Many of you have been kind enough to follow Georgette’s progress over the past months and to ask for updates. I’m sorry to say that my sweet little goat died about a month ago after a sudden decline in health. I did what I could for her, but ultimately it wasn’t enough.
I’m grateful that she didn’t suffer for long, and that her last full day on earth was a happy one, spent eating and playing in the yard. I’m grateful that she eventually built up enough strength to live for a while as a pasture goat, foraging with the rest of the herd and frolicking in the sunshine. I wish I could have done more for her, but I’m grateful for her life, short though it was. She experienced so much! She got to go visiting, and make doggy friends and people friends, and wear an Aggie T-shirt.
I miss the special high-pitched bleat that she’d let out whenever she heard the clang of the pasture gate, and the way she’d come running when I called her, and the little chuckle she’d give when she caught up to me. She was always so happy to be with people. I miss seeing Diego play with her and stand guard over her against curious cats.
I’ve loved and lost a lot of animals in my lifetime. Every one of them has blessed me in some way, and I miss them all. As a Christian, I believe all life to be a gift from a loving God, and I’m encouraged to know that no less a theologian than C.S. Lewis grappled with the problem of suffering in animals and gave serious attention to the question of whether our beloved pets will be with us in heaven. Of course it’s impossible to know for certain, but given the extravagance of God’s love, and the infinity of his resources, I have more than a little hope.
“He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”
~Romans 8:32
I got to meet Georgette and she was a cutie – I’m so sorry she didn’t make it but while she was around she was really a delight – they really took good care of her.
Thank you!