We shipped Spot yesterday. I’m a little busted up about it. It’s not like I’m going on a running drunk or anything. Just a tiny bit (not surprisingly) emotional about him leaving. I knew exactly what I was getting into when I made a pet out of him. I’ve done it before and I will do it again. He went on the big truck with 100 of his friends to the feedlot. Where he will eat and get fat for the next 4 months. And then…you know. I could go see him but I won’t. Eventhough I said he would probably stay on the ranch forever, reality set in. Reality does bite. Reality is:
- He grew up, got big and became a good steer.
- We are in a drought and there’s no grass
- We are in the cattle business to make money
- If I asked T.H. he would let me keep him
- It’s time
I put together this snapshot-journalistic retrospective of Spot.
Spot was one of three steers I bought for Puncher as fresh practice cattle .
That was right after my heart almost blew up at the Oklahoma City Trial
He was so darned cute.
I wouldn’t let T.H. brand him. He cried for his momma.
Puncher broke her foot, I kept training my steers.(not really)
Puncher was laid up. Spot got turned out with the horses on wheat pasture behind the barn. For the rest of the winter and spring they were Pet Steers . Spot was the big ring leader.
Whenever I caught up the horses, he always trotted in with them and brought his friends.
Everyday for 6 months. My spotted buddy.
Photogenic, picturesque.
Then Puncher’s foot healed and we went back to practice.
Spot helped us dream big and win our first trophy
He would escape and get in the yard. I didn’t care.
Fast forward to yesterday:
All the big steers are penned. Spot is up front as usual.
I’ve known for days this was coming. I was prepared. But everywhere I went on horseback or afoot, Spot was right in there looking at me. I started getting a little sad.
Sorting for size. Trucks are on their way. Dirt in my eyes.
No matter where I was, there he was. Need to blow my nose.
Deep breath.
Lump in my throat.
I could send him either way.
Bigger lump in my throat.
Got something in my eye and didn’t see him get on the truck.
Cowgirls do cry. Doesn’t stop us…. Ever.
Love, Cowgirl Red aka Terah
That would be soooo hard for me. Can't help but have favorites. 🙁 Goodbye, Spot!
I know how this goes all to well! I'm going to send Stella probably next week to the packer. OUCH!
Suzanne
I can imagine how you feel. I had a neighbor once that postponed the dreaded deed because my kids and I stood at the fence and cried the day he told us he was taking Brownie to the feedlot. We had become so attached, feeding Brownie carrots and apples. It is sad but necessary. Spot is a handsome dude. So big already.
Big lump… crying…. big huge hug….
We have a draught here too…have offered my field for the livestock….communes are cutting the grass along roadsides and motorways for the livestock.. just not enough feed. I have never seen this before.
Sorry haven't popped by lately… love the porch by the way…
:`( That is so sad mom. I don't know how you do it. I thought you would keep him forever but I am proud of you. There are no droughts in cow heaven.