Dark Day

I'm sad to announce the experience of my first animal death today.

The death count has actually risen to three by lunchtime.

The first dead animal was found this morning. We were down in the pasture by the driveway, moving the sheep to some fresh grass. In the middle of the flock, a little white lamb had died. I didn't realize it at first, as one of the livestock vols picked the lamb up and carried her outside of the fence. Then, I noticed how limply her head hung, and knew what had happened.

Two goats also died today. None of them was a surprise. This past summer, the farm received an absurd amount of rain, which led to a lot of parasite-related illnesses among the sheep and goats. The three deaths today were related to something parasitic.

I guess I have to wonder what my reaction is, or what it should be. I live on a farm now, with a lot of livestock. Death happens. Animals get sick. And they aren't pets. After living here a while, the way people romanticize their pets almost seems childish, I guess because animals are such an ever day part of life. That, and as a farm volunteer, you tend to look at all animals as resources.

But, still, I was sad to see that dead lamb. She was so small. As time goes on, I'm sure I'll become desensitized to the whole thing, the animal birth and death cycle. Maybe a part of me will always dislike it.

On a lighter note, in response to John Lewis' comment, Abu kicked one of our vols in the mouth, because he was agitated. She is fine. A tooth got knocked loose, but has been repaired. And she has a whopping bruise on her arm. I didn't see the camel kick, but I heard it was a frightening sight to behold. Camels are usually quite gentile and not to be feared, unless you piss one off, apparently.