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Thursday, May 22, 2014

Losing Toby

Barely here for three weeks, little Tobermory captured our hearts with his delightful antics and will to live. His loss of sight was not much of an obstacle when combined with his boundless enthusiasm. I was so busy enjoying his company that I hardly took any good photographs; he was always on the move, unless he was sleeping or peeing- hence the silly look of concentration below.

Toby died of abomasal bloat late last night. I found out during some feverish searching through reference books and on the web that there is no successful cure for this type of bloat (although I tried), but that it can be prevented. Bottle lambs do not come with manuals and I foolishly learned a horrible lesson in my ignorance, at a severely tragic and terrible cost. Toby trusted me implicitly and it was undeserved. I will cherish all the sweet memories he gave me and hope his nightmarish end blessedly fades from my head.

 

 

5 comments:

  1. Every loss is a lesson learned....unfortunately it never gets easier for the shepherd. Wishing you healing.

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  2. I'm so very sorry you lost this precious little guy, Sherry. I think you love your animals like family, like so many of us do and it must be very hard for you all. Big hug!

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  3. I'm sorry for your loss. Maybe he really wasn't supposed to be here for very long.

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  4. Aww, I'm so sorry Sherry. What a painful loss. :(

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