Yesterday morning, I found BP in this position.
She’d gone into the outdoor access stall in the barn where the cows have their hay feeder and fallen, awkwardly, and there was no way for her to get up. All she could do was moo plaintively, and all I could do was run to the house and start making phone calls.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t get hold of anyone. I tried all the usual suspects, and I left messages, and I waited by the phone, afraid to even go back to check on BP for fear I’d miss a call that would bring me help. And help appeared in the most unexpected way!
A reader, Naomi, and her family live near here. She contacted her mother, Phyllis, who lives on the next road over. In short order, Phyllis arrived with two big strong boys named Adam and Tyler.
I took them straight to BP.
There was pushing and pulling and coaxing and cajoling. They took down part of the hay feeder so she wouldn’t knock her head on it if she tried to get up. And then there was more pushing and pulling and coaxing and cajoling.
(They were doing the pushing and pulling. I was doing the coaxing and cajoling.)
Then finally! BP straightened up. She didn’t get up, but they got her straightened up. They tried to get her to go on and get up all the way, but she said no.
She was sitting in a position where she COULD get up. If she wanted to.
Which she didn’t.
We stood there for awhile staring at her and talking to her and asking her if she would please get up, but BP was having none of it. So I gave her some hay, and she ate, and we decided that was good enough for now. She could get up when she was ready, and who knew how long that was going to take, so I thanked my heroes and they went home. Thank you to Naomi and Phyllis and Adam and Tyler!!!
And I wondered if BP was going to sit there for a week while I brought her water and food. Meanwhile, my phone went out and I couldn’t even try to call my hired man Adam anymore–who I still needed. I knew BP was going to need to be moved out of the back barn yard, and I was afraid that when she tried to get up, she might fall again. And I had horses and donkeys galloping circles around the house and a few other assorted issues. BP actually did get up, on her own, after a few more hours (!) while Glory Bee broke into the storage side of the barn.
When it rains, it pours! (Literally lately around here.)
Then my friend Sarah emailed me and she called Adam for me! And in short order, I finally had the man who can do anything on my farm to finish saving the day. And BP. (Thank you, Sarah!)
And now I am going to bring up a difficult subject in regard to BP, but I think I need to prepare those of you who may feel attached to BP the same way that I do. Several weeks ago, Adam came to me with this subject. He knows how I feel about BP, and he wanted me to start preparing myself. He said, “This winter has been really hard on her, and I don’t think she should go through another winter.” She had gone down in the creek in December, and if she went down again that way, and I couldn’t get help, she would suffer. She went down again yesterday, and I had a hard time finding help.
I love this old, bony, broken down cow. She taught me to milk and she gave me Glory Bee. And she taught me a lot more besides milking–she taught me stamina and patience and dedication and determination. This cow and I, we had a big adventure together. She can’t get bred again, and I have tried to give her an easy retirement. But she is an old cow, and her life isn’t easy, no matter what I do for her. Adam said, “Put her out in the field when spring comes. Let her enjoy the grass and the sunshine. Then I will take care of her for you before winter comes again.”
After yesterday, this plan to give her the spring and summer and fall of sunshine and grass became a bit dimmer. Adam said, “If she goes down again, it will be the last time.” She hurt herself a bit this time. He thinks she may have broken something inside, but there is nothing to be done. She is walking and not appearing to be in pain.
I was going to put her with Glory Bee and Dumplin this spring in the field along the road where I can bring Glory Bee out easily for milking. But that field has places where she might slip. Yesterday, Adam took her to the upper pasture. It is the most dry field on the farm and she can get down to the water without too much trouble. It is the least likely field where she could slip, and it is her best chance to make it to fall, to enjoy one last summer of sunshine and green grass.
Adam, coaxing BP around the house to take her to the upper pasture.
But she may not make it. She is brittle, and if she goes down one more time…..
Adam will come and take care of her.
collector1 says:
BP has had a good life with you. You have cared for her with compassion and love and she uknows you love her. You will do what has to be done at some point and all of us will understand. Thank you for your love and compassion for her and all your animals!
