We said more good-byes today. While we knew our old sheep Job was probably not going to see the year end, we were not ready for his sudden demise. Yesterday seemed fairly normal - regular chores in the morning and evening. We didn't hear anything or sense any distress from the animals. We even hosted friends, so people were out and about in the back. But sometime in the afternoon, there was a coyote attack. We didn't determine that until this morning.
I took the girls to their Keeper of the Home session along with mascot Joe at 6:30pm. With the majority gone, Paul and the boys had the opportunity to fish. In the twilight they spotted Job floating in the pond. He was gone. We almost lost a goat to the pond in May; I suppose this is why these animals are referred to as the "stupid" ones. They like to step out into the grasses and reeds where it "looks greener" literally and they lose their balance and get over on their sides. Without a steady ground they are unable to right themselves and are vunerable. Hannah and Naomi spotted the goat earlier in the summer and we were able to rescue her - basically pull her up enough for her to get her footing and tear out of there! But with Job, we assumed the poor old man just couldn't right himself in time.
This morning provided different answers. Josh and I took the boat while Paul and Jon took the land. While paddling out to pull Job out we spotted another pond victim! One of the white ladies (we call the three white sheep who always stick together the "white ladies") was on her side and tangled. With the help of the four of us we got her up and out - but there was blood and wounds. While Paul attended to her, Josh and I went to pull out Job. That's when we realized he didn't just lose his footing. Poor Job had been attacked and killed by a coyote(s). The markings were undeniable. We've come to recognize the work of various villians now living out here. What parts the racoons take versus the fox or the coyote. Even a cat will leave a unique way of dissection.
We lost Tina, our faithful Alpaca, to old age last year. It's hard to lose her best friend Job. Death comes on the farm more than I'd care to meet it. It's difficult to lose an animal. It's man-making to have to put one down. We worked on the white lady all morning. I never thought I'd be tending to sheep wounds. At first, it appeared that she was responding fairly well given the shock of her attack and pond experience. As the day went on, we had to make the tough call. She was unable to move her back legs and it appeared that her neck was broken. It was time. My boys have become men out here on the Ranch. In the past three years I've seen them rise up to do the hard things Ranch-life demands. They have buried many an animal, nursed many an animal, and now put one down (and not for eating - there is a difference). I'm thankful for young men who are learning the value of life and the mercy of death.
Still, it's been a hard day. I suppose the girls are learning life lessons, as well - they just aren't present during the difficult parts. Now, sons, it's time to kill a coyote.
(Don't worry, no one 10 and under is allowed out back without an adult.)
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