So, after another stepping on the udder episode, the Vet and I spent some quality time with Lady Astor and I agree with him that her time here needs to come to a noble and dignified end.
Her udder is only going to get worse with time. And the risks of more injuries increase with time.
I know it is sad. But let’s keep this all in perspective. This world we live in has a great many more issues that deserve our attention and our emotion. Kids are starving. Kids are being shot at. Teachers are being shot at and killed right here in this country. Some families – families I know, cannot afford to go to the doctors. I can’t afford to go to the doctors here in the US (but I am older so that is not so bad). But what I mean is we can’t be babies about this – as the Old Codger used to say “No-one gets out of this life alive.”
Dealing with my cow who has worked hard all her life for the people in her life and has come to the end of this time is so simple in comparison to some of the very real tragedies that people have to deal with. It is a natural thing. It is the cycle of life. And she is a cow. Her vet bills have been astronomical this year.
And no, I am not hard hearted. I am a farmer. I know I am a woman so people may expect me to be gentler and sweeter but I am not. I adore this cow. She has been my favourite milk cow for years now but her time has come. I must do what is best for her and not what is easiest for me. I would keep her alive just so I did not have to face this decision. But I must give her the respect she deserves and allow her a dignified exit.
I feel miserable about this. I even hate these cutsie chocolate box cloud photos.
But I will take her to the abbatoir and I will lead her in so she is not afraid and I will stand with her until the end. Because she deserves that. We all deserve that. I will ensure that she is not wasted. Poor old lovely, for all the love in the world, she is a cow. She is not my son or my husband. She is a cow. We need to be real about these things. Our neighbours would be lucky to be loved as much as we loved this curmudgeon bad tempered kick-you-in the-face cow.
I have to add that the decision to let Lady go is just as hard as Telling YOU of my decision to let Lady go. So please do not give me a hard time.
She leaves on Thursday.
I am not having a good day – I hope yours is better.
Celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
72 responses to “OK”
Big hugs to you and your cow. Better this then going on in pain.
Dear Celi, I know how those decisions hurt and how hard they are to make. Lady Astor has been a wonderful cow. It’s not just being a cow, it’s a life that has earned the dignity of release. She provided so much for you and the Farmy and you honor that by giving her an end with dignity. As hard as is it to be there at the end, I’ve done so for all my boys (dogs) over the years, I would be for any animal in my life just as I have been for the humans. She will be missed. The changing sky was most eloquent an accompaniment to this sad news.
Dear Miss Cel, We treat our animals with dignity. We give them dignity when they leave this world. Lady Astor had a good life with you. That is not the story in your blog. It is the poverty of children in the wealthiest of countries. It is the inability of those in need of health care and unable to afford it in the wealthiest of countries. It is the horrific madness of children and teachers gunned down in their class rooms and entertainment venues. And it is the avoidance of any comments on these tragedies from any of your followers.
A tough choice to have to make. I’m sorry for your loss.
She is lucky to have had you as her person.
I’m so sorry. Thank you for sharing this news and your thoughts about it. There are beautiful and supportive comments from so many. I read them all. I hope you feel the support and care coming your way from all of us. I’m sending positive and supportive thoughts for tomorrow and the days after.
Thank you for sharing this with your readers and you have my full support in all ways..
I would never ever give you a hard time, nor be judgemental. Not our right! I think that any animal that lives on your farm is very very lucky. Especially this lovely cow which I know was much loved. Thinking of you …