On March 27, 2013 at 8:59 am
brendaE says:
I’m so sorry to hear that Suzanne. BP has been around so long in cow years and I have enjoyed watching and hearing about her. But like everything on earth – there comes that time when we all must leave. Rather than see her seriously injured and in pain there is only one alternative. It would be hard to see her go but she has given much pleasure to you and to all of us. I pray she enjoys her full summer without injury. Enjoy her while you can.
On March 27, 2013 at 9:00 am
Sue, a Florida Farm Girl says:
I’m so sorry that BP is having these troubles. I figured it might be her age when I heard she’d fallen again. Just take care of her as best you can until its time. That’s all you can do. Hugs, anyway, cause its hard.
On March 27, 2013 at 9:00 am
MrsB says:
God bless Adam. And the young men who came to help you.
On March 27, 2013 at 9:00 am
BuckeyeGirl says:
Tough decision, but a good one Suzanne. ((hugs)) Glad she’s ok for today.
On March 27, 2013 at 9:01 am
jodiezoeller says:
Praying for the best. You’ll do the right thing when time comes. Glad you were able to get help and get her up yesterday.
On March 27, 2013 at 9:03 am
Darlene in North GA says:
The circle of life on a farm is a tough one. No matter how caring the farmer is, there comes a time when hard decisions have to be made because to not make them is more cruel than putting an animal down. You’ve made the right choice.
Hopefully, she’ll be ok and have a great summer and go the way of the earth on her own – which will still be sad, but easier on you. But if not, then let Adam take care of her.
You have good friends, neighbors and blog family. We’re all here with you and will mourn with you when the time comes. Until then, enjoy the time you have left with her. Hugs to all the family and our critters of whatever type.
On March 27, 2013 at 9:08 am
Imperious Fig says:
😥 Poor BP. I hope she gets to enjoy one last summer. It is hard to see an animal suffer (especially ones that we get attached to).
Glad that a reader was able to enlist some help.
On March 27, 2013 at 9:09 am
Shelly says:
So sorry and hugs. When thought this a few year ago myself and know how hard it is.
On March 27, 2013 at 9:13 am
Window On The Prairie says:
Glad you broached the subject as I was thinking as I looked at the pics of her that she does look like she’s gone downhill in the last few months and looks pretty bony, even for a dairy cow. You do the best you can for your animals, and sometimes the best is hard to do, but it’s part of farming. Keep your chin up.
On March 27, 2013 at 9:16 am
oneoldgoat says:
The tough side of farming and of loving your animals. You are a good farmer as well as a good person! We are here for you when the time comes. Beth
On March 27, 2013 at 9:22 am
Louise says:
We LOVE you and BP. I am glad she is up and moving again. I checked all day yesterday for an update and was happy that you found help. I got home from work and was telling my son about it and he was ready to get in the truck and go help until he found out you were in West Virgina not nearby. It will break all of our hearts is see BP go. You are a great lady and take such good care of your animals. They are blessed to have you in their lives as are we. :hug:
On March 27, 2013 at 9:36 am
IowaCowgirl says:
Don’t forget to get a piece of her switch if you do put her down…it’s a nice keepsake.
On March 27, 2013 at 9:44 am
Yankee in NC says:
Loving any living thing means having to know when to let go. BP is an awesome animal and has been a wonder o watch and hear about. My hopes are that she can enjoy the next few months in good health.
On March 27, 2013 at 9:47 am
Leck Kill Farm says:
As others mentioned, it is a good thing Adam started this discussion with you. From everything you have written about him, it sounds like you can trust his advice. You are lucky to have him helping you.
On March 27, 2013 at 10:00 am
necobia says:
My thoughts are with you, This breaks my heart to read as I too have an old cow as a friend. I know life is a circle but boy is it a lumpy one, I am new to this site and first read about BPs slip in the creek, but even then I loved her for her strength and determination and you guys too for the same reasons, one can only hope to be surrounded by such loving and willing friends in times like this. Good luck and remember BP has had a very happy life with you, and you will both know when it is time :pawprint:
On March 27, 2013 at 10:07 am
mamajoseph says:
Long sigh. We have an old cow like this, too. Kind, gentle, our first mama, etc. etc. I dread the day we when we must have someone take her to market. We do have 2 of her (female) offspring, so that is a great blessing.
