Saying Goodbye to Hope

 There's one thing for certain - farm life keeps us well aware of the circle of life and all of the impermanence that accompanies it.

Yesterday morning, during morning chores, Hubbs found that our white sheepy girl, Hope, had died during the night.  She had been a little lack-luster about treats the previous day, but that was seriously the only indicator that she might be "off".  We didn't worry too much, because Hope was often fickle about treats.

And even if we had been worried, we would have taken the "wait and see" approach for a couple of days, as Hope was in no distress that we could see.  She had gone out into the pasture and grazed as normal, so we assumed all was well.

But, apparently, all was not well.  The thing is... there is no way to tell what it is that got her.  It's not like there is anyone around to do an autopsy on a sheep.  It did not appear as though she suffered at all.  She was merely lying on the ground as if asleep.

Although I have learned to accept the passing of our animals, it is never easy.  Hope will be missed, for sure - by us, but especially by her sister, Faith.

Hubbs allowed both the pigs and Faith to see and smell Hope's body.  I truly believe that animals understand death. 

 I also believe that they grieve.  

Faith spent much of the day bleating - I assume she was calling for Hope.  These two sheep have never been apart since the moment of their birth.  What a change this will be for Faith.

Eventually, she ended up in the pig house with the pigs.  

Luckily, their yard adjoin (our plan, knowing that eventually one of these two pairs would lose its sister and that the other two would be company.)

From here out, we will leave the gate between the sheep and pig yard open so that Faith can spend as much time with the pigs as she needs.

It seems like just yesterday our sweet Hope was a tiny lamb.

How small and adorable she was!  

Rest In Peace, dear Hope.  We will miss seeing your sweet face each day.  Some day I hope to see you again on our big farm in Heaven.

As I visited with Faith and the pigs, two of the barn cats joined us as well. 

 Pete gave MaryAnn her daily cat scan and came to the conclusion that she's in fine shape.

He had a fascination with her piggy ears. 

Pete, whispering in MaryAnn's ear,"Pssssst... wanna hear a joke?" 

"Why should you never share a bed with a pig?  They hog all the covers!"

Why shouldn't you tell as secret to a pig?

It might squeal!

I had to leave you with a smile.  Losing our beloved animals is hard and I know it is sad for you as well, as many of you feel like farm family after all of these years.  I find peace in knowing that for as long as we have our animal friends, they live their very best lives in peace and tranquility here - spoiled and happy in our little slice of heaven on earth.