A New Star in The Night Sky

There is a new star shining brightly in the night sky.


That star's name is Star.


I hadn't planned on posting about our goats two days in a row....
but....

Sadly, our portly (and quite elderly) goat that many of you thought was pregnant,
passed away Wednesday night, during the night.
We found her yesterday morning, during morning feeding.
She had been just fine the prior evening, and even came across the pasture for her
Ritz cracker treat (as you may have noticed in yesterday's video).

Young in spirit, Star was old in years (at least 12 years old).
She and her sister Ash (who is still with us) came to live on the farm
in December of 2007.


They were both pregnant at the time and delivered their kids in the spring of 2008.


Little Spider...


and his sisters, Stella and (yet to be named... naming was left to her new family).


With no male Nigerian dwarf goats to sire more kids...
the triplets were her only children.
Spider passed away years ago from a urinary blockage (sadly common to male goats).
Stella remains with us to this day.


You may remember that Star developed a mammary tumor a year or more ago.
We knew that she most likely had metastatic cancer,
but she never exhibited an signs of discomfort or distress.


And so, knowing that her days were numbered, we merely allowed
her to live out her days undisturbed... under Dr. Becky's watchful eye.


I am glad that she always had the companionship of her sister and her daughter...
as well as the fainting goat herd.

And so, with a tear in our eyes we say goodbye to Star,
a kind, gentle goat who always took the time to come over and say hello
(or was she looking for Ritz crackers?).


There is no doubt in my mind that animals feel grief.
Ash spent the day in the corner of the goat shed... mourning the loss of her sister.
It was the first time in their lives that they had been apart.
So very sad.


With no plans to expand our goat herd,
Star's passing is a harsh reminder that we will have many more goat passings to endure.
Amazingly, old Smilin' Jill is at least 16 years old!


Comments

Kim said…
I’m so sorry for your loss. May she find green pastures where she now is and no snow.
Colleen said…
😰 so sorry for your loss. As hard as it is to lose a pet it's equally as hard to watch the pets left behind grieve.
Xoxo
The JR said…
Animals do mourn. We had 2 kitties in a large cage in our shed. Recently the old male passed. The younger female has been calling and calling for him. It's sad.

jaz@octoberfarm said…
i feel so sad for ash but we all should be so lucky to live the life that star had and make the exit she did. hugs to all!
Anonymous said…
Oh Bev - the yin and yang of life, and of loving living beings. You can feel complete that she lived a wonderful life with you on the farm. I believe all living beings feel grief at some level-I am sure it's Universal. I am so sorry about Miss Star. Blessings to you. Karla from Coal City, IL
daisy g said…
Blessings to all...
When I look at the night sky, I will look for Star.
tnquilt said…
She had such a good life with you. I’ll look up tonight.
Kathy said…
So sorry to hear of the passing of Star, but isn't it great that you have that last video of her! Like all great stars, she made her last appearance! Extra hugs and crackers to Ash.
littlemancat said…
I'm so sorry. That photo of Ash just brings me to tears. Star was a pretty girl and I like how you used the star photo to honor her.
Mary
Dawn said…
Bless all your goats and RIP Star
Farewell, Star! Shine on in the sky.
ninergirl04 said…
And what a beautiful new star it is! Sorry for the loss of a member of your farm family. It's always hard to say that final goodbye. Shine on sweet Star!
Crazyflower said…
:,( goats are so cute. Poor ash hope she feels better with time. I just moved to Calistoga and I’m looking to learn more about beekeeping, if you’re need help let me know at ageffroy@uabc.edu.mx
This N That said…
So sorry about Star..I feel so sorry for Ash...Just thunk..All your BHA babies have their own farm in heaven..together again...They all had a great life...So sad
Marilyn F. said…
Oh, my heart goes out to you and Ash for the loss of Star. Ash really was sad. Ahhhhh. I hope you all recover soon. If Star was suffering in any way, she is no longer and is now roaming free in green pastures of heaven. That is something to be thankful for. Thanks for sharing your story.
diane in northern wis said…
Oh Bev, I'm so sorry to hear about Star. Just saw her eating her ritz cracker yesterday. Bless her heart. She had many good years with you. Thank you for being such a great keeper and tender of critters. They are truly blessed to be living with you and your hubbs.
Dee J. Hartman said…
To every thing there is a season.....
Portia said…
So sorry to hear this. I did wonder if she was pregnant in the video. She did look healthy and happy.
Jody said…
Oh, Bev, so sorry for your loss and so sorry for Ash's loss, too. That photo of her grieving brought tears to my eyes. I pray for God's comfort for both of you.
Louise Stopford said…
Just caught up with your posts and was very sorry to hear that you have lost your Star. It's a stark reminder that we and are critters are not here forever and that life is a journey and it is so important to enjoy the ride. Star would have had a wonderful life with you and eventually in time you will be able to look back at all your precious memories. It's very hard to say goodbye to a loved one and it never ever gets any easier.