Monday, November 4, 2013

Life and Death - With Update

Latest Update - Polly passed away around noon, Tuesday 11/5.

Update:  As of this Tuesday late morning, Polly the goat is still clinging to life.   Victoria and Caroline are en-route once again to the veterinarian to have her IV fixed.  Thanks so much for your prayers for them! 


It has been a very difficult weekend for Victoria and Caroline as they have been nursing, round the clock, one of their significantly pregnant does that has been on the brink of death since Friday.  It is always so hard . . . first off, not being able to quickly and accurately diagnose what the sickness is; (There are so many things it could be, that all have somewhat similar symptoms.); then, to give her every conceivable remedy, all the while drenching her with fluids of every kind and with not seeing much, if any improvement; to watch the doe be so uncomfortable; and then to consider not only losing the momma, but her babies as well.  (They think she could have up to 3 within her, and have a waiting list for up to 4 of her babies.)   With all of this, our hearts feel very heavy and sad. We'd be so grateful for your prayers for Victoria and Caroline.  We were planning to have Caroline's special "birthday" day today, but will postpone it for a happier day.  :-(

Meanwhile, Blackberry, one of Valerie's momma labs, decided to surprise her early this morning, with an unexpected early onset of labor and delivery.  After checking her good before bed last night, Valerie was sure, from not observing any of the usual early signs of labor, that she would not be giving birth in the night.   So thankfully, because Caroline and Victoria stayed up through the night with their sick doe, they noticed Blackberry was delivering her puppies at around 4am, and woke Valerie up!   This is always an exciting time, to see how many and what colors and genders she will have!

We have such mix of emotions now, with celebrating this new life on one side of the house, while grieving the potential loss of up to four special lives in the barn on the other side.

7 comments:

Shiloh Strang said...

Hello Bowe Family,

We will be praying for Victoria and Caroline! We totally understand how hard it is to work on "keeping" a goat going when they are so sick. We've lost quite a few over the years to illnesses. Is the doe due soon?

Congratulations on the new puppies!
Shiloh

The Bowes Family said...

Hi Shiloh,
Thank you so very much for your prayers for Caroline and Victoria. We are sooooo grateful!! The doe is still hanging on, with a tiny glimmer of hope that she is gaining a bit of strength. Her babies aren't due until five weeks from now. :-(

Valerie is en-route to the vet now to check on Blackberry's status with her puppies. She stopped all signs of labor for about three hours, after only having 3 puppies. Ah, never a dull moment!

Thanks so much for your note, love and prayers.
With gratefulness,
Mrs. Bowes

Meemom said...

Sorry to hear about the doe. Hopefully she can pull through and save her life as well as the babies she is carrying. Thinking of you and parying for you Victoria and CaROLINE. mUCH LOVE, mEEMOM

AZDonna said...

I'm so sorry for your girls' sadness and anxiety on this emotionally and physically exhausting day. Prayers for all. Hope all the creatures pull through.

Lydia said...

9 I will not take a bull from your house,

Nor goats out of your folds.

10 For every beast of the forest is Mine,

And the cattle on a thousand hills.

11 I know all the birds of the mountains,

And the wild beasts of the field are Mine.

12 “If I were hungry, I would not tell you;

For the world is Mine, and all its fullness.

Psalm 50:9-12 (NKJV)

These verses from the book of Psalms help me remember that God owns and knows each of our animals. He just lets us take care of His animals as He teaches, loves, and draws us to His heart though our experiences.
Love you all so much!!!

The Bowes Family said...

Meemom,Donna and Lydia,
Thanks so much for your notes and for all your love and prayers. We are soooooooo grateful!
Victoria and Caroline

Meemom said...


So Sorry to hear Polly did not make it, I know these things are hard to deal with. Thinking of you Meemom

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