Alchemy Acres Tip of the Month

Alchemy Acres presents Tip of the Month

This has been a sad time here at Alchemy. We have lost two elderly residents - members of the family. First, Patti, my 15 year-old Pyrenees, finally gave up the battle with arthritis, and quietly passed away. Then Paisley, at 15, one of my best foundation does, joined Patti about two months later. In addition to these beloved elderly animals, I also lost my baby, Ashura, at kidding. So I'm printing this poem which quietly expresses how I feel.

LAST WORDS Owner Mine,
I am an old doe.
Do not look sad to see me like this.
Keep the tears from your eyes, even as mine dim.
Yes, I will pass soon,
But remember me not as you see me now,
My head lying cradled in your lap.
My life has been long for my species,
Each year behind me productive.
You have been blessed with my daughters,
My sons have done you proud.

Owner Mine,
I am no longer suffering.
My shudders are not pain,
Even as you weep, so do I.
Remember the memories we've had.
The first time we met, when I nuzzled your hand,
Looking up at you with winsome eyes.
Remember the shows, our first win together.
You were euphoric, your body vibrating with elation;
You hugged me and kissed my nose.
I remember it all.

Owner Mine,
When I have sighed my last breath,
I hope you don't mourn long for me,
Nor blame yourself for my passing.
I have lived my life in all its fullness.
Together we have endured victory and defeat,
Hardship and success with countless dreams come true
And just as many disappointments.
You talked to me, bared your soul to me, cried with me.
I was your friend when you wanted to be alone
You were my savior in my times of need.

Owner Mine,
My blood lives on in our herd.
They'll keep alive all the memories in your heart.
Though I shall pass this day,
When you look at them, remember me,
Because for every high mark earned, for every ribbon,
You have given me the greatest honor of all:
You believed in me, granting a chance at life
to that scrawny doeling hiding in the corner
Amidst a truckload of kids headed for the auction.
For giving me that chance, I have given you a lifetime of thanks.

Crystalline Dreams,
LaRhonda
Dragonstar Dairy Goats
Crescent City, California
April 26, 2000

Paisley never was in danger of going to any auction, but the rest of the poem eloquently expresses how I felt about our relationship. I'm blessed to have her daughters in my herd. When I look at Deja and Puabi, I see their mother's face. I haven't really lost her at all.

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