After the last hot dog and hamburger had been consumed, the kids went off to meet all the animals. One of the visiting boys, Grant (9 years old), was particularly fascinated with them. He asked smart questions and couldn't get enough of the horses, in particular. He picked up their personalities right away. Jackson: "he's very sweet and kind" Winston: "he gets jealous if you aren't paying attention to him and he is kind of silly." Flash: "He's the grown up horse." When it was time for them to leave, Grant walked down the barn aisle saying good bye to each horse. When they stretched their necks over the stall door, he reached up and wrapped his arms around their neck, and hugged them to his chest. All three of them. --and he'd never been around horses before.
An hour or so after they left, I headed down to the goat area to collect Bella.
We loaded her into the car and drove her to her new home -- back with the breeder. It was a beautiful drive to the farm, through the vineyards of Temecula and then down dirt roads through citrus groves.
The breeder sent her husband out the gate to collect Bella and we said goodbye. She will be treated with kindness here and she will live behind this tall fence. Bella proof.
She was quiet in the car on the way there and she didn't call to us when we handed her over. She seemed content and eager for her next adventure.
As we drove away, I felt a tremendous sense of relief. I had thought I might be emotional, and I was a bit sad, but overwhelmingly I was just relieved. No more worries about coyotes or loose dogs killing her while she was out roaming the community. She'll be safe now. She'll be with a big herd of goats. She'll have Fern to fuss over her and keep her healthy. She'll have goat toys and friends; she'll have love. Be good Bella! We'll miss you.
i do hope they'll give you an update as to how she is doing. bless you, bella. stay safe, now!
ReplyDeleteThat was really a blessing that Bella could go back there. And that fence looks really goat proof, so no more worries. I will miss her sweet little face, but I'm glad she will be safe.
ReplyDeleteI really like your pool and wish I had one here.
Good bye Bella!
ReplyDeleteYou are right. It is for the best, but I will miss the Bella stories!
Sometimes, the greatest gift you can give an animal is to recognize that that they might be better off somewhere else and then finding that somewhere for them. I am glad things worked out so well for all of you.
ReplyDeleteWhew! This kind of Goodbye story, I can handle.
ReplyDeleteI will miss this sweet little girl too, but can appreciate your relief.
ReplyDeleteHope she does well back "home."
Decisions like this are hard, but you have been the kindest to her, and now know she will be so safe,and will be cared for with love.our Poppy's Mum made the decision for us to adopt her, as poppy and the new cat did not get along, now they are both happy. You can be sure in your own heart you made the best choice, and did it , not for yourself but for Bella, Cheers from Jean.
ReplyDeleteQuite the fence!
ReplyDeleteYoung Grant sounds like a true horseman at heart. Best wishes to Bella in her new home.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how sometimes the "horse gene" just pops out after a few generations! Seems like Grant is destined to have horses in his future.
ReplyDeleteAs for Bella, it sounds like you've found the perfect solution.
Bella and you were lucky to be able to have the breeder's house to returned her.
ReplyDeleteThat's smart boy, Grant,looks like he likes animals and horses. I like this boys :)
Such a relief to have Bella safe. I, too, will miss that little imp's sweet face and adventures.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet story about Grant. I hope he gets the opportunity to explore horses further - sounds like he's a natural.
ReplyDeleteBye-bye Bella. Glad you are safe and suitably confined, but still with the freedom to be a goat. :D
The best animal owners are the ones who recognize the animal's needs over the preservation of their own pride. It's great that the breeders could take her back! :)
ReplyDelete