On March 27, 2013 at 10:12 am
Rose H says:
Bless Adam for bringing up this awful, hard subject – the one none of want to face as our beloved animals get older. Here’s hoping that she can have that lovely Spring and Summer – she deserves it. You have given her love and care above and beyond what a lot of dairy cattle have and you should feel very proud of that.
Enjoy each other while you can.
Rose H
x
On March 27, 2013 at 10:17 am
The High Altitude Tea Duchess says:
Although that day will be a tough one to be sure, I am thankful you have folks in your life to help you with that when the time comes. I am also thankful that BP had a good last few years on a nice farm being well cared for. You’ve done good things for the old gal!
On March 27, 2013 at 10:21 am
whaledancer says:
I’m sorry. Those are hard decisions to make, even when you know it’s the kindest, most loving thing to do. What pleasure you’ve been able to bring to BP’s life: green grass, lots of love, and a calf she got to keep and watch grow up. I hope she does get to enjoy the spring in the pasture. Whatever happens, I know you’ll take good care of her, and that saying goodbye will be sad.
On March 27, 2013 at 10:25 am
jodiezoeller says:
One question: How old is BP? I can’t remember how old she was when you got her. I looked in the archives but couldn’t find the article where you got her. I hope she gets to enjoy the spring and summer but if not it’s good to have Adam to take her off to her ending.
On March 27, 2013 at 10:29 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
BP is probably in her teens, but I have no idea for sure.
On March 27, 2013 at 10:41 am
silkyf117 says:
Know that my heart goes out to you Suzanne. It is never ever easy for me when that decision be made to allow a much beloved critter to leave this life. Bereavement comes to mind. Love your site and all that you do. May God richly bless you.
Much love, PJ
On March 27, 2013 at 10:33 am
hollygee says:
Thank you for the warning of the future, but I began questioning how much longer she could go on when this predicament began. I know that you and Adam will do all that you can to give her every comfort.
On March 27, 2013 at 10:57 am
[email protected] says:
I hope BP gets to get her spring and summer.
You have given her the life she never would’ve had before.
For that you should be very happy.
You gave her a home, a family in that she not only got to raise a calf at last but now has a grandcalf too.
For an old dairy cow she was blessed to be adopted by you.
Be happy in the life you gave her. Because she is.
On March 27, 2013 at 11:02 am
Jan Hodges says:
It’s hard to let them go, but it is the best last gift you can give them. Hope she gets that whole last summer in the pasture and then she will be free. BP has been a great friend to you. And the rest of us have gotten to share that. Thank you for that.
On March 27, 2013 at 11:04 am
foofeee says:
My heart breaks for you and for BP. You have given her the best life possible. I think Adam is right. At this point in her life, it is quality versus quantity.
On March 27, 2013 at 11:11 am
brookdale says:
It made me sad to read this post, but I understand, it is the quality of life that is most important. That is what our vet always told us when he had to put our old and sick dogs down.
I totally agree with all of the above comments. You have given Beulah Petunia a wonderful, safe, healthy life complete with her child and grandchild; fresh green grass and hay to eat and plenty of fresh water to drink; and a nice warm comfy stall when it is cold out. Not to mention lots and lots of love, which it seems she never had before. So hopefully she will be able to enjoy the warm sunny summer days in her special pasture.
On March 27, 2013 at 11:22 am
denisestone says:
My sympathies to you Suzanne. It is always extremely hard to make end-of-life decisions re: our animals. I have a 10 year old doe that I am letting enjoy her “last spring” as well. She is nothing but skin and bones and now walks funny. She scoured real bad and went off feed last week but recovered. She won’t recover again if she scours or stops eating again.
On March 27, 2013 at 11:41 am
MousE says:
Oh Suzanne! What a day! Isn’t it impressive that one of your readers came to your aid, a stark contrast to the one who publicly left the other day in your comments section. (Personally speaking, I find it quite impressive that you read all the comments and respond to them when necessary. Well done, madam. 8))
And poor BP… and poor you…. and kudos to Naomi and Phyllis and sons, and to Adam.
