Thank You

For all the sweet, caring, and sincere comments, emails, and messages. It means alot knowing there are others who understand my being upset over losing a goat. Yes, Lester was a goat but he was also so much more. When he got pneumonia a day after he was born I was hoping he would get well quickly and go back to his mom and brother. When his immune system never got stronger and he kept catching colds I knew he would never be with the other goats and would be my little Lester. When he didn't grow even though he ate and drank really well I knew he wouldn't live to be a old goat. When he started getting out of breath when he ran ( for him it was a fast walk) or got tired following me around the house I knew he didn't have a long life ahead. When he just wanted to be held last Friday and wanted me right there with him every minute I knew he knew his time was growing short. I sat and rocked him most of the day. I cuddled him close and tried to talk him into hanging on and being strong so he could make it. When his little heart beat got weaker I knew it was time to say goodbye. I held him close as I rocked him. I whispered stories of the special Hidden Haven animals waiting on the other side of the bridge for him. I whispered to him about a very special lady named Ms. Fran who I knew would be there to watch over him. I sang his special bedtime songs to him. I rocked and cried and told my special friend goodbye. He raised his head, gave me a smile and took his last breath. Lester is buried in a very special spot in my herb garden. Where he napped in the sun or followed me around while I worked. We spent many hours there and now I have a special place to sit in the herb garden to talk to Lester. To tell him stories about the animals here, to tell him how I miss and love him. A place just to sit and enjoy the precious memories of a very special, precious little goat that stole my heart.

This is the last picture taken of Lester 2 days before he died.