I made a discovery yesterday that totally put me off posting. Because I just didn’t want to write about it. But. Here it is. Yesterday, I found my darling little Bunny crushed in the straw in the barn stall where I keep the mommies and babies. I don’t need a hidden camera to know what happened. Nutmeg slept on her. Goats are clumpers.
A couple of years ago, I had a baby crushed inside a dog house that was inside the goat house at Stringtown Rising. Some of you reading now may remember that and how a rather nasty reader attacked me repeatedly in the comments when I posted about it, telling me that I had no business trying to run a farm and that I should have had the goats in a proper barn. My response to that was that goats are clumpers.
Well. I had them in a barn. I had two mother goats with their babies in a proper barn, inside a HUGE stall that is probably 15 x 20. No dog house inside the stall or any other kind of obstacle. IT STILL HAPPENED. I couldn’t eliminate this risk if I put them in a football stadium. Goats are clumpers.
I wanted to keep this little baby so much. Bad word. Bad word. BAD WORD.
utroukx says:
Oh no! That is so sad and I am so sorry! 🙁
On March 15, 2013 at 2:30 pm
folkwoman says:
Oh, no. So sorry to hear about that, she was a darling little thing.
On March 15, 2013 at 2:31 pm
SarahGrace says:
I’m sorry, Suzanne. :hug:
On March 15, 2013 at 2:36 pm
oneoldgoat says:
Oh Suzanne, I’m so sorry! And you are right, it does happen – and I do remember that poor, sad soul who felt she had to attack you. I agree. Bad word.
Beth
On March 15, 2013 at 2:39 pm
oneoldgoat says:
I meant that I agree with ‘bad word’, not the nasty person who attacked you.
Beth
On March 15, 2013 at 2:39 pm
cindyinohio says:
Oh no, Oh no, Oh no.
My heart is bleeding for you and my eyes are leaking too. Every time I lose a critter a friend reminds me that they are livestock. But we know they are so much more than that. So sorry.
On March 15, 2013 at 2:46 pm
Sue, a Florida Farm Girl says:
Bad word!! Bad word!! Bad Word!! And she was SO cute!!! I’m so sorry, Suzanne. Still hurts like heck, though.
On March 15, 2013 at 2:53 pm
spatdi says:
So sorry for your aching heart! This was but unavoidable, and so so sad!
On March 15, 2013 at 2:56 pm
STracer says:
Oh No. She was so cute. Our babies started arriving yesterday evening. I don’t want to have to worry about that too. People need to know that life on the farm is what it is sometimes. You are doing great.
On March 15, 2013 at 2:58 pm
boulderneigh says:
I just prepared a post to go live tomorrow summarizing all the lambings I’ve had here the last seven years – including the losses. It’s the gut wrenching part of “farming” that about makes us quit – except we don’t want to give up all the joy, beauty and benefits that are the flip side. Big hugs; I am SO sorry!
On March 15, 2013 at 3:03 pm
brookdale says:
Oh nooooooo. So, so sorry, Suzanne. She was so cute. Glad you have all those pictures to remember her by, anyway.
Double Bad Word!
On March 15, 2013 at 3:08 pm
Luv2Quilt says:
So sorry Suzanne. Can’t imagine. Bad word,bad word,bad word.
Rhonda
On March 15, 2013 at 3:17 pm
beforethedawn says:
🙁 I’m so sorry Suzanne. 🙁
On March 15, 2013 at 3:27 pm
justdeborah2002 says:
I’m sorry for your loss.
On March 15, 2013 at 3:28 pm
PinkyMac says:
😥
On March 15, 2013 at 3:36 pm
Caddycat says:
So sorry for your loss. She was adorable.
On March 15, 2013 at 3:36 pm
Dumbcatluvr says:
😥 :hug:
On March 15, 2013 at 3:40 pm
kpbarnett says:
:hug:
On March 15, 2013 at 3:52 pm
SpinnersEndFarm says:
Sorry Suzanne.
On March 15, 2013 at 3:53 pm
margiesbooboo says:
I’m so sorry. Dang it. Sorry that you’ve lost such a cutie & sorry that it reminded you of the jerk from before. You are a farmer & this is part of that being. Hugs
On March 15, 2013 at 3:57 pm
GrammieEarth says:
Poop. I am so sorry. She was a cutie…unlike that mean poster from before. I know you take good care of you animal friends, and that they are your friends makes makes losing one even harder to endure. :hug:
On March 15, 2013 at 4:13 pm
Miz Carmen says:
So sorry.
Thank you for being real and sharing the tragedies as well as the triumphs. It really helps those like me who are gearing up for starting our own farms.
