November 25, 2008 – It seems clear to me that Winston, my admirable old rooster, is dying. Three times today, Annie or I had to pick him up and carry him into the barn, under the heat lamp where he sits and sleeps. His bad leg is giving out and he topples over, and he is blind in one eye and seems to be deaf as well. The onset of a cold and rainy winter seems to be draining him, even though I am giving him corn and birdseed and Annie is giving him feed.
 Winston has been through a lot. He injured his leg fending off a hawk attacking his hens, and his son Winston Jr. nearly killed him in an attack last year. He has survived many storms,  and a lot of seasons on this and other farms. I love his sense of duty and purpose, and I can hardly imagine waking up without hearing his trumpeting announcements to the world that the day has begun. This morning, I didn’t hear him crow at all. I think his time is soon.
  I would consider putting him out of any misery, if he deteriorates to the point that he can’t walk or get around, but I don’t feel that time has come, and he has earned the right to finish his life in comfort and dignity, I think, up to a reasonable point. He is an admirable creature, carrying out his duties with purpose and faithfulness. I’ll check in on him in the morning.