It is difficult to describe how attached a person can get to a creature that doesn’t even crawl in your lap and purr; one that you cannot touch or caress or bond with in a physical way. Prior to the accident, I never even got to touch Louise outside of taking off her halter and giving her injections. She wasn’t a touchy-feely kind of girl. Yet, we had a very unique bond.
I’m an animal person. I’m not afraid to admit, I like most animals more than most people. I understand animals, always have, it seems to come naturally to me. I’ve never understood humans; that whole saying one thing but doing another. Animals don’t do that. Temple Grandin in Animals in Translation talks about this connection to animals and it makes me wonder if I’m a little bit autistic. It would certainly explain some things.
I hadn’t been around camelids before, but I was able to make an emotional connection with Louise quickly. Not unlike the character in the movie, Louise had street smarts. She hadn’t led the perfect pampered life. She trusted no one. Louise was a tough girl with an attitude, who was fiercely loyal to the point she would start kicking ass and taking names if need be. Yet, she was a big old softie on the inside when she thought nobody was looking.
She changed while she was here. Not just physically, but emotionally.
She still didn’t really trust, but she was able to let her guard down every once in awhile and enjoy herself. That alone is the only thing keeping me from throwing in the towel and calling it quits right now.
All your kind words have touched my heart. I know you will miss her, too. One comment summed it up well, “life is so fragile.” We need to make the most of every day, don’t we?
Thank you all for being out there. It helps.
22 comments:
I'm so glad she was with you for the last few months. Goofy Galoot sounds just right. :)
Temple Grandin was such a great movie ... i enjoyed the story. i love that... Goofy Galoot.... makes me smile. (:
I've been thinking of you - glad you took the time to post this morning. I hope you are doing ok. Hugs,thoughts and prayers to you.
Animals vs. people: Ask yourself, if as of this minute all the humans disappeared from the planet, would not the planet eventually, after it's had time to heal from the effects of humans, be in much better shape than the path it is on now?
I know the answer, that's one of the reasons I generally prefer animals.
Once your heart heals a little, there is always room to love another. You give your animals a great life and that is a very fulfilling way to live yours.
I understand what you say about people vs animals. I too have a connection with animals that I can't explain. People.....well I am a loyal friend. Few out there these days. I'd like to visit your farm some time. I hope that you continue on as there are more like Louise that you can make a huge difference in their lives. I live in Indiana and really enjoy Front Porch Indiana. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Karen Anne, truer words were never spoken.
What was the name of the rescue group she came from?
Llama Reserve
Christine,
I'm so sorry to read about your loss. We animal lovers understand that losing a pet is somewhat like losing a child. Those who don't relate to animals can't begin to understand the feeling of loss and grief.
The poor things were so very starved when they came to you! It hurts to see them, and how she throve under your care... wonderful! Mine have touched me, too, though you can't touch them.
Christine...my heart just aches so much for you because this time last year I was going through the exact same thing and feeling the same....I loss one of my beloved goats....I to felt like throwing in the towel, but then I would walk out to the barn and see my other boys and knew I couldn't give up on them.....I still miss Murph Man so much, but at least time has healed the pain some and now I smile when I think of him instead of tearing up.
Hugs to you....time will help.
Nieces
Fragile indeed.
Don't you dare throw in the towel!!! I'm like you, I prefer animals over people! If I were home on my farm in Indiana I'd have rescuing those guys too!
Karen & the Hounds
Hugs honey. Think how much better you made her life. No one else would have tended to her like you. You are good like that.
You can't throw in the towel.
There's someone else out there who needs your help!
XO
Oh no.
I am so sorry.
Thank you for sharing her with us.
All you have to do is look at those before and after shots to know the value of your loving care.
Whether a life is long or short (if we could know which it would be), we love the same. Maybe her purpose in your life was to demonstrate the potential in all those "surplus, excess, stray, unwanted..." animals waiting to be rescued. Have you sent that rescue group her before and after pictures? I bet it would enccourage others to take a chance on one. Now that would be a legacy.
You gave her a good life and love and took care of her. You know she appreciated it and loved you too. So sorry for your loss - it is heartbreaking but you rescued her.
I adore Temple Grandin. One of my classmates actually got to meet her a few times, she (my classmate) went to the University of Colorado or Colorado State (can't remember) for her bachelors in physcology. We had a human development course together last semester with Dr. Crawford and she brought in Temple's philosophy and views often into our discussion. It was so refreshing and fufilling to hear another autistic person becoming larger than life.
Isn't it funny how you get to know their personality and tolerate and even love them for it, just like we love people even though they aren't perfect. We have a difficult horse rescue situation and that mare makes me crazy because she's so stubborn and headstrong and feisty (and flighty!)--but I adore her and feel like we understand each other. (DH says it's because we're two peas in a pod!)
I'm getting caught up on my blog reading and I'm so sorry to read this post. I'm with you - I like animals much better than most people. I'm sorry you had to lose a friend. :-(
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