I work on a farm, and it is in the nature of nature for death to occur. I have to close my mind when the pigs and the young bulls go off to slaughter after I've fed and looked after them, and that is difficult, but I am ready for that so I don't get to know them in the same way. But I still spend two or three days grieving when any of the cows die or come to the end of their lives and have to go. These are not pets, as such, but I milk then every day, and because it is a small herd (only 16 cows) and they are also show-cows, so handled more than most dairy animals, I know them all individually. I know their names, their personalities. I know which one will hog all the food and demand more. I know which one will stomp on the milking pipe if I don't hurry and give her her rations and I know which one will always be five minutes after the others coming up from the field. I also know which one will rest her head against me and close her eyes in ecstacy when I scratch her ears. I have been in this job for several years now, and it NEVER becomes any easier when they die.

Love Lynne