I hope Beulah Petunia has a glorious spring and summer in the upper field, in the sun.
On March 27, 2013 at 11:43 am
MousE says:
ps that figure 8 and parenthesis is supposed to be a 8) …..
On March 27, 2013 at 11:44 am
knititblack says:
I love that you share the hard parts of farming, too. I can’t imagine how hard it will be to lose BP, but it’s obviously the right thing to do. All your readers support you and send you good wishes!
On March 27, 2013 at 11:45 am
lifeisgood/ Melinda says:
I know this has been a very hard decision for you, but I think it is the right one. BP has had a nice easy few years with you and a lot of love and attention. Her life before that as a dairy cow took a lot out of her. I hope she gets her Spring and Summer, but if not, take some comfort in knowing you did everything you could do to give her a nice retirement and at any other farm they probably would have already made this decision and she would be gone. You are a kind, caring person and your animals are fortunate indeed to have you for their farmer.
On March 27, 2013 at 11:47 am
boulderneigh says:
As someone said, BP is most blessed to have landed with you. You love her and care for her, and when the end must come, she will not be loaded on a truck with other broken-down cows to be hauled, standing or fallen, to some packing or rendering plant. And you are most blessed to have Adam, who is willing to give her a quick and painless end, no matter how hard it is to contemplate. We will all mourn with you when that time comes, but rejoice through our tears that BP and you had each other at the end.
On March 27, 2013 at 11:47 am
jan n tn says:
A big YEAH, for the recovery team. So glad that help came soon enough. I pray that BPs remaining days are filled with long grasses, warm sunny days, and sweet water. And when the ‘time’ comes….that she passes with her serene grace, of which Suzanne has described for all of her followers/readers. I’ve faithfully read this blog (a piece of life journey) since the beginning. Can’t even remember how I came across it…it’s been that long ago. It makes me laugh out loud, wait in anticipation, and occasionally break down in tears(like now).
On March 27, 2013 at 11:53 am
Jersey Lady says:
Happy to hear the OldGal was able to get up. I know it is hard to think about, but I agree with Adam. Cows get to a time when they just wanna die. They know their time is about ended. Thank you for giving BP a good life and, when the time comes, a dignified exit. Hugs to all.
On March 27, 2013 at 12:05 pm
Esor says:
I am sure we all love BP and don’t want to lose her, but there comes a time in every animal’s life when the BEST thing you can do is put them down. I’m very glad BP has you Suzanne. Hugs.
On March 27, 2013 at 12:07 pm
marrypoppinz says:
I sit here with tears in my eyes reading this. It’s one of the gut-wrenching things that has to be gone through when you keep any kind of animals and it’s never pleasant…But you have a good attitude about it. I hope she makes it for one more summer. Thanks for sharing.
On March 27, 2013 at 12:35 pm
GrammieEarth says:
So glad BP got up again, due to love and care from your readers. You are truly blessed, as are we, to able to share in parts of your life. I was afraid that this discussion would come up after this incident. It is obvious she is getting older and is looking tired. I’m glad Adam broached the subject with you and will take care of her when the time comes.
I’m of the group that wishes we could take care of our human loved ones, as we can with animals, when it is clear their quality of life has ended. I personally hope a law is passed to have me taken care of, rather than staring at a ceiling for 10 / 15 years, pooping my pants and being a burden on whomever.
BP has had a great life with you, and deserves the dignity she will receive at the time. I hope she gets to chew a lot of fresh green grass with sunshine on her back.
xoxo
On March 27, 2013 at 12:49 pm
Anita says:
Oh, NO. Your poor girl. I suspected she might have been more than tired when you said she wouldn’t get up. Thanks for preparing us. :cowsleep:
On March 27, 2013 at 1:15 pm
bonita says:
So glad there were readers and neighbors to come to BP’s rescue. Like commenters, I hope BP gets to enjoy the coming spring and summer sun. You’ve certainly given her a fine few years of love and care. And, when her time comes, we know you will surely continue to provide love and care.
