June 16, 1993 - January 30, 2007Dailley Kate ... S1920
This evening, while I was feeding my sheep, Kate ... passed on.
Kate had a stroke last winter, but managed to give birth to, and raise a lamb in 2006. She had problems with vision, and dragged one hind leg slightly. She was moved to her own pasture in the orchard beside the house ... with a new 'purple house' ... and a couple of ewe lambs for company. She was not bred this Fall. She got a LOT of attention in that pasture ... :-)
Kate's line makes up a large portion of my flock ... and for good reason. She was a very square and correct ewe ... and ... her 13th fleece microned at 29 (last rib, mid side sample). She had very few white fibres in her fleece, even as an 'old girl'.
Her arthritis had been a problem this winter, but with my Vet we came up with medications to keep her comfortable. She continued to enjoy cookies, carrot slices and chin scratches right until the end. Gene was out in mid-afternoon to give, what turned out to be, her last batch of treats.
She waited until I was with her in her 'house' tonight, before she gave her last breath. I thank her for the gift of allowing me to be with her at her passing.
Kate will be sadly missed.
8 comments:
Hi Bill - so sorry to hear about Kate. She was a wonderful ewe - and
I know how blessed you felt to have her. Tammy
That is so sad :~(, she had such a good home, she was a lucky girl and very well loved.
Nat
Bill, so sorry to hear of Kate's passing. She was fortunate to have you with her when she passed. You are a wonderful shepherd.
I'm tearing up as I sit here. I pity all the people who think of sheep as just livestock. It seems obvious that Kate wanted your presence as comfort; she was as much a pet as anyone's outside dog! How wonderful to be trusted like that and loved like that.
Bill: how wonderful that you were able to be there (and that she was able to wait for you). What a wonderful end to a wonderful life! So peaceful.
What a nice tribute to a grand old lady - I'm glad you were able to be with her at the last. T.
Bill,
I was so sorry to hear of Kate's passing. I am sure it was very comforting to her that you were with her at the end.
We surround ourselves with wonderful creatures, knowing full well that we will outlive them. And yet, we still allow ourselves their company - and our souls know how much richness they add to our lives. I think we are the ones who benefit more from knowing them.
May you have warm, cherished memories of Kate to keep you company.
Bill, I am so sorry to hear about Kate. She was a very lucky sheep indeed, that she had you to watch over her. Tammy Hood
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