A Sad Day

When one chooses to raise animals, death is a sad but real experience that one must go through.  Today was a sad day.

I went out as I normally do to feed the animals and make sure everyone was secure for the night.  I had some carrot ends that would have been a treat for Watson, the bunny.  When I reached his home, he lay still in his box.  At first I thought he was sleeping, but then realized that something was wrong.  I pulled him out of his box and held him.  He was still alive.  His heart was racing and he struggled for breath.  I brought him into the house where he had a few convulsions and died.

When Watson came to Piscataway Acres, there wasn’t a lot here.  He was one of the first animals to arrive.  Although he had a nice pen that met his needs, I felt that he would be happier with a run.  His first run was a shabby chicken wire fence around an overgrown part of the yard.  One funny story that involved him was during construction of the barn.  I had to remove several large trees where the barn would sit.  Cutting them down using the proper techniques would ensure that the trees fell in the right direction.  However, one tree fell in the oposite direction than intended and right onto Watson’s cage!  Panicked, I ran over to see if he was okay.  He was unharmed, but he looked at me with disgust.  The rest of the day was spent building his home back.

Animals have died here before.  I have had chickens, ducks, and turkeys taken by raccoons which is always an unpleasant discovery.  I am not sure why Watson’s death is particulary sad, perhaps it is because he had more pet like qualities than fowl or that he was particulary cute or that he passed in my arms.  We get attached to the animals we take care of for different reasons.  Whatever the reason, I will miss Watson and his happy hop.