Liam is dying, he’s eating sporadically and hanging back in the barn, and mostly sits alone in the Pole Barn or the pasture.
We’ve seen this enough to know what it means. Liam is special to us; he is a wether (a neutered ram), he was the last lamb born on this farm, and Susie was the mother.
Liam was born in 2014. We are not planning to treat him or have him examined; he shows all of the signs of a fading sheep.
He is a gentle and easygoing soul. I’ve had a bunch of unpleasant wethers and Liam has always been a sweet and easygoing soul. He is also a beautiful animal.
Liam (named after the actor Liam Neeson) is eating small amounts of hay, and we are giving him some grain to strengthen him.
He shows no signs of suffering, but I think it’s just a matter of days or weeks before we find him dead in the Pole Barn, where I imagine he will go to die peacefully.
He rarely comes up to the fence to look into my camera or my eyes. I think he is telling me he is ready. We’ve spent a lot of time together. He is losing weight rapidly and walking erratically.
A farm is all about life and death; one goes hand in hand with the other. That is the natural order of things; it is sad but not only sad. It is life. You can’t live on a farm and not know death.
I can’t really predict things like this to the day, but I see Liam declining rapidly, and I’ve seen what that means.
We’ll leave him alone to live out his time naturally, if there is any sign of suffering we’ll move to end it.
He took on Red for a while, but Red got him into shape. He is a familiar and grounding figure on the farm; we will miss him. But he had a very good and peaceful and comfortable life.
Please check him for worms. He isn’t that old and what you are describing sounds like anemia from barber pole worms. A simple fecal sample taken to the vet could tell you.
Keller, thanks for your concern, but I’ll restate our policy every time an animal gets old and declines. We have a good vet, and we accept his advice and counsel. We’ve had sheep for more than a decade and know how to care for them and monitor their health. We’ve been through this many many times. We know how to test our animals. We do not accept or pay attention to strangers on Facebook or other social media who offer medical advice or diagnose animals over the Internet, that has never worked and I consider it dangerous and unethical. I appreciate your caring, but I don’t want to waste your time or anyone one else’s.
Dorothy, this is not your business in any way. If you don’t like what you read, go somewhere else. And stop pretending that you know how Maria and I will care for Liam. You have no idea about his health or history, and I feel no obligation to explain it to you, a total stranger. Fortunately, our vet does know, and he very much respects the way we treat our animals. You despoil our own grieving experience with your unwanted and unknowing intrusion. This is not your loss or your concern. I am not rude enough. obviously.
I took a deep breath to restrain my anger at someone who would exploit the illness of one of our animals to puff themselves up and invade the intense privacy of the moment with righteousness and judgment.
Liam means a lot to us, and I don’t need you to suggest I don’t care because I don’t take medical advice from you, someone who knows even less about me than you know about Liam.
.
I don’t know how to say it nicely (to your supporters also) – please go away, and thank you for hearing me and respecting our impending loss by trying to make us feel worse. Really? And I’m rude? I hope I’m never so insensitive as to treat someone dealing with loss and grieving this way while being cheered on by other insensitive people I dont know. That’s the Internet in 2023.
I can hardly grasp the gall you have in criticizing me for sharing Liam’s death so that you can try to shame me for not taking your advice, which is ludicrous under circumstances you are completely ignorant of. I don’t remember seeing you here when the vet last came to examine Liam and gave us his diagnosis. I’m not the least bit sorry for responding rudely (I toned it down, believe me). I am sorry for having to write this message at all, as one of the beloved and symbolic animals of the farm lies dying just outside my window.
I believe Keller Erika was just trying to be helpful. I don’t understand publically posting about Liam and being unwelcome about comments. I am sorry about his impending death.
I don’t need you to understand it, Jane; I share my life; I don’t give it to other people or ask for their approval of everything I do. And I’m not polling on my beliefs. If you can’t understand what I wrote on this page, then I am either a dreadful writer or you are a poor listener. I was honest about what I felt. That’s all I owe you. I do not spend time on Facebook arguing with strangers about my feelings or decisions. A bad way to spend my life.
It’s discouraging that you don’t know the difference between sharing the live of animals without giving up the right to make our own decisions in a piece. Most of my readers have always understood that. If you dont get it, you won’t be happy reading my blog.
Thanks for the good words about Liam. This discussion is over for me; I moved on a while ago, and we are just into wheel spinning and accomplishing nothing and doing nothing worthwhile. How we deal with Liam’s sickness is no one’s business but ours. I can’t make that any clearer, even if you don’t understand it. The good words and sympathy most people offer, including you, are welcome. Best wishes to you and thanks for the good thought.
You have taught me a lot about animals. It still makes my heart ache to see them pass. In my estimation, you are doing the right thing. Living & dying is part of the order of the universe. Blessings…
Thanks Carole, I have learned to expect death as part of the natural order of things and let it happen, along as there is no suffering. I will miss Liam, but it’s his time. I appreciate the message.
Liam is telling you something, and you are hearing it. I am sorry that he is nearing the end, but it is the natural order of things…life and decline and death. He has lived a charmed and good life…..that is always something to be thankful for. May your journey be an easy and trouble free one, Liam.
Susan M
You come across as rude. But on another note. Always sad and hard when a pet or animal leaves us..God bless Liam on his journey , he will be missed. And thoughts are with you during this hard time.
Not rude enough, apparently. Thanks for the good thoughts.
Oh Liam… I still have some of your yarn.
Peaceful travels dear Sheep….
Good journey, Liam. May you fare well. And hats off to your strength and courage, Jon, and your authenticity.
Thanks, Nicky, you put it well; Liam is strong and has always been courageous. One long-time reader wrote to say she was once mad at Liam for giving Red such a hard time (he was the only one who dared to do that.) After being thumped a few times, Red charged him and nipped him once on the nose, the only place border collies are supposed to correct sheep (and the only place they feel a nip). After that, Liam made the adjustment and treated Red respectfully. Red, in return, came him a lot of leeways to be a leader of the flock.
Farewell Liam. I enjoyed his relationship with Red as you wrote about it. Hope he ends peacefully. Love to you all
Thanks, Carrie, I appreciate your good words and your empathic tone. I promise you, and he will go peacefully and comfortably. We feel very strongly about that. At this point, no more medicine or injections or intrusions. I feel that he is close. Your kindness is helpful.
I was going to ask you how long the average sheep lives, but I googled it instead. It said 10-12 years. Liam is on the low end for that, so his passing isn’t unreasonable, for all those who are suggesting otherwise. It’s always sad, though. 😞
Yes I know
So so sad…very hard to say the goodbyes! May you always keep your fond memories of Liam close to your heart ♥️