The past month has been an unplanned hiatus and respite for us. We lost two beloved members of our family and farm, Daphne and Butch.
Our 15.5 y.o. retriever, Daphne, was our first English Golden. While she maintained a strong spirit right up until the end, her health has been sliding for months. We think losing her pal and half sister Mishka at Christmas last year was really hard on her.
Although we thought we were prepared for when this moment would come, we have been a mess, to be honest with you! Losing our three girls within a 1 1/2 year span has felt like losing family - and a big part of what has always made our home feel like home.
Daph's departure stirred the pot of grief for the loss of all three of the special girls in the photo below. This is the first time we've been dog-less in 25 years.
We are sitting still with it for now - but let me tell you, it will not stay this way for long.
Daphne Almax of Xanthos
11/3/95 - 6/18/11
Although deaf and struggling to walk, Daph could snatch a tennis ball out of the air right up until the end (well, as long as I aimed for her mouth). Her favorite past times: barking at rabbits, sucking on her fruffy toys, slurping Frosty Paws.
Our girls celebrating the holidays in '08 (left to right):
Emma (Melfricka Nth Degree), Daphne (Almax of Xanthos)
and Mishka (McCangus Queen of Hearts)
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More sad news. In June we had to say goodbye to Butch, the best Angora goat in the world. In goat years, he was getting up there. Somehow he managed to dislocate his hip, to the point where our vet was unable to pop it back into the socket. He was our buddy. I will miss him sucking on my hair and stealing my winter hats.
Gypsy is lonesome for a goat buddy. We are working on finding a good companion for her.
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Sorry to break my blog hiatus with bad news. There are some wonderful things in the works here and I have news to share in a separate post.
Butch
I, too, am deeply saddened about your losses. My heart aches for you. Hugs to you, Mike and everyone at Springdelle Farm.
Posted by: lisa mcguire | July 15, 2011 at 09:34 AM
So very sorry for your losses, Barb! The other side has gotten very full with beloved four-legged family for so many people these past two years. We've lost two well-aged cats, though their ages didn't make it easier, and my nearly 7 year old heart dog since February '10. I lost my boy just over three months ago. I'm glad that you know you will have to move forward soon. I didn't realize it as quickly, but we are planning to get a puppy in the month. He won't be my beloved Ethan, but I'm sure he will be much loved and will help me gain a little more peace. Hugs and best wishes to you!!!
Posted by: RichelleCK | July 15, 2011 at 12:45 PM
I'm also so very sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved animals. My husand and I, too, are dogless for the first time in 40 years. It's really hard to be in this place.
Marcy
Posted by: Marcy | July 15, 2011 at 01:03 PM
So very sad for your losses.
Posted by: Connie | July 15, 2011 at 05:54 PM
Our furry friends are our family. They will always be held in our hearts. We lost our cream tabby male Paddington a few months ago and it makes my heart ache. We understand and you have our hearts and thoughts. Hold onto the warm memories and they'll always be with you.
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa I | July 15, 2011 at 06:27 PM
Wow...that is very difficult. My heart goes out to you at this heartbreaking time. I can't help but think of Butch at the June Strolling of the Lambs out and about, curiously checking out all the visitors and looking for a snack!
Posted by: Joan | July 15, 2011 at 06:52 PM
So sorry to hear of your loss. I know how hard it is to lose good friends. Dogs are about the best friends around.
Posted by: Denise | July 15, 2011 at 11:28 PM
I'm so sorry to hear of the losses. I'm always amazed at how large and empty and colorless a place feels without the usual critters around.
Remember the good times.
Posted by: bullwinkle | July 16, 2011 at 08:49 AM
Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Being prepared is not enough, the pain is still beyond anticipation. Please do not remain dogless or even goatless for very long. Been there, it is Hell! Only a new friend will ease the pain, not repair the loss. Each pet has it's own style of love.
Posted by: Peggy D | July 16, 2011 at 03:48 PM
I am so sorry. Butch was one of my favs. I didn't get to know the dogs as well, but I know how much they mean to you.
Posted by: Laurie | July 16, 2011 at 04:05 PM
I'm sorry to hear of your losses. The loss of an animal can strike as deep as the loss of a person.
Posted by: R Clark 2 u | July 16, 2011 at 08:52 PM
So sorry to hear about Daphne and Butch. I can honestly tell you that every post about Butch made me smile.
You are a loving advocate for all your animals--even when it is hard.
Posted by: Cindy in Happy Valley | July 18, 2011 at 11:42 AM
So sorry to hear of this loss. It took us a year and a half to get ready to replace our old dog, and the new pup is a handful, but does fill up the place. That said, I'm grateful for all of you that you have lots of other critters to care for to keep you focused.
Posted by: Stephanie B. | July 19, 2011 at 04:03 AM