Firstly a week ago we got our planning permission agreed for our second barn, despite our neighbours quite frankly ridiculous objections! Thankfully the planning committee took them with the credit the deserved (none!) and the plans were approved. Hopefully we will soon be able to commence the build before the winter sets in.
Our euphoria was short lived unfortunately as the following day we had a poorly alpaca. Faith hadn't been herself for a couple of days, but with a normal temperature and colour and eating we weren't unduly worried. The vet was booked to come Friday as we were scanning a batch of girls we planned to get him to look at her then.
Unfortunately she took a sudden turn for the worst and ended up being taken into the hospital (with her cria Asher) and put on a drip, the vet suspected a perforated stomach ulcer initially. After two days intensive care treatment (and a brief temporary improvement) by Sunday night it became apparent that we were fighting a losing battle and more Faith was in a lot of pain which the vet was struggling to control.
We had to make the heart breaking decision to put her to sleep and bring home poor little Asher alone. The post-mortem revealed that Faith had cancer of the bone marrow, the vet was amazed that she had stayed in such good condition and managed such a fabulous job giving Asher a great start in life.
Rest in peace Faith.
On a much brighter note we, well I say we, I stayed at home on bottle feeding duties (thank you for my goodie bag Jan and the Macaroons Bev), Paul took our show team to Westmorland County Show yesterday. He had lots of willing helpers so he managed the 7 well.
We had a fantastic day, 7 animals, 7 rosettes and 2 championship sashes!! Our two grey girls in the same class came second and third, then our grey stud Sunburst came 1st and went on to be grey male champion. That's his fourth championship sash, undefeated; how impressive is that!!
Next up was our intermediate brown girls, Ankha and Gypsy. One, two...... way to go girls! Ankha went on to win Brown Female Champion and judge Tim Hey couldn't have been more complimentary about her if he tried. In fact he said in the Supreme line up that had he had a Reserve Supreme to award it would have gone to the brown girl!!
Next in was the white boys, Thor and Linus, Linus isn't actually owned by us, he lives here on livery (so he is treated as one of our own!). Now these two boys can be temperamental when it comes to walking, Linus does a good line in comedy falls and Thor just sits down but both boys walked well thankfully, which is more than can be said for some of the others white classes from what I heard.
Another one two! Linus first and described as 'the full package' by Tim, and Thor second.
As you can imagine we were very pleased with the results, it goes to show we are doing something right!
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6 comments:
As titled, there are unfortunately going to be some downs in farming, and we all know how upsetting they are. Then in the same week planning past and a stash of rosettes and broad ribbons...I hope the ups continue. Congratulations!
So sad to read about the lost battle but hopefully little Asher will continue to take the bottle and do his mum proud as he grows up. However....congratulations on your show success, a little compensation for the sadness you must be feeling.
You are on page 12 of this weeks northumberland gazette congratulations on the barn. And the winning at the show.x
So sorry to hear about Faith, nature can be cruel.
Well done on the show results, the ginger judge does know his stuff!
Sorry to hear that unexpected blow, but congrtulations on the success's.
So sorry about Faith, hope her cria adjusts well, I'm sure he will with your help. Congratulations on your show results - quite a haul and hope it has cheered you up.
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