Every year when we get to this last day of the year I feel a sense of relief and triumph. Some years more then others, but getting to this day always gives me a feeling of success. No matter what was thrown at us we kept going and worked together to find solutions and strength. We learn over and over again to never give up hope and good things do keep happening. This isn't intended to be too emotional, but 2011 did hit us with some unexpected events that we certainly would have been extremely satisfied to have not experienced. However, sometimes these things show you the strength of your character, your relationships and determination. Caring for each other, our alpacas, dogs, cats and chickens always pushes us to look ahead, there is no quitting or giving up.
We certainly had some highs.....
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| Our class of 2011 Moonshadow cria~ |
We had some lows with the loss of 2 of our most anxiously awaited cria from 2 of our Blue ribbon females bred to Snowmass Golden Victory. Losing cria is a sad reality of raising livestock, some are just seriously more disappointing then others in the time lost and expected herd evolution. Sometimes these are just hard lessons, you take your lumps, make notes to prevent ever happening again and move forward. Sometimes there is just those random acts of nature and you have to accept what happens and look ahead. Realities, lessons, whatever you call it, it never feels so good when it happens.
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| A sad loss~ |
We said good bye to our sweet Abby. It is so hard to prepare for how deeply a dog can touch your heart. She was a great dog and we will always miss her.
Losing Abby, left us with 1 dog, B.A., and 1 cat, Oscar, in the house. Our house was much too quiet with only 2 animals, we've always had 3 to 4 and that doesn't count when the barn cats used to like to spend their winter days in the house. So for Christmas Eve we found a new little kitten we thought would keep the others company. B.A. had such a good time with a visiting kitten,
Raku Parker we thought he'd like a new friend to play with.
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| Turns out Oscar is the one who got a nap buddy~ |
We also had room to rescue one of the many many dogs and puppies out there needing a good forever home. Maybe taking on a puppy and a kitten at the same time was a little ambitious, but the house is full of playful life. Now is the time of year we can dedicate more time to house pets before spring rolls around with alpaca shows, new cria, shearing and ranch projects.
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| This is Max, our adopted pup ~ |
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| Max wants to make friends with everyone~ |
So we say good bye to 2011 and are grateful to all the good things, friends and family we have in our lives. We optimistically enter 2012 looking ahead for good things for all! Happy New Year everyone, wishing you the best in 2012!
"Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice;
it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved."
- Winston Churchill
