Lost my pig tonight
A couple of weeks ago I took my pig Chimmy to the vets. I'd noticed he had blood in his urine. He had lost a little weight but was eating fine and apart from being a little grumpy which seemed reasonable I wasn't too concerned. The vet diagnosed a UTI and gave me some baytril. I gave this to him daily for a week and he perked up. Last night I had him out and he seemed quiet and docile. Less his normal boisterous self. Normally he lets me know when he wants to go back in his cage by giving me a gentle nibble. He didn't. I thought this was odd and said so. I expressed my concern that I could feel his spine and that despite him eating well he felt thinner. He gave a little snuffle/sneeze before I put him back. Today we took the kids ice skating and the girl broke her arm. When we got back we sorted dinner and I went to retrieve a pig for cuddles. I discovered Chimmy dead at the edge of the cage. Rigor Mortis has started to set in but he was still fairly warm. His mouth was wet. I'm absolutely gutted. I've cried till my eyes are raw. I'm kicking myself because I thought something wasn't right. His cage mate Jabber seems to be ok. He's always been a stand offish pig and I suspect he will be ok on his own for a short period. Of course I will monitor and fuss him as much as possible.
"Shadow's Song"
I'm not gone... not really.
I haven't gone away... I've only gotten bigger.
My eyes, so bright, now shine among the stars.
My voice sings with the wind in winter, as I leap
And dance among the tree tops.
I Stalk the blown leaves in autumn, and brush the
Flowers gently in the spring.
I come to you in dreaming, on feet grown dreamtime soft,
And lay my cheek against yours, and whisper.
"Peace be with you."
Someday we will play again together, you and I, among the stars.
'Til then, fear not to love, for your love gave my life meaning.
And I return that love to you... a hundredfold... a thousandfold...
Forever.
-Audrey E. Nickel (1996)
I'm not gone... not really.
I haven't gone away... I've only gotten bigger.
My eyes, so bright, now shine among the stars.
My voice sings with the wind in winter, as I leap
And dance among the tree tops.
I Stalk the blown leaves in autumn, and brush the
Flowers gently in the spring.
I come to you in dreaming, on feet grown dreamtime soft,
And lay my cheek against yours, and whisper.
"Peace be with you."
Someday we will play again together, you and I, among the stars.
'Til then, fear not to love, for your love gave my life meaning.
And I return that love to you... a hundredfold... a thousandfold...
Forever.
-Audrey E. Nickel (1996)