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’m so sorry C. She gave the farm calves and nourishment until she couldn’t. You gave her a wonderful place to live, delicious food to eat, love, and cow besties. She will be missed by all on the Farmy, especially Auntie Del. Spend some time with her, tell her about where she came from and what a good cow she has been. That seems to help me when we have to say goodbye to our animals. Love, love.
I just lost my 18-year-old kitty last Friday, after she became paralyzed: probably by a thromboembolism. Doing the responsible thing can be extraordinarily difficult, but more often than not, being responsible is just another way of loving.
Thank you for being honest and for being kind to Lady Aster. That you will see she is not afraid is the mark of a good caretaker.
Sending loving energies to you both. xx
We just had to make that hard decision with Romeo the horse. It is the best decision for the animal, but horrible for you, the human.
Hugs. Sometimes we all need a hug. I’m sure this is one of those times.
Noble and dignified, and your presence loving her right up to the end… as good as you can make it. I feel for you both and have been there so many times with all my animals – though not a cow ! Go well, the both of you XXX
Sending you lots of love C! I’m grateful to have met her. Love, Rosy
My sympathies coming your way, Ceci! I’m sure Lady Astor will thank you in her heart of hearts for your kindness, and I thank YOU for putting this news so gently to us, your loving readers. If I were close by, I would put an arm around your shoulders, but a cyber arm about will have to do for now. Thank the Good Lady Astor for the joy she has brought us through the years and again, thank YOU for sharing!
Well done, C. In the proper sense of the words. Not ‘bravo’, but doing the right thing properly. And for writing movingly and truthfully and beautifully about your dear grumpy cow, who is leaving you in a few days. She gave you what she had to give, you gave her what you had to give, and the transaction is coming to an end. Farewell, Lady A, and thank you.
Thinking of you and the farmy . . . and hoping there is a ‘cow heaven’ on the other side of eternal green pastures and balmy sunshine . . .
I have never even been close to a cow. But through your blog we have all come to love Lady, and will be walking in spirit with you on Thursday. Much love XX
You’ll get no grief from me either. All should go with so much love and dignity. Giant hugs.
It’s hard, but as you said you are a farmer. Sending hugs anyway.
That is so sad. 😦 I am glad you will go and be with her. No one should be alone in a time like that. Sending my love.
Peace girl, be well 🙂