, and we will all miss her.
On November 19, 2013 at 5:00 pm
Dghawk says:
Oh Suzanne, I am so sorry. I saw your post this morning while on break at work, and said, “I can’t read this now.”, and said a silent prayer for you and your Beulah Petunia. Now, I have read your wonderful tribute, had a good cry, blew my nose, and am now able to write this, sort of. What a wonderful life she had with you. She is whole once more, young and spry with a spring in her step ( if cows have a spring in their step), munching on sweet grass in the warm sunshine. Who knows, she just might be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge. Take care, my friend.
On November 19, 2013 at 5:14 pm
whaledancer says:
I’m very sorry for your loss, Suzanne. I’m glad that BP had a good death, but it’s still sad. You gave her a good life, and you let us share in it vicariously. You wrote a lovely and loving tribute to her. I’m in tears. It must be so difficult for you. Being on a farm you experience the whole spectrum of life with no buffer.
On November 19, 2013 at 5:54 pm
LadyMau says:
So very sorry she has gone on to the Bridge. Her teaching mission here was done and she went quickly where she loved to be. I’m sorry you didn’t get to say good bye but she will live on in Glory Bee. I will ring the Bridge chimes to guide her home. Rest well BP.
On November 19, 2013 at 6:20 pm
yvonnem says:
So sorry, Suzanne. I think that this was the best way for her to go. I know you must have been dreading the day of having someone put her down. :hug:
On November 19, 2013 at 6:49 pm
lissablack says:
Tears for you and BP, what a good girl she was. I’m so glad you have Glory Bee. Hugs from here for you.
On November 19, 2013 at 6:50 pm
nyfarmmom says:
I’m fairly new here but love reading about BP. When I came on this afternoon I just knew that I needed to do chores first. After reading your tribute and sobbing for BP this afternoon, I want to say that I’m so so sorry for your loss, and the tribute that you wrote for her is so lovely, it puts me in tears every time I read it. I’m sorry I’m rambling, I’m still tearing. RIP BP, you taught many the power of patience and thank you Suzanne for sharing her with all of us.
On November 19, 2013 at 6:56 pm
Mari27 says:
Beautifully written in honour of BP. I know what it’s like to lose a beloved animal companion. I didn’t even know her but feel like I will miss her too.
On November 19, 2013 at 7:30 pm
Erin F says:
I’m so sorry. She was a good cow, and you were good to her. Thank you for sharing her story with us, one more time.
On November 19, 2013 at 7:56 pm
Liz Pike says:
What a wonderful last few years of her life she had Suzanne!!! So sorry for the empty place in your heart, and the bittersweetness of it all. BP stories are some of my favorites here. She left quite a legacy !! :hug:
On November 19, 2013 at 9:09 pm
Hlhohnholz says:
Fare thee well, Beulah Petunia. As in life, so in death.
On November 19, 2013 at 9:33 pm
Auntie Linda says:
My condolences to you all. Godspeed BP. You have a wonderful place waiting for you in cow heaven – you were the best.
On November 19, 2013 at 9:57 pm
Rainn says:
Oh Suzanne I’m so sorry for your loss….. We all enjoyed your stories of her and can smile picturing her walking through heavens meadows with flowers behind her ears- enticing the bulls……… Happy and complete…
Fondly, Rain :heart:
On November 19, 2013 at 10:57 pm
Mandys says:
Oh I remember the day you got BP, and getting her pregnant, and GB’s birth. You gave that cow more than she could ever ask for. You showed her what it was like to be loved, and to be able to love her calf, and to be able to relax. I’ll always remember her fondly. I like to think in a way, that she wanted to repay your kindness, she knew her time was coming and didn’t want you to feel you had to make the choice on when and how, so let it happen herself.
On November 20, 2013 at 12:36 am
Dana says:
Oh dear…..:(…Bye BP…..Suzanne you were the best thing in her life. She knew that 🙂 much love to you both right now.
Dana Mama
On November 20, 2013 at 12:56 am
Journey11 says:
A beautiful tribute… I am so glad she didn’t suffer.
On November 20, 2013 at 1:51 am
lauren says:
So sorry for your loss Suzanne 🙁 you gave BP the most amazing retirement a retired dairy cow could ask for.
On November 20, 2013 at 6:14 am
Renefoust says:
I am so sad for your loss but so happy to hear that that sweet girl didn’t suffer. She was such a beautiful soul and her spirit will stay with you forever.
On November 20, 2013 at 10:05 am
jan n tn says:
BP had accomplished her missions- Loving, Giving, Consoling, Teaching.
Cool waters, sweet green pastures, beams of sunlight, and a big comfortable bed of straw, were all waiting for her entrance.
I believe animals know… time.
On November 20, 2013 at 11:25 am
Nanaof4 says:
I’ve been putting off reading this post because I just knew what it was going to do to me, and I was right…trying to type while wiping tears away is so difficult. I loved BP as much as if I knew her, personally. I am so glad you did not have to make the decision and that she did not suffer. I was dreading the day I would have to decide to put down my 21 yr old cat because he was getting weaker by the day. One day, a couple of weeks ago, he went out in the morning as usual, and I have not been able to find him since. I think he went away to die so that I would not have to make that decision, also. This is why I think I can safely say that I can relate to your pain of loss and maybe a sort of peace within the heart, knowing we gave them the best life possible. RIP sweet, gentle BP.