But still – I wish Bunny could have enjoyed a lot more time with you.
On March 15, 2013 at 4:14 pm
fowlers says:
Oh, the poor little thing,,,how sad,,your right: it’s a sad day when sh*t, like this happens! Bad Word,,,,that’s a PC way of saying it,,,God love ya! hugs sweetie<<<that just sucks "Monkey Butt":::Hugs, :hug: your way! your a good mama/farmer:: don't ever let some cranky tail get ya down! I'll put some bad Mojo on their butts for you! Bad word indeed,,,so sad for ya! 😥
On March 15, 2013 at 4:19 pm
Rose H says:
Aw, how awful. This is so sad. 😥
:hug:
On March 15, 2013 at 4:23 pm
UlrikeDG says:
~ God said, “I need somebody willing to sit up all night with a newborn colt. And watch it die. Then dry his eyes and say, ‘Maybe next year.’…” So God made a farmer. ~
Death is part of life, and farmers are generally surrounded by a lot of lives. I know that doesn’t make it easy, especially when you lose one of the Special Ones, but life goes on.
Maybe next year.
On March 15, 2013 at 4:35 pm
wanda1950 says:
I am so sorry. Farm life is real life and sad stuff happens to all farmers. She was a darling & I know you all loved her.
On March 15, 2013 at 4:38 pm
Ronni says:
BIG BAD WORD…. That’s so sad. Was hoping to see more pics of her all dressed up. Glad you have the few that you did take. I grew up on a farm and remember all the here one day gone the next critters we attached ourselves to. I hope you try breeding for more babies , hopefully there will be a Bunny #2 one day. She definitely was a beauty . :heart:
On March 15, 2013 at 4:40 pm
Sheryl says:
So very sad for you, Suzanne =(( God bless you for giving such loving care to all your animals.♥
On March 15, 2013 at 4:55 pm
MousE says:
Oh no…. I’m very sorry to hear this….. Chin up and stay strong…
On March 15, 2013 at 4:58 pm
lifeisgood/ Melinda says:
I am so sorry for the loss of your precious little goat. Goats clump. You can’t do anything about their natural instinct and ,unfortunately, sometimes there are losses. Doesn’t make it any easier to swallow but at least you know there was nothing you could have done to make the outcome any different.
On March 15, 2013 at 5:28 pm
doxie says:
Sometimes farming is just downright hard on your emotions…in my experience anyway, but I wouldn’t give up living on a farm for anything, even though it hurts at times. Goats do love to “clump” and that does sometimes mean you loose a baby cause they get crushed, so sorry it was one you really wanted to keep, that makes it harder! Just ignore the idiots who know NOTHING about goats! :-))
On March 15, 2013 at 5:35 pm
Mandys says:
Aww no :(:( I was so looking forward to seeing Bunny grow up and photos of her all dressed up :(:( I’m so sorry for you loss :(:(
On March 15, 2013 at 6:15 pm
ibpallets (Sharon B.) says:
Suzanne, first of all, I’m so sorry. There’s nothing you could have done-
To the poster that attacked you the last time, I do have a word for her and yes, it’s bad– some people aren’t happy unless they are belittling or harassing someone else. I hope that person is gone from this site now- I’d hate to have to hunt her down –
That little white lamb (yes, I know it’s a goat 🙂 melted my heart and I can imagine your horror when you found her. ((((Hugs)))) to you-
On March 15, 2013 at 6:19 pm
rurification says:
Very bad word. Lots of them. That totally stinks. You’re brave for having the animals and even braver for sharing the reality. Sometimes it’s not a nice reality.
On March 15, 2013 at 6:41 pm
Cheryl LeMay says:
Oh no. Such a shame. She was totally adorable. So sorry to hear of this loss. I just lost two young ducks and believe me I know how it feels. I am always thankful for the time I have with my animals. Their lives are short at best.
On March 15, 2013 at 6:47 pm
Busy Solitude Farm says:
So sorry. It’s awful when you lose a wee loved one.
On March 15, 2013 at 6:56 pm
bbkrehmeyer says:
thats really sad. She was a cutie. not only did you lose a special baby.you lost a valuable herd member.
Sheep do the same thing.. Darn clumpers….
maybe next spring.
On March 15, 2013 at 7:09 pm
Auntie Linda says:
Extremely bad word(s). So sorry for your loss. Thank you for being willing to share both the good and the bad with us.
On March 15, 2013 at 7:23 pm
dklenke says:
I’m so sorry Suzanne. On a farm death is just part of the circle of life. She was such a beauty. Nothing will make up for her loss but someone else will eventually brighten your day again. And you are right; goats are clumpers.
