One Last Time.

It’s been nearly a month since I posted what I thought was my final F-A-R-M blog on Lancaster Farming’s website.  During the past several weeks, I have been left with a feeling that this column was unfinished.

With a sad heart, I decided to finish F-A-R-M today and dedicate this final column to my friend Bonnie Greer who truly helped me find a real meaning for life on our farm.  Bonnie has been my four-legged confidant and partner for nearly thirteen years.  She has taught me everything I know about herding cattle with Border collies, and has hopefully forgiven me for all of my misguided commands.  She has given us three beautiful litters of puppies.  She has tested my patience by dining on cow pies instead of paying attention to moving the herd ahead of her.  She has been a companion to my daughter, Emilie, throughout her childhood, adolescence and early adulthood.  She has been a beloved part of our family.

Signing onto Lancaster Farming’s home page today, I gazed fondly at the photograph of me and Bonnie that was taken by Emilie on our farm when I began the F-A-R-M blog in June 2007.  Intelligent, gentle, beautiful, hard-working, playful, loving, naughty, stubborn, maternal.  These are all adjectives that would describe Bonnie throughout her life.  Several families are lucky enough to have her progeny as pets and working dogs.  On November 24, 2008, just two days short of her 13th birthday, Bonnie’s life came to an end.

I knew Bonnie was facing some geriatric health challenges.  She was slowing down, losing her hearing and sight, but still very playful.  While she could still keep up with her eight and four-year-old “pups,” she would sometime stumble when playing tag or jumping for toys.  Her climb up and down steps became more cautious and I had to remind myself to be patient with her as she moved through this stage of her life.

I dreaded what was inevitably coming.  I had made that sort of call to our veterinary clinic before when my aged horses and Irish Setters had to be put down.  I was hoping that Bonnie would pass from this life in her sleep.  Alas, this was not to be.

In less than twenty-four hours, Bonnie went from a comfortable elder canine to a distressed friend whose vital organs were malfunctioning.  She never whimpered or complained.  I could see in her eyes that her pride was hurt by the accidents she could not control.  I made the call to our veterinarian and friend, Dave Nirschl, and asked him to come to the farm to ease Bonnie into eternal rest.

I was glad Emilie, my daughter, was home to give me strength and moral support.  She spent the day with her trusted friend.  She loaded Bonnie into her pickup truck and drove to our other farm where Bonnie lived as a puppy.  She walked up and down the creek that runs through our yard.  She fetched sticks --- a pastime and obsession for Bonnie throughout her life.

Saying goodbye wasn’t easy.  Even though I knew it was the right decision to make, I hated calling Bonnie to me one last time.  Tears flowed freely as Emilie and I kneeled by her side and held her head, stroking her fur, and wishing there could be a different ending.  The final chapter of Bonnie’s life was an excruciating experience for all of us who loved her.  She took with her pieces of our hearts.  Her life was a blessing to our farm and family.  Our memories will help us continue rejoicing in her life and will help ease the pain that comes in mourning her death.  We buried her next to the pasture gate.  A gentle rain began to fall as we turned to walk away.

On this gray day, life goes on at Deitschland Farm.  Bonnie has helped me write my final blog.  My faithful friend played until her heart finally stopped.  She never tired of her life’s work ---herding cattle, bringing love into our lives, and being a friend forever.

Farewell, one last time. 

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