We knew this afternoon that Suzy was suffering.
She struggled to stand up, had stopped eating, and rolled onto her side, trembling. She died a few hours later, shot in the head.
She left a large hole in the farm’s life. She was an important animal in our life on the farm.
We agreed a couple of days ago when Maria warned me she was fading to give her the chance to die naturally, as the last ewe who died did, and to intervene if she seemed to be suffering.
We picked a time. Maria and I agreed that this had to happen before any of our animals died. We each have a veto. She made the final call late this afternoon, asking me again if I thought it was right. She had no doubt, and neither did I.
Suzy was with us for 13 years, almost as long as we were married, and she was one of Maria’s favorite sheep. She gave birth to Liam, our gentle wether. He died before her. Her life is woven deeply into our story.
In the afternoon, several sheep stood by her.
Suzy helped Maria understand sheep and care for them well. She was gentle and calm.
She helped Maria gain the confidence to take over the care of the sheep; while I had a herding dog, I took care of them.
She visited with them at least once a day, counted them, brushed them, grained them when cold, gathered their wool, and sold it as yarn.
That relationship is born for intimacy, a unique way to love and learn about an animal. She helped Maria grow strong.
Having seen some large animal vets put sheep down – IVs and wrestling to the ground – we decided the most humane way for her to die was to be shot. I usually did the shooting, but I couldn’t shoot Suzy; it was too much like shooting family. I knew her for too long.
She followed Maria into the barn – we believe sheep know when it’s time – and sat down. She had surrendered.
She died instantly and without suffering. We didn’t want her to die out in the cold by herself.
We know someone, a friend, who does this and does it well. He shot Suzy on the back of her head between the ears. I was behind her; Maria waited outside.
She moved her legs once or twice and never moved again. She no longer seemed aware of her surroundings. Take care, Suzy, and thanks; we are grateful for knowing you for so long. She’s gone out to a peaceful spot in the woods.
Life goes on. This spring, we have a lot of healthy sheep to shear and a lot of yarn to process.
How kind you and Maria are! You kept close watch on Suzy waiting to see if she would die naturally and when it became clear she needed help you did not hesitate.
my condolences to you both for your loss of Susie…..but she had a beautiful, long life…..and a swift and painless death. Couldn’t wish for more than that, though her loss will leave a void. Graze peacefully, wherever you are, Susie…… you were much loved.
Susan M
Each time you lose a sheep, I think of those wonderful portraits Maria took (probably a couple years ago) of every sheep in her flock. Those photos brought out their distinct personalities. And if it’s possible for sheep to look beautiful, they were. Suzy was part of that group. She had a good life on your farm.
Jon, I don’t understand why you were angry when I suggested this. With natural death you contradict everything you wrote in Going Home. Actually friends would ask my husband to shot their animals, even dogs. He did it as a favor and because he had the knowledge and the right gun. Things have changed now and our last dogs were taken to the vet but never livestock.
You want to know something, I am 80 and don’t wish to die a natural lingering death. Humans sometimes don’t have a choice.
Ledge, I’m not angry with you. I don’t agree with you, and I don’t believe in expecting other people to do what I do because I do it. We each do it our own way, I don’t take a poll on what I do. It’s not a personal quarrel, just a different way of seeing things.
Rest well Susie! You will be missed. Thinking of you and Maria tonight, sending love your way.
Wow. We just lost our cat named Suzi. Decided to let her go while still under during surgery. Tough for my husband and I but blessing for the animal that now suffers no more. All I know about sheep is what I read on your and Maria’s blogs. Suzy seems to have been at a ripe old age. And I understand you could not do the deed yourself. It was quick and merciful and who would not want it that way.
I’m so very sorry 😔
She was my favorite sheep too. I remember meeting her at the open houses. It’s sad but it’s farm life. I’m facing some decisions now with a horse. It’s not time yet. Be we watch. But they do leave a hole when they are gone.
My condolences on the loss of Suzy. I’m happy for her that she lived a good life with you, Maria, and the other animals on the farm.
So sorry Jon and Maria. Even though we expect these losses they are always poignant. God speed Suzie. I will miss seeing your photographs.good sh
So sorry for you and Maria’s loss. It’s never easy, but she had a great life in your Peaceful Kingdom.
My sincere condolences to you both for the loss of Suzy. It is never easy to lose an animal you love.
Rest well, Suzy. You are peace.
Thank you for the update on Suzi. My condolences to you and Maria for the loss of your beloved sheep. She had a good, long life with you two. I hope that is a comfort.
I somehow missed the news of Liam’s death. Condolences for him, too, however long it has been. I remember when he was born, and named after Liam Neeson during the carriage horse saga.
well done. I want someone like you when it is my time
If I should die and leave you here awhile,
Be not like others, soon undone, who keep long vigil, and weep.
For my sake turn again to life and smile,
Something to comfort weaker hearts than thine,
And I, perchance, may therein comfort you.
Thomas Gray