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”
I am really sorry. You have made the most caring decision and those are the most difficult.
I hate the thought that anyone would give you, or anyone else in the position a hard time. It’s a bloody tough decision to arrive at. I’ve been there -similarly- with much loved companion animals. Easing their way is the human-for-good thing to do. As for the outcome, it is such for farmed animals. It’s a choice each of us make every day but further along the food chain. Some of us say yes, others no. Both have that right. I know you will be sad, much love to you ♡
An important decision made, not easily, life will feel pretty shitty for a while, big hugs (((C)))
I am sorry you have needed to make this decision. Sorry, but, you have made the best decision and what will be needs to be.
You are making a very hard decision. We are the stewards of our animals and must do what’s best for them. So many people do not make the hard choices and the animals suffer because of it.
C. Just the fact that you are feeling so miserable about this decision is just another testament to your adoration and respect for this cow… that, as you say, has worked so hard for you and your family. You have recognized and acknowledged that and this will be that last show of love and respect…to allow your cow to have a “noble and dignified end” All of us who have had animals have had to make that same heartbreaking decision. If we did not and allowed that animal to suffer, then we could call ourselves, hard hearted.
You have given her the best life and now you are giving her the best end to that life. You are going to be in the hearts and minds of all of us in these next few difficult days….
Much love to you…
After having to make the decision for a beloved pet, I can imagine how you feel. Sending hugs to you and loving appreciation and respect for all that Lady Astor has contributed to your life and those whose lives she touched in some way, shape, or fashion.
“…a noble and dignified end.” What a great gift, and given with great love. Wishing you peace, Miss C.
I am glad you discussed with your vet before sharing the information with your readers. I can’t imagine anyone questioning your motivation. To not follow the recommendation of your vet would be inhumane and far more cruel. You have served one another well and I wish you only the best.
So sorry! Sending you hugs and love.
Thank you for your kindness Celia. We should all have such a loving end.
You are very lucky to be able to get a date at an abattoir on such short notice. I love the Old Codger’s quote. Quite true. Go in peace.
((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))) for you C. So sorry.
Tears and love coming to Lady and you ….you are doing the right thing and it is hard. We will all be thinking of you and Lady.
Much love.
Awe, these decisions are never easy. We had to put down an injured horse 4 years ago, I still think of it from time to time.