It is a very sad day at the Sanctuary. Last night, we had to say goodbye to the Patriarch of our goat herd, Buster. The goats all have a special place in my heart but Buster was one of a kind - a majestic and kind soul. Always the first to greet visitors, he and his best friend, Louie, were the foundation goats at Barnyard Sanctuary - both being well into their mid-teens. We lost Louie last year and Buster, who came to us with a chronic arthritic disease, had for some time been feeling his advanced age - the arthritis had caused his knee joints to fuse and swell, the medications used to control his pain had become ineffective, and he had lost most of his teeth. Part of our responsibility to these that we love so much is the responsibility to put an end to a suffering that is without remedy. It is, in my opinion, the highest and most difficult of our responsibilities - the responsibility to put aside our desire to prolong a life of suffering simply because it is so painful to see that life end. I will remember and miss Buster fiercely. Buster standing patiently while his long hair was bathed and groomed. Buster proudly wearing his specially made brochure vest at public functions. Buster, the gentle giant, happily enduring the attentions of small children. Buster calling loudly to announce feeding time. Buster, my friend, resting his head on my chest to soak up the love and affection i always felt for him. It is a very sad day at the Sanctuary.
Posted on: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 14:57:39 +0000
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