On March 27, 2013 at 2:05 pm
Linda Goble says:
I am wondering what do people do with cows that are to old. Do you bury them or do people eat them. cause most are so skinny. I understand if you wouldn’t want to answer this. you gave her a great life and it is always hard to put a loved animal down no matter what it is. She has given you a lot an you gave her lots of love. If you didn’t have her she probably might have been gone a long time ago. BP was sure lucky you have let her live out her life. My prayers are with you!!!
On March 27, 2013 at 3:12 pm
Suzanne McMinn says:
BP will not be eaten, ack, no. She will be buried…….on the farm……….
On March 27, 2013 at 3:39 pm
Linda Goble says:
Rereading my post. It sounds like I think you already loss her an I know you are letting her live out her life till Fall. Again my prayers are with you!!!
On March 27, 2013 at 3:17 pm
Heidi533 says:
Oh Suzanne! I know how difficult it is to do the best thing for the animal. And I know you are strong enough to let her go when the time comes. She has gotten to spend the last few years of her life on a small farm where she has been treated with love and kindness, and not just a “working gal”. She will always be the cow who began your herd. You have a piece of her in every calf born of Glory Bee and Apple Dumplin’. My heart goes out to you.
On March 27, 2013 at 3:35 pm
Chickenlady62 says:
That photo of BP down in the stall ,is exactly how my neighbor’s 34 year old horse was when she came running to my house for help. I was going to suggest you get some nylon towing straps to have, as that is how we moved the horse ( slipped them under him and pulled him out). But then I read your plans. I hope BP is able to have an amazing spring and summer. You are tackling a difficult thing , something I wish my neighbor would consider for her poor Blind 34 year bag of bones horse ( that she loves I am sure).
Tinah
On March 27, 2013 at 3:38 pm
pugwaggin says:
Suzanne, the hardest part of loving an animal is having to take that last walk. My granddad had his beloved Belgian for 36 years. When Bill passed he too buried him. Glory Bee is so blessed to have your love and devotion. Praying she gets to enjoy the spring, summer and fall.
On March 27, 2013 at 3:52 pm
patricialynn says:
Don’t feel bad! You gave her a home, and two names to make up for never having had a name before. She got a good home and got to keep her youngest daughter with her. That is far more than any professional dairy cow could have ever hoped for.
And to have the twilight of her life spent munching on fresh spring grass in a gentle pasture in a beautiful valley? I think if they could talk, cows would tell you that would be the ideal way to go.
(((hugs)))
On March 27, 2013 at 4:01 pm
Gayle in Muskogee says:
When I saw your post I wondered the same thing. She’s had a good run and leaves a beautiful calf as her legacy. I hate when these times comes for our animals, it’s the hard part of owning these furry creatures that capture our hearts.
On March 27, 2013 at 4:33 pm
Jane L says:
It’s a good plan and I feel okay knowing that BP has had such a good life with you – much more so than she would ever had enjoyed on a traditional dairy farm. When you decide it’s her time, I know that you’re deciding for her benefit and not yours. Here’s hoping she gets to enjoy her summer.
On March 27, 2013 at 4:37 pm
Vicki in So. CA says:
So glad to hear BP is up again, but so sad to be reading the inevitable.
Bless your neighbor/readers for their help. Bless Adam for beginning this discussion and for his kind offer. And most of all, bless YOU for giving BP the best retirement an ex-dairy cow could possibly have. Your journey and relationship with her has been truly unique and special for both of you. How lucky you both are for that. I pray that BP will enjoy the grass and sunshine in the upper field for as long as she is comfortable. Hugs to you, Suzanne.
On March 27, 2013 at 4:39 pm
California Paintbrush says:
So sorry for all the frantic time you had to go through, and thanks to all who helped BP. The hard part of loving is making those darn hard decisions. I do hope she has a beautiful summer. She is so much part of all of us who read you blog. Thank you for having shared all on the farm with us. Love and hugs.
