Monday, October 29, 2012

Stormy Days

This post seems to not be showing up in many people's browsers. It was written on the day of the hurricane. I have re-posted it on November 2nd. 

We're waiting for the big storm to arrive. Schools have been cancelled all through our area. The wind is blowing like crazy and sure to be blowing for hours. The sheep are ready. They take storms like this in stride, hunkering down getting wet and letting it pass. There's been such hype because of last year's storm. Not much we can do about it but wait and see. Although humans want to control everything in their lives, nature is the real boss. I suppose living on a farm we are more tuned into this than many.

I have been wondering how to tell you all this and there is no easy, gentle way…. We found Archie, one of our Great Pyrenees Guard Dogs, dead in the woods next to our neighbor’s field a few weeks ago. We don’t know why he died and never will. We are sad beyond belief. It is not easy to lose a dog. Archie and his brother had not lived here at our farm even a year. 

Winston and Archie
Archie was an enthusiastic boy – full of life, large barks and bravado. We and his brother Winston miss him. Winston is trying to sort out his work life considering Archie was more dominant. He seems to be stepping up to the plate barking all night long, just like the two of them did together. We don’t plan to get another Guard Dog at this point in time.

Winston
We buried Archie in the sheep field in Bernardston where all The Farmer’s family’s farm dogs have been buried for decades. Sad day for sure.

28 comments:

ellen said...

I am so sorry to hear this. It is heartbreaking, I do know that.
I still look for our Newfie we lost a few months ago. She is also buried in a spot where all our beloved animals lie..from pet mice, canaries, cats, working Border Collies to two of our Newfoundlands.
Sending best regards and fingers crossed that the storm fizzles out soon for all concerned.

kingshearte said...

I'm so sorry about Archie. I hope he didn't suffer too much, and my thoughts are with you and your family.

Robin said...

I'm so sorry to hear that you lost Archie. It sounded as though he and Winston were good guard dogs. It must be hard on Winston too. I always enjoyed seeing pictures of the both of them.

Savannagal said...

I'm so sorry to hear your news. It's so hard to lose a beloved pet. My heart goes out to you and your family.

Margo said...

I'm very sorry to hear about Archie. I know hard it can be to lose a pet, I'm sure Winston is feeling the loss too. My thoughts are with you all.

Gudrun Johnston said...

So sorry Kristin..

Spiffypaws said...

So sorry for your loss. It's very obvious though, that while he was alive, he had the best possible home a dog would want.

Hope the storm doesn't affect you too much.

Angela said...

So sorry to hear about Archie.

bittenbyknittin said...

So sorry to hear about Archie! We sure love our dogs, don't we? Hope the storm passes you by.

Robin Allen said...

Aw, this is just heartbreaking. Archie had a wonderful life on your farm.

Turtle said...

That is so sad... hopefully he has all the sheep whom have passed up there for fun n work!

Gracey is not my name.... said...

I'm so sorry to hear that, as they greeted me when I arrived. So sorry to hear Archie is gone...

Sally said...

Oh! Dear Kristin! What sad news. Hearts are breaking a little all around. :(

sally said...

Losing a dog is such a sad event. I'm thinking of you all, especially Julia.
I hope you fare well in the storm. We're expecting surf to be up here on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. Mother Nature has long arms.

Adaliza said...

Hope the storm is not as bad as forecasts suggest. Farmers are certainly more used to surviving bad weather than townies! Sorry to hear about Archie - you're lucky to have a final resting place for your dogs. He'll be guarding all the others.

Elaine said...

Such sadness for all. My heart hurts for you.

Jennifer said...

Sad, sad! Those critters are always so hard to lose. Sending good thoughts your way...

Laura T said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Archie. It's hard to lose a trusted member of the family. My thoughts are with you and your family.
LauraT

Vermont Grand View Farm said...

We just had to put our five year old border collie down, so my heart goes out to your family. As a dear friend said to me, "it takes a while for the essence of a being to leave a place." Thinking of you....
Kim

Unknown said...

my sympathies to you/your family for the loss of Archie...
^)^ linda

Anonymous said...

So sorry about Archie, i know all of your followers who helped buy them feel like we have lost a dog too.

thanks for keeping it real, and please know you are in my prayers through this storm

Fracksmom

tjf said...

So sorry to hear about Archie. Hope you are getting through the storm ok.

Tricia

Chris said...

Sorry to hear the sad news about Archie. Hope you, your family, and your animal family are ok during this terrible storm.

Maryanne & Duke said...

So sorry to hear about Archie. I'm sure his brother and you will miss him terribly, but I'm also sure he had a wonderful life on the farm with you.

MicheleinMaine said...

I am just catching up on posts after a few days and am so sorry to read about your Archie. How sad for all of you and Winston too. I know it's the circle of life but they were such a wonderful pair. Hugs!

Unknown said...

May Archie's soul rest in peace...!

farm fence

Claudia H. said...

I too feel sorrow for Archie, although I never actually met him. I know he had a good life with you. On our little farmette, we are convinced the black raspberries grow the sweetest where all the dogs of the past are buried, along the edge of the barn. The love must flow right into the berries.

Sharon themadknitter said...

So sorry for you loss. Archie will be missed by all your followers. At least you found him and will not wonder if he left or was taken. Poor Winston must be lost with out his pal. The problems with dogs is they still your hearts. Hugs

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