I’m writing too many of these posts lately. I thought a day would help me get to where I could write this without tears, but no. I’m crying through this.
Yesterday morning when I went down to the field to let the goaties out, little Enigma was dead. No reason- noone was showing signs of being overrun with parasites. She’d been fine- as late as 10:30 the night before when I went down to “tuck them in” (I go down every night before I go to bed to check on them and count them all one more time). Then, sometime before 7:30- she slipped away.
She was born late in the spring, a surprise pregnancy for Elphie- Griffin is the daddy- he snuck that one in before he was neutered.
Elphie was an excellent mother. She had her up and nursing right away, and for the first day or 2, she would “hide” her in an igloo and stand guard.
I’d reassure Elphie, then fish her out so she could play. She hopped all over the place, earning the nickname “Puppy Goat.”
Elphie and Enigma were inseperable.
That’s part of what’s breaking my heart right now- thinking of Elphie. She’s so stoic, and I think she must have made her peace with it before I got down to the field in the morning. Though once yesterday I saw her head go up and she was searching.
Yesterday evening I took her body down to Pat & Steve’s- they have a special resting spot. Steve walked back there with me. When he asked if I was ok, and I said I was sad, he gently said, “This is going to happen again.” And I know it will. Its all part of the wonderfulness of pets. They bring such happiness, yet leave such big holes when they have to go. And I’ll take the heartbreak, over and over- because I just can’t imagine not having them.
Safe journey, Baby Enigma. You are loved, and I know you will have good company where you are now.
oh no! mindy – i’m so sorry. so, so sorry.
what you said about the happiness – and heartbreak – that comes with animal caretaking… it’s so true. it’s one of the strongest feelings in my heart.
the year is almost over, and let’s just hope that the next restores some semblance of balance. our love to you.
Oh, God, Mindy — I am so sorry. I saw the title of your post and my heart just sank. Enigma was such a little sweetie.
Oh Mindy….no other words to add, except my heart goes to you.
I can’t really add anything. Everyone has said what I feel. Take care, dear heart.
Its very hard not to try and harden our hearts a bit so that they don’t infiltrate so deep, but then we’d miss out on that pure “in love” feeling our pets bring out in us.
I hope that 2010 kicks us in the head a bit less, babe.
Oh, poor darling goatie. You’ve certainly had your share of pet-related heartbreak this year. Here’s wishing good health to the rest of the herd, four-legged and two-legged alike.
My gosh, I feel so bad you are going through so many losses. My heart hurts for you.
I have nothing to add except sweet wishes and kind thoughts for everyone.
Big huge enormous hugs for you Mindy! I’m so sorry to hear about Enigma. xx
oh I’m so sorry Mindy!
I’m so sorry Mindy, she was a special girl.