It is with an utterly broken heart that we bring you some sad news. On Monday night Toby, our very old sheep, died unexpectedly in his sleep. We put him in his bed at 8:00, his usual bedtime, after he had eaten his dinner. We always gave him a small treat right before he went to bed, a small hand full of baby carrots. He ate with gusto.
In the morning, we would open the barn door and he would always greet us excitedly, anticipating his breakfast treats and hay. When we opened the barn door Tuesday morning, he was still lying in his bed. He had died in the night. He looked so peaceful. We cannot begin to tell you how much he will be missed. He was such a delightful presence at the sanctuary. He followed us around all day long, just like a puppy dog. And it was so beautiful to see him grazing in the pasture with his friends - the 8 goats and 2 pigs who became his new family after he arrived at the sanctuary over a year ago. Toby was so lucky to have such a long full life - something highly unusual for a sheep. He was buried in his pasture in the shade of a big oak tree. Rest in peace sweet boy. |
“"Never, never be afraid to do what's right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society's punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way."
~ Anonymous