When you least expect it, tragedy can strike on the homestead. While death comes to all of us, it is a natural part of the ebb and flow of farm life. Last year, a good friend of mine who owns racehorses had her beloved mare die while birthing her foal. It was unexpected. There was such sadness about my friend for the longest time, as she and her husband struggled to keep the foal alive. Every time they entered the stall, they were reminded of their mare.
What is my point with this blog? Those of you who are looking at the romance of homesteading, getting off the grid and joining us in a simpler life need to realize that there are often tough realities to face here.
Homer, my dumb-as-a-box-of-rocks, pedigreed beagle was killed recently. I had to retrieve him off the highway in front of my home. One of the hardest things I have ever had to do is get Homer off the road so we could bury him. Yes, this old woman cried over the dog that had eaten his share of her chicken in his lifetime. My good neighbor came right away with his backhoe to dig Homer a proper grave. It will take me a season to get over that mutt, but one thing I have learned is that time does help the pain of loss subside.
We will get a new dog, but I plan on taking some advice from previous blog posts on picking breeders, and we will ask to see the puppy’s parent hunt. Our “once in a lifetime” dog, was a pedigreed German Short Haired Pointer. Rueben Von Mueller May was his official title. I think you only get one dog in a lifetime that amazing. I purchased him as a gift for Jim, my husband when I discovered that the female had been imported from Germany, much less chance for the inbreeding that might have been the reason Homer was well, Homer.
We spent the money to send Rueben to a world-class trainer who trained him not only to hunt but get along with other dogs and guard our boys. We were living in a dangerous section of a city, and we never had to worry about the boy’s safety if Rueben was their guardian.
The right dog becomes part of your family, carving a niche into each member’s heart. Rueben helped our youngest son, Noah endure our constant moves as we finished one house project and moved to the next. No creature loves you like a faithful dog. When we finally are ready to purchase our next new member of our family, you will find me in the dog aisle at Buchheit, finding just the right collar, puppy pads, toys and bed for our new puppy. They carry a complete line of dog foods and treats as well. Can’t go down that aisle right now, but knowing how essential a good farm dog is to the homestead (the coyotes are already moving closer as Homer’s markings dissipate) I am sure that a new puppy is in our future. Play fetch with your dog and be thankful he is above-ground!
Be blessed. Anne May
