Wednesday, April 5

A Sweeter Sheep You Will Not Meet



Lucky 13
5/28/04 - 4/5/06

She was never without a hint of a smile,
and she was always first through the gate each morning.


That's what happens on a farm--animals inevitably die. But, at least for this farmgirl, even after 12 years it hasn't gotten any easier. Some people would no doubt say I let myself get too close to my critters, but I don't feel that way. They are my constant companions, my dear friends, my family. The joy that knowing them brings me is immeasurable, and that, unfortunately, means losing one hurts so much more. And while I try not to play favorites, some of them just work their way deeper into your heart than others. Lucky 13 was in there pretty deep.

Yesterday morning I thought Lucky 13 was in the early stages of labor. As the day went on, it became increasingly clear that she was not about to give birth, and that something was very wrong. I poured through my books, comforted her the best I could, and administered to her around the clock. When I went to check on her a little while ago, she was gone. I'll never know for certain what the problem was. But I know without a doubt that it will be quite some time before I stop looking for her smiling face making its way toward the barn gate each morning. The photo above was taken on July 14, 2005 but never posted. Please click here if you'd like to see one of my other favorite photos of Lucky 13.

Farewell, sweet girl. You will be missed.

35 comments:

  1. Oh Farmgirl. I am so sorry. Gosh. I was moved to tears twice today on blogs. The first with happy news on Orangette, and the second with the loss of Lucky 13 here. Blogs are an amazing thing -- we become attached to otherwise perfect strangers -- but I hope that you know that all of us out here are so thankful for your blog and for all of your wonderful critters. God bless Lucky 13.

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  2. S- my heart is with you. No such thing as being too close to our critters. It does mean losing them will hurt more, but it is truly better to have known and loved them with all your heart. Hugs !

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  3. Aww Fg
    *Hugest possible cyber hug*

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  4. I'm so sorry, Farmgirl. What a beautiful creature she was. Maya's right - we your readers are so blessed to have had her be a part of all we haved learned and loved from you and your blog. My condolences.

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  5. SO very sorry to read about Lucky 13. (((Hugs)))

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  6. Condolences from another farm girl in Wyoming.. I have lost many over the years and it always seems the ones you are most attached too, because they do become family. Never the "buggers"! Lucky 13's smile will always be with you! Her spirit will always be with the flock.

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  7. So sorry to hear about Lucky 13, Farmgirl. :(

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  8. her cute smile was never sheepish.
    I am sorry FG.

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  9. So sorry for your loss. I can only imagine your pain, she was a beautiful sheep:) I agree with Maya, we feel like friends that can comfort eachother through the blog lines. I believe this was part of God's plan:))

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  10. no doubt she will also be the first through Heaven's gate...

    so sorry for your loss...

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  11. It's a sad day for all of us that admire and love you, your farm, and your animals. *hugs*

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  12. Take heart, Farmgirl! I know that she is frolicking happily somewhere right this moment ...

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  13. First through the gate...and such a face.

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  14. So sorry to hear this, Farmgirl. I know she was dear to you.

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  15. Am sorry that you lost her. They do become such dear friends. I do not look forward to when I loose one of my cat friends... especially LeChat.

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  16. {{{{hugs}}}}

    I'm so sorry. It sucks so much when our critters leave us.

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  17. Sorrow to you in your loss of one of your very own.
    Thank you for the daily treat you share with us in your blog.

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  18. My heart goes out to you .Its never easy to loose one of our darling critters.
    I looked at Lucky 13, photos ,
    You gave her a good life .
    Hugs, from across the mountains.

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  19. Oh dear... *HUGS* I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Lucky 13. Those critters we call our animal friends cast deep hooks into our hearts, endearing every quirk to us.

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  20. condolences Farmgirl
    *puggie hugs*

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  21. Oh, I'm very sorry to hear such sad news...

    I can understand your grief, as it is very difficult not to get attached to animals.

    She was a special critter with an enigmatic smile!...

    Hugs from across the Atlantic!

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  22. Sympathy from a former farmgirl. They are not mere animals in a field. They become such a part of your life!

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  23. Oh, dear Farmgirl, I am so sorry that you(we) have lost Lucky 13. Your poignant way with words brings us all to love you and your critters.
    May you see Luck 13's smile in all the emerging spring beauty.

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  24. I'm so sorry to hear about Ms Lucky 13. We get as attached to our critters, if not moreso, than we do members of our own family. Must be the unconditional love they give us.

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  25. Farmgirl, I'm so very, very sorry. I had been thinking about Lucky 13 yesterday, wondering if she had a boy or a girl. She did have a beautiful face, her personality shines through in the pictures. These things are so hard, but both of you were so lucky to share time together. And thank you so much for sharing Lucky with us. Look at how many people care about her and you.

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  26. Oh Susan, once again your blog goes to the very heart of the way we think and feel. Maya said it best, we are truly thankful for your blog, with all it's ups and downs. I only have one sheep in my life on a part-time basis. He's called Muppet and lives at the same yard as my horse, in fact I just scratched his nose this afternoon, stinky ole fleabag that he is, I can't resist his bleating; so he always gets a few pony nuts for his trouble. Anyway, feeling your sorrow today and shedding a sympathetic tear. You're not mad at all to feel the way you do. Never stop caring for the critters. God Bless. XXX

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  27. she was a sweet one. i'm sorry for your loss.

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  28. I'm so sorry.... It's always hard to lose a friend, whether two- or four-footed. She will always be with you. Thank you so much for sharing your grief, and reminding us of how precious life is. *Hugs*

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  29. Hi Everyone,
    Thank you all so very, very much for taking the time to write. You have no idea just how much your kind and caring words mean to me.

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  30. Oh, she was so young .... I'm so sorry!

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  31. So sorry farmgirl! She was indeed lucky to be on your farm. It's hard to lose them, it makes it easier when the babies are jumping about though. Have a great week :)

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  32. Oh the darling! I love her sweet smile... So sorry to hear. I agree, a pet is a pet, a life a life-- even on a farm. Best and hugs.

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  33. Chiming in late to say I am sorry at your loss--and to say that crying over a sheep is no sillier than crying over a cat or dog.

    Our animal friends are our friends and that is that. Sorrow happens when we lose our friends--and so, tears.

    You would not be who you are if you were not as close to your sheep as you are. You are not "too close," you are as you should be.

    Peace to you and the rest of your flock.

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  34. I come to you late, but no less moved. Yes, we sure do get close to other life on our planet. That's a good thing...

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December 2015 update: Hi! For some reason I can't figure out, Blogger hasn't been letting me leave comments on my own blog (!) for the last several months, so I've been unable to respond to your comments and questions. My apologies for any inconvenience! You're always welcome to email me: farmgirlfare AT gmail DOT com.

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