Ok. Sad news first.
I feel terribly bad about this. But John has decided that FreeBee cannot live on the farm anymore. Tye bog boars frequent daily escapes have left the fences wrecked and then he leaves a trail of destruction through the farm yard. Wai will not come out anymore. Tima is restricted to the barn. The ducklings are still in the brooder. The gardens cannot be planted.
Lately John has just stopped locking him in anymore.
FreeBee is a very big animal with very sharp teeth and tusks and until he is gone the grandchildren’s visits are curtailed.
Mainly he is going after other animals food and of course the big field. But appears up in the front garden and the pond at any time.
He will be put down on Thursday. It will be quick. I am so sorry. We have run out of good options. His sponsor and I have looked all over for another home for him, in vain. His only other option is to be locked into a small pig pen which is no life for a hog. Also in the periods john did try to lock him in FreeBee would rip out mouthfuls of wooden gate and literally chew his way out. So being locked into a pen does not really work either. And I could not condone it.
The guilt I feel about this is wretched. I know this is not about me. But I hate not being able to fix this. But pets rarely have a simple end. Often we have to make decisions for them that break our hearts.
Maybe it is some kind of old age dementia. Domestic pigs rarely get to be this old. And Sheila got scratchy in her old age too. But Sheila could not be bothered breaking out anywhere – she was not walking so well in the end.
So there you are. I can’t talk about it anymore. I really can’t. It is miserable.
Jude is still calmy wandering about in the spring sun in the field waiting for food, without any plans to break out when there is a perfectly good gate to go through. And miserably the farm will heave a sigh of relief when FreeBee is gone.
That is all for today. I can’t bear it.
Don’t forget to pop in for the TKG Sunday newsletter.
The meringue recipe is there too.
Doctors day today for my pregnant daughter. I go with her to the appointments now as her person. Her doula and nanny in waiting. She and her unborn son are the reason I am not on the farm anymore. It is a very busy time filled with good work. I cannot express how grateful I am for her choosing me to help her with bring up this baby.
Solo Mums need a network of support. So if you have a solo mum in your community I hope you are able to give her a hand. Long term.
Maybe ask your doctor if she knows of any young mums who might need help and support.
It is the first of April here in Australia. A new month.
Celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
61 responses to “Sad news about FreeBee”
That is very sad news, but as you said, he has lived a long life and been very well looked after. I thought Jude was the naughty one!
Your daughter looks just like you!
We do look alike. And get on very well together which is a great relief. So this is a happy home.
It sounds like a very exciting time for you both!
I’m so sorry, Celi. I know you care for all of your animals deeply. And yet it makes sense that an animal who has become so destructive cannot live on the farm. Soon you will be immersed in new life.
I very much look forward to the total new baby immersion. It will be a major life-change.
I am so, so sorry, Celi, I know this breaks your heart. But it sounds like the best decision all around. And what a gorgeous photo of your daughter as comfort.
She gave me permission to publish her photo – though you know how I hate that stuff! But she and her pregnancy have become so huge in my landscape (not to mention huge in her belly) that it is getting harder not to mention her. You may as well have a photo!
Oh Celi, what a sad post to read this morning. Over the years freebee ha been part of your life and to a certain extent, ours. I feel for you and for john who has had to make this final decision. Obviously, you can’t have a huge hog rampaging around. It will take a while for you to get over this. Meantime, I suggest a walk around your neighbourhood, there may be children to see on the swings in one of the parks and a walk around your newly planted garden will certainly help. Best regards to you and the mother-to-be.
We have tried everything we can and it seems we have run out of options. Sad. I walk every day – sometimes twice – have to keep my steps up! Thursday (which will be Friday here) will be the hardest. That is the day she leaves us.
I always thoughtFreebee was a male.was a male.Lovely photo of the mother to be
Yes he is a male – typo.
Bloody hell. I feel bad for FreeBee, John and you from each of your pov’s. You’re right, domestic pigs didn’t live long lives or free-range in proximity. He had a good life, a better life for his time on The Farmy.
On a happier note, your daughter looks magnificent. And you sound settled, if a little sad as is only fair.
I do get more settled every day. Sad is OK. It is better to be sad than not caring at all. It will pass – as these things do.
Will leave the first part alone but say only how sorry I am and sending hugs.
What a lovely surprise to be honored here with a picture of daughter and that growing baby belly! Please tell her, from a very long-time Farmy member, thank you for allowing us to be a part of her (and your journey). Gorgeous mom to be who looks quite a lot like her mum I think 🙂 Also I am incredibly jealous over pregnancy fashion these days…the things I wore in the 80″s and early 90’s do not compare 🙂
I will tell her! In fact she will probably read this herself. She reads my posts and though she never comments she likes to stay in the loop.
You have done the right thing with FreeBee……You will sleep better now.x. As for your beautiful daughter….it does take a village……..:)xx
It does take a village. So true.
That was a difficult decision about FreeBee. But, the right one in my opinion.
Lucky daughter and baby. You will make a great doula and nanny.
It was difficult and will continue to be so. I have left an aging population on the farm though he encouraged me to come out and look after my family, John has inherited the care of a lot of old pigs!
That is certainly very sad news, we have all followed Freebee all of his life. Such a sad time for you but of course there is no other course open to you.
Life is full of such difficult decisions – in fact the moment we accept a pet into our lives we know there will be sadness at the end. Yet we gladly accept the journey.
I’m so sorry, Celi. These are the toughest decisions to make and they never feel good. I’m glad it is tempered with the joy of a baby to come. Sending hugs.
Loving the hugs! Thank you so much.
So sorry to hear about Freebee, I believe you said something about all life, no matter how small, being important.
Yes. So true. Every life leaves a mark. Leaves an impression on us.
I’m very sorry about freebee and luckily freebee shared a very good life on the farm with all of you. and you have new life coming into your life soon. ❤ peace to all of you.
peace to you too Beth! Life is full of twisty turns.😀
Sorry to hear about FreeBee. Sad as it is, it seems to be the best thing the for rest of the farm, and the current farmer. Hugs. Patti
There is nothing I can do from here so it is out of my hands. I feel so rotten about it.
We’ve had losses too, this past month. Animals that can’t or won’t be contained are dangerous to self and others.
I am sorry to hear of your losses. Sometimes life is just bloody hard. Take care now!
Shared loss makes it easier to bear. And you have new life awaiting. You may be too busy to grieve for long, I hope.
Oh Celi. My heart goes out to you. I know these kind of decisions. Hopefully in time you will be able to remember him more for his crazy younger days with you. Be gentle with yourself.
yes. I am at the point of trying not to think about it to much. I just feel miserable.