If nothing else,
farm life teaches us
that there is a deep and abiding truth to this:
To everything there is a season.
There is a time to plant and a time to harvest.
There is a time for birth and a time for death.
You cannot have one without the other,
for it is the essence of this precious thing that we call life.
Chuck on left. Tom on right. |
We said our farewells to handsome Chuck,
half of our Bourbon Red Turkey boys,
last evening.
Early in the morning it seemed that Chuck was having a little trouble walking.
We assumed that he had a sore foot as he had had in the past.
And so the boys stayed in their yard for the day to minimize walking.
Tom spent most of the day in and out of the house...
Chuck remained indoors all day.
By evening, though, Chuck was unable to stand and would fall over when attempting it.
He thrashed about trying to keep his balance with his wings,
exhausting himself.
Watching him... so pale, frail, and unable to move...
we decided that it was best to call Dr. Becky to euthanize him.
And so old Tom is now our only surviving turkey.
I am sure he will miss Chuck's company,
as the two have been constant companions ever since hatching....
and they have followed me around every day since they were 2 days old.
I am not sure how Tom will get along without Chuck.
I am hoping he will continue his daily routine of running up to the chicken yard
to hang out with the hens.
Time will tell.
Tom on left, Chuck on right. |
Animals are realists when it comes to death.
They accept it... matter of factly.
Still...I think animals experience profound loneliness just as we do.
I'll be keeping a close eye on Tom...
with the possibility of having to find him a companion.
Goodbye Chuck... we'll miss you!
Comments
Mary
I had to put one of my elder dogs into the house on Friday. Her pen mate is moping about it.
blessings,
Penny
I agree,, I do believe that animals are capable of grieving and do so.. I know this to be true because of our Mz Beasley's grief when her best friend and companion, Puddums passed away suddenly...
We luv our critter kids and love them as well as grieve for them...
hugz to all at BHA.
>^..^<
I hope Tom will be okay . . .