Unfortunately - this Friday, we will be euthanizing one of the best rams that I have ever had - or seen.
Cherrington Merlin: 2001 - ??? (see post dated June 23rd).
Sadly - Merlin has suffered a spinal cord injury that has left him very weak, and it has been decided that the most humane treatment will be to euthanize him.I suspected problems earlier this year, when I noticed that he was losing weight - and staying away from the other rams. After shearing in early May, we noticed that his condition had deteriorated - and he was holding up one leg and curling the toes (not a good sign).
This past weekend, we transferred Merlin to the Ontario Vetrinary Clinic at the University of Guelph, so that he could receive the very best care possible from the top veterinarians in
Ontario. My very Good Friend Cate works at OVC, and has been a super help - both with setting up the arrangements - and explaining all of the tests and results to me.
Sadly - the diagnosis that came in today was that there was damage to the spinal cord (most likely from "Ram Play") - and that it would be most humane to euthanize him - as he was only going to lose complete mobility in his hind end.
So - sadly, this Friday, we will be euthanizing Merlin.
To his credit - he had a most wonderful Blue Gray fleece - a gentle demeanor - and gorgeous horns. He also gave us some wonderful lambs - for which we will be forever grateful.
Good-bye to a Grand old Gentleman
8 comments:
HUGs to you. I t hurts to lose a friend but we're here for you!!!
He is a stunning fellow!
Oh so sad! :( I am with you and i hope things will get better now. To be honest i had an eye for this fellow if he would have been for sale.
Those rams tussle too much for their own good; @#^@ hormones! Such a beautiful fellow, in his prime. I'm so sorry.
Sorry to hear about your ram. So hard to lose the real good ones.
I am so sorry to hear about Merlin. We were really looking forward to meeting him. Hugs.
So sorry to hear it. Such a gorgeous fleece. It is so hard to lose our fleecy friends. I'm glad he was able to have such a good life on your farm though.
That's GOT to be rough! It sure doesn't seem like you have any options. Nobody can accuse you of not doing everything possible to care ofr your sheep! Sometimes the most loving thing that we can do is let go...
Unfortunately, that doesn't make it hurt any less.
Sorry about your ram Tammy. Never an easy decision. Michele
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