Little John’s surgery was scheduled for Ash Wednesday. Keats and I made the hour and a half trip to the vet together, just as we did last time. The surgery was lengthy and a bit involved, but in the end all necessary parts were removed, and we returned home with our drowsy goat.
Jonny spent that day replacing our broken kitchen faucet only to realize after installing the new one that it was itself broken, and he would need to start over. “Welcome to Lent,” I joked.
We ended up making the decision to keep Little John indoors to recover, at least until the current cold snap we are in passed. The vet agreed with our decision, as did Little John. He never forgot his early days inside. We joked about our “house goat” and were amused at the way he would head straight back to the front door to be let in after his potty breaks. Once inside, he would settle down in front of the woodstove. But, as he lost his appetite we began to worry.
I feel like I have spent most of the last four days watching Little John and wondering what else we should do, willing him to eat. I spoke to the vets multiple times. We tried so many things to bring him back, but nothing worked. No one expected it, but he died this evening in our living room, surrounded by many, many tears. I am so tired after all the worry and intense focus on him. Everything feels a little odd and off kilter. But this is the way it goes. Goats, we have learned, are delicate creatures.
This week promises to warm up and I have already seen daffodils blooming. I know that we’ll all feel much better in a few days.
Rest in peace, Little John.
TarynKaeWilson @ WoolyMossRoots says
Sorry for you guys! We lost some very sweet goats before and it was never easy. Love to you all <3
Mary says
so sorry! I hope you and the whole family find some comfort soon.
Chyrl says
I am so sorry. How wonderful that he was able to spend time with all of you inside by a warm fire. Little John was well loved by his family.
Alicia P. says
Oh no, no. I’m so sorry, Ginny. He was so darling. Aw shoot. I’m sorry. 🙁
Ruby says
Lots of hugs your way & to your family. I am a wreck when a pet passes. So sorry, Ginny. And I do hope you have been able to overcome your plumbing problems. What a week. I’ll be praying for you & for Little John. I hope he’s at peace now. I’m certain he is. xx
Dora says
Sorry to hear about Little John. Always sad to lose a pet. I was hoping to read that he was recovering. God bless.
Sarah @ Say Little Hen says
Oh Ginny I’m so sorry for you! It’s so heartbreaking when you lose an animal, especially when you care for and love them. Having to nurse them too makes it harder, in my experience, as the emotional strain of the worry and doubt takes its toll.
I hope those daffodils brighten you all up.
Hugs xxx
Tracey says
It’s just a hard week all the way around, I’m sorry Ginny. I lost my mother in law Sunday and am heart broken.
Much love to you and your family.
Stephinie says
Oh I’m so sorry Ginny. Sending you all much, much love. Xo ❤
Barbara says
Ginny, I’m so sorry for all of you. Your ending of the post surprised me and had me letting out a sad sigh for you all. How loving you are to have comforted Little John like that in your home for his last days.
Michele says
Oh my goodness! I had this post up for a few days, read part of it (and kept thinking that I had finished it) and just came back to it now. I am so sorry that you lost Little John. Prayers for you and your family. <3
Jeannine says
Ginny,
I’m so sorry to hear this. He’s so cute. Praying for brighter days for you and your sweet family. Pamper yourself now:)
Gwendolyn says
This is totally off subject, but I wanted to let Ginny know about the mittens I’m making with her yarn and her markers. I picked up the Knit Simple magazine that had a bunch of mitten patterns in it and decided to use Ginny’s Tickseed Sunflower yarn with her 3 Cross stitch markers to make the plain mittens. I don’t know how to take a picture and post, but if you can just see the beautiful golden/yellow colored yarn with the pretty stitch markers…it’s quite a sight! I’m having so much fun knitting these simple mittens with items that come from someone I know. I had previously knit a Barbie blanket for my granddaughters and when my daughter saw the pretty yarn, she wanted something made out of them….so she gets the mittens. Hope you and your family are having a better day.
Molly says
So sorry for your family’s loss. 🙁
Kim O. says
Ginny and family, so sorry to hear about little John. You folks are so kind and loving, acceptable and flexible with God’s little creatures. Imagine, some people would die at the thought of letting a goat convalescent in their home, bless your heart! It brought tears to my eyes. My husband and I take turns sleeping with our 17 year old dog because her bladder rarely makes it to the morning, often several times throughout the night, and she can’t lift herself any longer. I realize through these sad stories that it won’t be forever and I’m doing what needs to be done. How animals can bring such heartache! God bless your lent!
thecrazysheeplady says
I am so, so sorry {{{hugs}}}
jen says
I’m so sorry, Ginny! That is a miserable beginning to Lent.
Carlin says
So sorry to hear about Little John, so sad.
Wendy says
Dear Ginny
I am so sorry to hear about Little John. I am quite sure he knew he was loved by you all and would have appreciated his care very much.
Kind wishes
Wendy
Anna says
Yes, Goats are fragile little creatures indeed. So sorry for your loss. We started Lent off with a sucker punch in the gut too. God goes before us and we will find our way.
Karla in Mn says
Ohhhhh, so sorry to hear about Little John 🙁 Hugs to you all!
kimberlee says
So sorry, Ginny. 🙁 He looks like he got the very best treatment possible all the way.
Sara McD says
Ginny, I am so so sorry. I add my tears to all of yours.
Tirza says
Oh, Ginny! I am so sorry to hear about Little John. So sad for the children. Hugs.
Karen says
Ginny,
I’m so terribly sad for the loss of your beloved goat. It is so truly difficult to lose any member of the family.
It’s so wonderful that you were able to have him indoors these last few days. You and the children made some additional good memories. I pray that you can all focus on those good memories during the coming days and weeks.
Shalom,
Karen
Cindy in NC says
Oh no! I am so sorry to hear this. Over the weekend I attended the funeral of a friend’s mother-in-law. This dear 91-year-old lady was an animal lover who was buried (in her comfy pajamas!) with the cremated remains of her last ten pets. Little John was lucky to have such a loving family while he was here on Earth.
Megan says
Oh, sad. Welcome to Lent, indeed. Death is even harder to take in when you’re pregnant. I’m praying for your peace.
Olivia says
Oh, no! You all are such good stewards. He was well cared for until the very end. And he left behind some wonderful family memories…
Peace.
Lauren says
Oh my gosh, Ginny. I am so sorry. Wasn’t expecting that news when I first started reading the post- how terribly sad. Hope the kids are doing as well as is possible 🙁
Debbie says
Oh this breaks my heart 🙁
I am so sorry to hear about Little John.
Praying for you all.
julie says
I am so sorry. Praying for your family, and that you will all cry as many tears as needed.
Sara B says
Oh, no! I am so sorry! Sending up prayers and warm thoughts for your family.
Allison says
Oh no! I’m so sorry! 🙁
Elisa Gray says
I’m sorry to hear about Little John. We used to have goats, so I know how much personality they have. It’s hard when they die.