On November 20, 2013 at 12:14 pm
pinocrest says:
My heart was heavy this morning as I read about Beulah Petunia. I knew the time was coming, and I dreaded it. Through reading your blogs and your book, we learned that BP was an adventurous saga – not only for you, but for us all, and for that I thank you. We enjoyed being with you and BP along the journey. Thank you for giving BP such a good life and for sharing her with us.
On November 20, 2013 at 1:36 pm
jodiezoeller says:
Hugs to you {{{{Suzanne}}}}! RIP BP. She was a good cow and she was your teacher and friend. Mother of Glory Bee and grandmother of Dumplin. She had a good life with you and your family. It’s a blessing that you didn’t have to put her down as that’s very hard on us human friends of animals. Take care!
On November 20, 2013 at 2:46 pm
Rose H says:
My heart aches for you too. Sometimes things were ‘meant to be’ and it seems that dear, sweet BP’s time came earlier than expected, but I agree with other comments that this way it saved you that heart rendering decision.
Your posts and after reading the book I felt a bond with BP too.
I’m certain she will rest in peace.
Sending a :hug:
XX
On November 20, 2013 at 5:03 pm
nicuqueen says:
Such kind words from so many people. I have been a long-time reader & feel like I know BP, along with all the other farm animals. I dreaded reading about what I knew was going to happen. She knew it was her time & did it her way. You were well-loved & will be missed, BP.
On November 20, 2013 at 5:31 pm
razzintaz says:
Suzanne, it’s always hard for us to know when is the best time to help our animals. I guess The Lord didn’t want to make it hard for either of you and He made the decision.
I hope you are at peace. I know you will miss her. I remember when you got her, your excitement and nervous curiosity. She gave you a beautiful baby, and she knows how much you cared for her and Glory Bee.
I am sorry she went home, but very glad she didn’t suffer. :hug:
On November 20, 2013 at 7:11 pm
amyg says:
Oh Suzanne, my heart goes out to you on the loss of your beloved Beulah Petunia. She was a very special creature and you made me love her. May she rest in eternal peace until you meet again. Much love, Amy 😥
On November 20, 2013 at 9:30 pm
Naturegirl46 says:
I’m sorry for your loss, Suzanne. BPs life ended in a beautiful, natural way. I’m relieved that you didn’t have to make that terrible decision for her. She was such a sweet and pretty creature. She was part of my life. Thank you.
On November 21, 2013 at 10:59 pm
anne.smith says:
I am so sorry about BP passing, but I am glad that it was on her terms and glad for you that you did not have to anguish about “one more day.”I have never had farm animals, but loved the county fair and the 4H kids lounging in the stalls with their cows, and watching the happy cow tails wag when they were getting their baths. BP had so much personality and I loved learning about her. Thank you.
On November 22, 2013 at 12:56 am
farmkat says:
So very, very sorry on your loss, Suzanne. I grew up on a dairy farm and my dad gave each of us kids a cow when we were young. Her name was Angela and she ended up with milk fever. Though I’m not around cows anymore, I still remember her with love.
On November 22, 2013 at 11:45 am
auntbear says:
Beulah Petunia was the first cow I ever loved.Thank you Suzanne for sharing her.
On November 22, 2013 at 2:24 pm
AsTheNight says:
I’m sorry for your loss. I just know that BP is enjoying the sweet grass and endless sunshine in one of heaven’s meadows.
On November 23, 2013 at 8:53 am
stacylee says:
BP was lucky to have you, Suzanne. She was so beautiful.
On November 23, 2013 at 9:37 am
willsahna says:
I’ve been reading your blog since you lived in the slanted little house and I even went to the party on the farm once. I got to meet BP! I’m so glad I was here for the whole story of BP and her last golden years. And I have to say I’m glad she went on her own. I know what you were going to have to do was a good plan but I was dreading it. I would much rather read about this. What a great cow.
On November 24, 2013 at 6:25 pm
PaulaA says:
We’ll all miss her. She was a good and beautiful girl. I’ve had many beloved creatures die of old age, and felt blessed when it just seemed as if God took control and gave them a swift and peaceful passing. And I feel He did that for BP, and spared you additional heartache. My sympathies and empathies go out to you and all those here who have loved and lost dear animal friends. :moo:
On November 25, 2013 at 12:13 pm
ponlily says:
Suzanne, I want to extend my sympathies to you on the loss of such a sweet soul as Beulah Petunia. I follow your wonderful blog quietly, but had to write that getting to know you through your stories about Clover, BP, Glory Bee and all your family both animal and human has been so heartwarming. You really are a woman who I am truly inspired by. My heart hurts for you as I know you will miss her so. Rest in Peace BP :pawprint:
On November 26, 2013 at 8:10 pm
Jersey Lady says:
All of us here at Golden Bucket Farm send our love and sympathy on the passing of BP. She was a Grand Old Gal and will be missed but as you said-she gave many memories, lessons, and GloryBee. RIP, BP!
On November 28, 2013 at 10:44 am
GA_in_GA says:
Rest in peace, BP. I was worried that the weather would be too hard on you this week.
On December 9, 2013 at 2:55 pm
Allison Laing says:
This post reminded me of my cow happy face,she was like BP but she was a white with a little black holsteen. but after she had a accedent with her last calf her uteris canme out and she never had a calf again because of it. but i learned that she hurt herself by falling and almost killing herself (because our farm has a hill thats goes up and when its slppy they can get hurt) and when she fell we got her back up but we had to get rid of her or she might of died. and she was my best friend. i know how you feel though, losing a cow. its easy to make friends with animals, and how hard it is to depart from them.
On December 15, 2013 at 5:18 pm