In Mourning for Mamie

I had hoped to tell you more of a happy, fairy tale ending on this particular pet lamb story here at Struan Farm, but that's not to be.

Our newest pet lamb Mamie took a downturn Saturday afternoon, shortly after her twin brother Wilbur went off to a new home. John docked the ewe lambs' tails that morning (we use the old school method, rubber rings), but she'd been fine after all that if still a bit thin around her haunches after being abandoned by her sick mum three days ago. 

When I first noticed her languishing in the Pet Palace I thought she might be missing Wilbur, and was having quiet time away from the antics of Peaches and Fig.

But she then stopped drinking her full bottles, and had problems standing up. An infection most likely. We gave her quiet time in the warm sun and tested small bottles as/when of colostrum (which has immunity). 

At a certain point when it seems more likely than not that a lamb is dying I put them on a blanket in the garage. It's protected, quiet and private, they can be at peace. Obviously if there were evidence that a lamb was in any pain we would take measures to end their suffering, but in this case Mamie wasn't moaning or crying. (I've had that happen once with a little ram lamb, and it was terrible. His anguished cries broke my heart.)  If by chance they turn the corner and recover I can hear the baas and run out with a bottle, I also keep poking my head out to check them. But we won't force feed someone who isn't wanting to drink either.

In this instance Mamie died peacefully in the garage overnight. She might have contracted an infection from her mum, we'll never know why this happened.  I've sent a message to check up on how Wilbur is doing, just in case.

Pet lambs, the joys and the sorrows. You love them and do the best you can. 

Comments

[Kris FOUNDS]

I'm so sorry to hear that, Karen. Losing a little one is always difficult.