On March 27, 2013 at 4:46 pm
Linda Goble says:
I am so glad she will be buried on the farm. I just was wondering what most farmers do with aging cows. Again prayers are with you an BP
On March 27, 2013 at 5:16 pm
jodiezoeller says:
I’m glad to hear that she will be buried on the farm. I’m sure some of your other animals that died are there too. You did write a post about farm life/death once and told us about what happens (gently). I appreciate it for those of us that aren’t country folk and don’t know about farms and ranches except vicariously through reading your blog and other things we’ve read. Some of my favorite books of childhood were James Herriot’s vet stories and Helen Hoover (Years of the Forest etc. about her life in very rural Minnesota by Canada in a forest).
On March 27, 2013 at 5:33 pm
wanda1950 says:
I’m sitting here bawling. I’ve enjoyed sharing her life here & hope she will get her wonderful summer.
On March 27, 2013 at 5:57 pm
Mandys says:
That’s a really hard choice, but I think you made the right one 🙁
You’ve given her a great life, shown her what love is and now she can spend her last days peacefully and enjoy one last summer.
I’ve been very worried about BP since her first fall 🙁
You’re a great farmer :cowsleep:
On March 27, 2013 at 6:06 pm
Jen says:
Oh Suzanne, I know just how hard this is. I am very glad you have such good memories with her & hoping you get a few more to cherish. She is very loved.
On March 27, 2013 at 6:09 pm
Dghawk says:
Suzanne, I am so sorry you have to make this decision, but I think you know it is the right one. As I’ve said before, our animals, big or small, become part of our family, and it is our responsibility to make sure that they have the best possible life while they are in our care. BP has definately has that. She might not show it, but she knows she can count on you. She has left you a legacy in Glory Bee and Dumplin, and you are leaving a memorial to her with this blog and your book. “For every thing thing there is a season….” I hope with all my heart that she is able to experience one more beautiful spring with the hills cloaked in the colors of the dogwood and redbud, and luciously sweet, tender spring grass.
On March 27, 2013 at 6:50 pm
doubletroublegen says:
This winter has been hard on our chickens also- we lost 6 that were 6 years old, thankfully they died on their own. It is such a difficult decision to let those you love not suffer any longer because we can’t bear to part with them. You are truly blessed to have such wonderful neighbors and Adam. :wave: Love those country men!! :shimmy: Our thoughts and prayers are with you and BP, I hope she lays down to chew her cud and passes peacefully. It has indeed been a diffucult fall and winter for you with animals and humans alike. :heart: :hug:
On March 27, 2013 at 7:47 pm
Pat says:
So glad to see that BP is okay for now. I agree with others that BP (and all your animals) is fortunate to be with you. I’m glad, too, that your readers responded to help out. When you have posts in the future (and they will surely come)that aren’t nice, please remember this day–when folks helped physically or sent their love to sustain you. I look forward to reading your site every day, whether something new is posted or whether I get to enjoy older posts while you have a life. I’ll always treasure that visit to meet you and see your farm. You, your family, your animals, and your readers have a special spot in my heart.
Pat in Eastern NC
On March 27, 2013 at 10:28 pm
anne.smith says:
I do not like these words, but they are true: without sorrow we cannot appreciate happiness. My animals have given me more than enough joy to outweigh the sadness. You have given BP a great life and a better one than many farmers would grant. Hugs.
On March 28, 2013 at 1:19 am
kathy says:
I can’t read the other comments, I’m already crying. Crying for you, crying for me because I’ve been exactly there so many times. I will say to you what my best girlfriend said to me when I was unconsolable. “No one wanted her and you took her in. You’ve taken the best care of her anyone would’ve, and she was loved. I don’t think she could ask for anything more. I know I couldn’t ask for more.” Take some pictures soon. I always forget to do that.I hope your spring gets a little better. It’s been a rough one so far hasn’t it? Will keep you in my prayers.
On March 28, 2013 at 3:35 am
Diane says:
How can a person get attached to an animal via a blog! I did. When I read that BP went down in my heart I knew that you had a hard decision to make regarding her. She had such a good life with you these last few years. I know its one of those things when you take in animals and care for them. Their life time is not as long as ours. I think that is why God put so many animals here on earth for us. We are the care takers for them for their life and many times over if we wish. BP was more than just a farm animal. She was a bit more special. It will be Ok. HUGS.
