It feels weird to “like” this post but I do support the fact that hard choices have to be made when raising animals, even when they are not raised primarily for their meat. I think you handled the situation with intelligence and grace.
The same thing can be said about agressive dogs. It’s super hard to put one down because you always think that you can train them out of this behaviour but the thought always lingers and you are putting yourself and others in danger
So sorry to hear about the pain yas had to endure..You and Curt handled it extremely well, tho.
I want to thank you for sharing the news, too, because my daughter has raised a few goats and I don't think she was aware of this sort of behaviour in them, and I'll be letting her know. Either of you not to blame..and handled it immediately and properly. Thank you again for sharing...Don
Amy (and Curt), I admire everything you are doing and capturing it in writing and photos for the rest of us. At our little homestead we have many animals for various purposes, including meat, milk and eggs. Inevitably some die, sometimes it's preventable, sometimes on purpose, and sometimes a complete mystery. I suppose I could say it has gotten easier to deal with, but I'm not sure that is totally true. And we have the luxury of sending the larger animals to the butcher. You are totally self sufficient and that puts you on another level. Your strength, grit, dedication, resourcefulness, respect for nature (and the list goes on and on) are truly inspirational. This is my first time commenting, though I have intended to many times. This story just hit home in a way that I really needed to thank you for sharing. Keep up all the amazing work you are doing. God bless.
How awful,, I never knew goats behaved that way with their own, or towards any other farm animal but that is the law of the farm., no aggression among the animals, or otherwise.. or you are dinner. Sorry ....
Thank you for sharing - sorry for the loss. A tough decision, but it was the right way to go - the two will not go to waste. Lessons learned for the future, i’d suppose. 🙏
I love all the comments. It’s nice to know that people understand and are even sympathetic. I totally agree with your decision. When I lived on the farm a heifer decided to take a dislike to me and tried to pin me in a corner. She made it to the butcher block that evening. It’s all a farming experience. Lots of love to you and Curt.
Amy, I appreciate the way you face the reality that farming and livestock raising often require hard decisions. Your way of life is no fairy tale—some days it’s really tough. Raising cattle here in Texas is no different…it’s hard to cull a favorite cow when she doesn’t breed, but the reality is that’s her job and there can’t be exceptions. You had a heart-wrenching day, but you’ll survive. Love reading your stories, keep ‘em coming.
You two processed the event and all it entailed in every single appropriate and healthy way it needed to be.
You felt the loss, the sadness, regret, examined what happened and even confirmed your suspicions , before making a very intelligent, responsible and wise choice, to send the two to freezer camp. You also laudably were able to see these animals not only as wards and companions but also as animals, that serve a purpose, like all things in nature.
I wasn't sure if you would veer off into a sobbing ditch or get stuck in one of those steps - but you didn't - which means you both are level headed and emotionally intelligent and stable (a great union of minds and souls no doubt).
Sorry for your loss, I know what it's like. I had the same issue with my previous goats, as did my neighbour. Some of them are just mean and it's not your fault in any way. Life is cruel and hard and some animals, same as people, can just be horrible.
Ugh, Amy I’m so sorry to hear about this experience — I don’t know a thing about farming but I think you absolutely made the right call. What a heartbreaking situation. Nature can be so cruel. I love knowing how you’ll honor the memory of your little girl.
It feels weird to “like” this post but I do support the fact that hard choices have to be made when raising animals, even when they are not raised primarily for their meat. I think you handled the situation with intelligence and grace.
The same thing can be said about agressive dogs. It’s super hard to put one down because you always think that you can train them out of this behaviour but the thought always lingers and you are putting yourself and others in danger
So sorry to hear about the pain yas had to endure..You and Curt handled it extremely well, tho.
I want to thank you for sharing the news, too, because my daughter has raised a few goats and I don't think she was aware of this sort of behaviour in them, and I'll be letting her know. Either of you not to blame..and handled it immediately and properly. Thank you again for sharing...Don
Amy (and Curt), I admire everything you are doing and capturing it in writing and photos for the rest of us. At our little homestead we have many animals for various purposes, including meat, milk and eggs. Inevitably some die, sometimes it's preventable, sometimes on purpose, and sometimes a complete mystery. I suppose I could say it has gotten easier to deal with, but I'm not sure that is totally true. And we have the luxury of sending the larger animals to the butcher. You are totally self sufficient and that puts you on another level. Your strength, grit, dedication, resourcefulness, respect for nature (and the list goes on and on) are truly inspirational. This is my first time commenting, though I have intended to many times. This story just hit home in a way that I really needed to thank you for sharing. Keep up all the amazing work you are doing. God bless.
How awful,, I never knew goats behaved that way with their own, or towards any other farm animal but that is the law of the farm., no aggression among the animals, or otherwise.. or you are dinner. Sorry ....
Thank you for sharing - sorry for the loss. A tough decision, but it was the right way to go - the two will not go to waste. Lessons learned for the future, i’d suppose. 🙏
I love all the comments. It’s nice to know that people understand and are even sympathetic. I totally agree with your decision. When I lived on the farm a heifer decided to take a dislike to me and tried to pin me in a corner. She made it to the butcher block that evening. It’s all a farming experience. Lots of love to you and Curt.
Amy, I appreciate the way you face the reality that farming and livestock raising often require hard decisions. Your way of life is no fairy tale—some days it’s really tough. Raising cattle here in Texas is no different…it’s hard to cull a favorite cow when she doesn’t breed, but the reality is that’s her job and there can’t be exceptions. You had a heart-wrenching day, but you’ll survive. Love reading your stories, keep ‘em coming.
Bravo!!
You two processed the event and all it entailed in every single appropriate and healthy way it needed to be.
You felt the loss, the sadness, regret, examined what happened and even confirmed your suspicions , before making a very intelligent, responsible and wise choice, to send the two to freezer camp. You also laudably were able to see these animals not only as wards and companions but also as animals, that serve a purpose, like all things in nature.
I wasn't sure if you would veer off into a sobbing ditch or get stuck in one of those steps - but you didn't - which means you both are level headed and emotionally intelligent and stable (a great union of minds and souls no doubt).
I'd take the two of you for neighbors any day.
Sorry for your loss, I know what it's like. I had the same issue with my previous goats, as did my neighbour. Some of them are just mean and it's not your fault in any way. Life is cruel and hard and some animals, same as people, can just be horrible.
Ugh, Amy I’m so sorry to hear about this experience — I don’t know a thing about farming but I think you absolutely made the right call. What a heartbreaking situation. Nature can be so cruel. I love knowing how you’ll honor the memory of your little girl.