On March 15, 2013 at 7:26 pm
catslady says:
I give you credit for what you do. I get so traumatized when pets die and even when yours do. I have a friend who breeds dogs and she loses puppies all the time like it’s nothing. I know you care more than that. I also know there is just nothing you can do when it’s what you do for a living.I really feel for you 🙁
On March 15, 2013 at 7:26 pm
whaledancer says:
I’m so sorry. I know you give your heart to your animals. You open your heart, and it gets broken, and you open it again. That takes real strength and courage.
Finding a way to write about must just be that much harder. Thank you for sharing your farm adventure with us, and keeping it real even when it’s hard. 😥
On March 15, 2013 at 7:50 pm
California Paintbrush says:
So sorry. It must have been such a shock for you, sorry. 😥
On March 15, 2013 at 7:52 pm
nursemary says:
Oh I am so sorry for all of you. My thoughts are with you.
Mary
On March 15, 2013 at 8:33 pm
knititblack says:
Oh, how awful! I’m so, so very sorry for your loss. Your readers know how much you love your animals and how hard you work to make them happy and healthy. You’re a wonderful farmer and an inspiration! My prayers are with you. Poor baby bunny-goat.
On March 15, 2013 at 9:02 pm
Marigene says:
There really are no words when you lose a tiny member of your animal family…so sorry, Suzanne. She was a cutie.
On March 15, 2013 at 9:17 pm
Darlene in North GA says:
awwww, RATS!!!
I too, remember that person and their unkindness to you. So glad she hasn’t posted here today. I’m positive that the rest of us would have probably handed her her head. On a platter. Once we extracted it from her BUTT!
You do take good care of your animals. Sometimes, there’s just nothing that can be done. I used to raise chickens and rabbits and babies are cute no matter what breed they are. Your Bunny was especially cute and I know it hurts to lose her. My condolences and hugs ((((((((hugs)))))))))
On March 15, 2013 at 10:02 pm
Country Blossom says:
I’m so very sorry. Babies do get squished, all types, including humans. Hugs to you and Nutmeg!
On March 15, 2013 at 10:03 pm
outbackfarm says:
Well darn. I read a lot of really good farm blogs. And I know things like this happen to us all. But it’s still sad to see when it happens to such good people who do all and above for their animals. And you do, Suzanne. Say all the bad words you need to. It just sucks. I’m so sorry.
On March 15, 2013 at 10:04 pm
kato70 says:
Suzanne- I’m not much of a poster- but I check your site every single day. I cried when Coco got lost, cried harder when Coco came home. Though we’ll probably never meet, I feel a great connection to you and your farm. I’m so sorry for your loss- My mama alpaca lost a baby yesterday, it never gets easier. Keep on keepin on- you are truly an inspiration.
Hugs to you-
Kato
On March 15, 2013 at 10:51 pm
liz2 says:
I’m so sorry, Suzanne. Bunny was such a beautiful baby.
On March 15, 2013 at 11:43 pm
Rainn says:
I’m so sorry for your loss Suzanne……
Blessings to you and all your animals
Fondly, Rain
On March 15, 2013 at 11:43 pm
wormlady says:
SO sorry for your loss. Love what Ulrike(comment 25) said. It requires such strength to continue with animals despite the heartwrenching losses.
On March 16, 2013 at 5:15 am
mamajoseph says:
Oh, gosh, how awful. I’m so sorry. 30 seconds before I read this I was just saying to hubs, “Who would’ve thought I would like goats so much?” Your little Bunny was enchanting; such a big loss for all of us.
On March 16, 2013 at 8:24 am
leneskate says:
I am so sorry for you and your goat family!
HUGS to you and your family!
:hug:
On March 16, 2013 at 1:31 pm
srfitzg144 says:
Anyone that would attack someone for farm accidents has obviously not spent much time around animals. No matter how much we anthropomorphize animals they are not like people and will do terrible things like crush each other while huddling together. I’m sorry for you loss of the baby goat. It’s heart rending to put so much hope in them and then lose them.
On March 16, 2013 at 1:34 pm
wannabeafarmgirl says:
So sorry for your loss…and ignore the haters! All who read you regularly know how much you love your animals. It is obvious they love you too. Sadly death is part of the cycle of life. At least the good Lord gave you the honor of sharing her short life.
On March 16, 2013 at 3:16 pm
doodlebugroad says:
So very sorry to hear… I fully empathize with you. Heartbreaking…
On March 16, 2013 at 4:01 pm
lauren says:
I’m so sorry 🙁 she was such a cutie! Bad word! BAD WORD!