On March 28, 2013 at 5:58 am
Peggy in KY says:
BP looked so frail in the picture where she could not get up. I was amazed how thin he hind quarters appeared. I feel for you Suzanne, but so happy you have someone as kind as Adam to help guide you to make difficult decisions.
I sat and cried as I read the posts over the past few days…all in one sitting today. Not so much for BP as she has had a good life, but for you. Then I realized you have the support of many in your area and thousands around the world. Suzanne you are a tough, beautiful woman making the best memories for those of us never knowing what farm life is all about, but live it each and every day via your written word.
On March 28, 2013 at 8:06 am
rurification says:
It’s a sad fact of farm life. The animals don’t last forever and it’s hard when it’s the end. She’s been a great cow.
On March 28, 2013 at 12:26 pm
Ag Adventure says:
The decision to provide a humane transition is never an easy one; my heart goes out to you. Animals become family as they integrate themselves into our lives and leave hoof/paw/other prints on our hearts. It is amazing the memories they help make of what they teach us, and of our lessons that they simply live through with us. Transitions are the hardest part of farm life. Heck, of life in general I think. I know it doesn’t add much comfort, but I think I speak for almost all of your followers when I say that we are here for you and with you. Sending you and BP good energy and prayers!
On March 28, 2013 at 1:55 pm
rebinva says:
Oh, this is never easy. I am sorry for you & BP. My rule of thumb is – when the bad days begin to catch up to the good days for the animal, then it is time. Unless of course there is obvious suffering that cannot be alleviated.
When you do not feel the pain of love & loss, neither do you feel the unbridled joy that life can give you.
On March 29, 2013 at 10:33 am
angelridgmom says:
How in the world did I get attached to a cow by reading a blog? I think it was because of you shinning a great love for her right through space! Yep. BP is one loved cow.
So sorry to hear of this difficult situation and so glad you have great people in your life to support and journey along side of you.
(((Suzanne)))
Kelly
On March 29, 2013 at 4:29 pm
bbkrehmeyer says:
BP will know when its time. She has already told you and now she is giving you a bit more time to prepare.
Farm and ranch is life is raw and real. There is death,but there is also birth . The old cow is special to you. She will always have a place in your heart.
We will mourn with you when she leaves…
On April 1, 2013 at 1:00 am
emilydye1013 says:
Hi Suzanne,
I am a new subscriber, and I’m so glad I found your blog! I grew up on a sheep farm in southern Ohio, and I can empathize with you on watching your beloved BP grow frail. Every animal on a farm, whether it becomes a tame ‘pet’ or not, holds a special place in the heart of the farmer. But it’s always worse when the animal has become a beloved pet. I remember keenly how difficult it was to lose Mary, a sweetheart of a black ewe that was our go-to for any petting zoo or public event. My heart still yearns to love on (and get loved on by) Pookah, the female Great Pyrenees that watched over me as I grew into an adult.
Enough of my nostalgia – I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and sending you positive vibes in this hard time with BP, and all your farming adventures. My dad always likes to quote the old comic strip Pogo (I am probably butchering this quote): God didn’t give her to you for all time, he was just letting you borrow her for a while.
Hugs,
Emily
On April 1, 2013 at 8:49 am
mpoling says:
I think you are doing the right thing with BP. It is good that you are treating her with respect and dignity. I am sure she is grateful. It takes a kind heart to love and respect someone the way you do.
On April 1, 2013 at 8:06 pm
DebDonahue says:
So much love shown here and in your post for wonderful BP. I’m new here, and didn’t follow her story like most of you, but I can tell from all I did read that BP has lived a remarkable life thanks to you, Suzanne, and I’m sure she knows, in her own bovine way, that she was and is loved, and is grateful for it. I hope that knowledge will serve as comfort and consolation as you worry about her decline and when you miss her after she is gone.
On April 6, 2013 at 11:45 pm
Naturegirl46 says:
Hello, Suzanne:
I try to read your wonderful blog every day but . . .
How is BP?
Mary Ann
On May 13, 2013 at 3:46 pm