This has been a difficult week for the farm. We lost two of our oldest flock members. Two of my original girls Violet and Camellia died of natural causes on Monday.  Violet got sick first and then Camellia.  I had the vet out on Saturday, unfortunately it being a weekend I had to pay emergency visit fees, and after all that the vet had no answers for me, only suggestions.  I gave them each doses of antibiotics, b vitamins, CMPK doses, nutri-drench, wormer, probiotics, grain, alfalfa and rest.  All in the hopes that something would work for them but to no avail.  These girls have been with me since the beginning of the farm and I was especially close with Camellia who was the sweetest, gentlest soul I have ever met.

Violet, 10 years old, was my only black female and the mother of my big boy Cedar.  She was a wonderful mother and Cedar loved to be near her even as an adult.

She was a bit of a pig and loved all the produce that the flock gets each week but her favorite treat was always bread.  She had a gorgeous jet black fleece when she was younger that grayed as she aged- I can relate. 🙂

Cedar remains close with his dad Brody and will take comfort in his company I believe.

My dear Camellia, 13 years old, will be greatly missed.  Days later I still think I see or hear her in the flock only to have the truth come rushing back to me that she is gone.

Camellia had such a warmth and softness to her that she made a perfectly natural, doting mama.  Her twins Madrone and Manzanita grew up to be lovely adults in their own right.

She had one of the softest fleeces I have known and a roundness to her body that showed her years of mothering before I knew her.  She loved treats and affection and would always greet me for a hello.

Camellia had a calming, zen-like presence.  I would glean that from her and walk away feeling more centered than when I approached.

I loved her so much and will always be grateful to have known her.

The difficulty in having animals is that they age so fast.  A lot of my flock is now in their golden years and I am realizing I will have to get used to loss.  It will be difficult but the connections are well worth it.  These creatures add such much reward and joy to my life and I hope I have added contentment and love to their lives as well.