RIP Llama Lu 3-30-10

by Ric
(goose poop farm)

It was one of those days that the blue in the sky was incredible; the clouds were puffy standing out from the background. I am enjoying the day, that is, until I get to the llama pasture. I only see Dakota and Ruthie. Curious I go and explore. Annistasia is down. OMG? I try and get the 300-pound animal up. She is weak, and her balance is off. She cannot stand on her own.

Back to the computer and a call to the vet. It's bad news.

We have whitetail deer in the area. This is important, because deer droppings could infect llamas' eating grass in the area, and a parasite in the droppings could cause llama deaths after attacking their nervous system.

It's time to let go. Life has a cycle that I tend to forget about, except this day - a vivid reminder of that cycle. Anni was close to 10 years and the mother to Ruthie, who is taking it hard. Ruthie is close by, not leaving her mother's side, making a cooing sound that is eerie. Similar to the sound of bag pipes at a funeral. The sound makes you sad, and Ruthie knows things are not right in her world.

I sit next to my down animal, hold her head and neck in my lap, gently stroking her. I talk softly. I sit for hours. Nothing on the farm is as important as these final hours. I think and celebrate the good life that I have provided my farm animals. I learn, I care and do the best I can to provide a good quality of life for those I am responsible for.

I cannot control the deer as they are God's creatures too. I will, however, be putting deer fencing on my wish-list and at least try to segregate them from the llama pasture.

Annistasia went quietly later that afternoon. Ruthie is upset, and I am very quiet.
The trials we are faced with on a farm, it's not always easy. RIP Annie.

It's been a few days. I planted wild flowers on her grave as a memorial to a loving animal.