Good bye, Penny..

Last Tuesday, we sadly had to euthanize our goat Penny, maa-maa to three beautiful kids: Annabelle, Luc and Rosie.

Penny had had ongoing health issues since we adopted her from the OSPCA in the fall of 2015. She was pregnant with triplets at the time and managed to give birth to three beautiful kids. But I have been struggling to keep weight on her since the spring,  the vet has been her numerous times, and last week she developed yet another lung infection, so we decided to euthanize her rather than put her through any more treatments. My vet said to me a few months ago that eventually I would have to make "a decision"... so we did.

Penny was an awesome goat and an excelllent maa-maa to her babies.

Gordon and Annabelle, one of Penny's kids.

I had no idea what goats were like when we adopted our first six two years ago. But since then, I've come to realize that they are amazing, intelligent animals with very specific personalities. And Penny was just lovely.

Daphne and Penny having a little tête-à-tête.

Penny enjoying a bucket of warm water with molasses just after giving birth in January 2016.

Such a good mother.

She was always giving me that look!

Annabelle and Penny

The vet who euthanized her was the same young vet who did Daphne's C-section last March. He was incredibly kind and had tears in his eyes after he put her to sleep. 

I find this time of year difficult to begin with, as I have lost many humans (including both my parents) and animals at the end of August/start of September. Losing Penny at this time wasn't something I saw coming. And meanwhile, we are of course keeping a close eye on Millicent the cat, who has a huge tumour growing in her abdomen that will also necessitate a decision sooner rather than later (fortunately the prednisone is helping her right now; fingers crossed that that continues for a while.) Even as we watch Penny cross over to greener pastures, I knew that there is another vet visit in our near future that will end in the same way. I'm trying not to get too down about it all, but this time of year always makes me feel uneasy.

Rest in peace, dear Penny. You were such a stoic, sweet goat. Never a complaint from you, even with all the injections I had to give you over the past year. You are very missed by me and Gordon.

PS Next post will be more cheerful, promise...