On March 16, 2013 at 6:10 pm
steakandeggs says:
I’m so sorry you lost your darling little goat. We have lost calves and other livestock and it feels like someone has punched you in the gut. When people have livestock sometime it just happens no matter what.
On March 16, 2013 at 7:34 pm
MissyinWV says:
😥 I am so sorry for your loss. She was adorable.
On March 16, 2013 at 8:01 pm
4jsMOM says:
My heart is aching, too. Thank goodness for the pictures and some beautiful memories of this sweet one.
On March 16, 2013 at 8:17 pm
Birdi says:
Oh my goodness, I am so sorry for your loss. I have fallen in love with your goats through the years, but clumping now too?? I will miss your little bunny.
On March 16, 2013 at 8:50 pm
rhubarbrose says:
Oh no!! It’s so hard to think of such a sweet little thing as “livestock”. I am so so sorry to hear this!!!
Huge hugs!!!
On March 16, 2013 at 10:25 pm
holstein woman says:
I hope the person who opened their mouth last time will keep their mouth shut this time. How terrible for you and her. She was such a cutie.
On March 16, 2013 at 10:27 pm
princessvanessa says:
I guess Bunny was just too cute and sweet for earth….God needed a sweet little goat for his herd.
I’m sorry that you lost her.
On March 16, 2013 at 11:51 pm
Shelly says:
So sorry.
On March 17, 2013 at 11:58 am
SuzieQ says:
She was such a cutie and I know you’ll miss her. I love the photos of her and glad you have them. So, so sorry.
Sending love… :heart:
On March 17, 2013 at 3:29 pm
Augustlace says:
So Sorry for Your loss of little Bunny Suzzane! She was so Precious! Love& Prayers Your Way for ALL! :heart: I know about Farm Life!!
On March 17, 2013 at 6:16 pm
Augustlace says:
That is Suzanne!! Sorry!
On March 17, 2013 at 6:23 pm
LoriP says:
I am so sorry.
On March 18, 2013 at 12:55 am
barbicakes says:
I’m so sorry to hear that. That SUCKS. Obviously that’s the downside, extremely downside to what you do.
If I’m tearing up I can’t imagine how you must feel.
On March 18, 2013 at 7:44 am
jodiezoeller says:
Sorry to hear about Bunny. She was such a cute little goat. I know it’s hard but hopefully having so many readers reply helps a little bit to know we’re feeling it too. Does Nutmeg now have one left? Little Goat Burger II?
On March 18, 2013 at 12:14 pm
Katsat says:
You once asked if we wanted to hear the bad along with the good. I commented that I NEEDED to hear it because someday, somehow, I wanted my own farm and I wanted to be as prepared as possible.
Well, guess what?! I’ve got my farm now, and my first baby goats were due last Wednesday and my cow should deliver any day now. Wow!
And you know what? I’m kind of freaking out about all the ways it can go wrong. This post comforts me, oddly enough, that it isn’t all up to me. I know I’ve done my best to be fully prepared, and the rest is up to chance. This reminder is somehow so buoying.
I’m so sad that Bunny is gone. I’m so grateful for the reminder and message she sent.
On March 18, 2013 at 12:53 pm
DebbieInMemphis says:
I’m so sorry. :hissyfit: bad words
On March 18, 2013 at 2:17 pm
MousE says:
Thinking of you, Suzanne, and hope that you and yours are ok.
On March 18, 2013 at 3:27 pm
yvonnem says:
Very sorry for your loss…and I really miss your daily posts. :heart:
On March 18, 2013 at 7:28 pm
Diane says:
Sorry for the loss of Bunny. He was a cutie. That is the part of farming that would be the hardest for me. Just heart breaking. There is nothing you could of done about it.
Hope you are OK. Been missing your daily updates of the farm. The good and bad. Hope your family is all well and good.
On March 19, 2013 at 5:40 am
Louise says:
Suzanne, I am so sorry about your sweet Bunny. I hope all is well with you and your family. I am concerned about the lack of posts. I hope it is an internet issue. Just know that we love you and miss you when you are not around. You are a big part of our lives every day. Give all the critters a cookie for me. Hope to hear from you soon.
On March 19, 2013 at 9:22 am
Heidi533 says:
I’m so sorry Suzanne. 🙁 I know first hand how painful raising goats can be. Thank you for sharing every part of farm life with us. Even for those of us who are living the farm life as well, it’s a reminder that we need. Things do not always go the way we want, and we can’t always be in control. (((((hugs)))) to you and Morgan.
On March 19, 2013 at 9:54 am