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Romping_0979
16 April 2010 13:24
We let the alpacas into the pastures today. Tango and Willow were out of their minds with glee.
( Crias loving life )
( Crias loving life )
And it continues
16 March 2010 21:58No picture today. It's been almost non-stop for me since before dawn. It started off badly, but I'm hopeful that things are improving.
Gertie was not acting like Gertie at all this morning. She was lethargic, not eating all that much, and she was cushing with her back legs out to the side instead of underneath her. That's usually a sign that something is wrong. The lethargy and the lack of appetite I could assign to her grieving (alpacas do grieve for their young), but the legs-out cush was worrisome. Deb had Andrew the vet coming out in the afternoon anyway to do some blood work on four crias, so while he was here he had a look at Gertie.
He was concerned about her affect, too. She was very passive during his exam, which is not typical for an alpaca and certainly not typical for Gertie the Great. He suggested antibiotics if she didn't improve by evening. I talked to Dar at her dad's in Cape Breton and she was extremely concerned. She wanted Gertie to have the antibiotic and a pain killer/anti-inflammatory asap, so we got that done. I took her temp just a while ago, and she doesn't have a fever and she seemed more alert. I'm hoping that we caught whatever this is in time. Gertie is special to us all, but especially to Dar.
And speaking of Dar, her dad is much worse. I don't feel comfortable going into details, because that's Dar's to tell. Just know that she's distraught and preparing for the end.
The only light is that Satine and her baby, Willow, are back here with us. Deb and I brought them home this afternoon, and they've settled in very quickly. The baby got sniffed all over by everyone who could get close enough to sniff her. Satine was reunited with her sisters and former herd mates. Willow is enjoying having the run of the place - lots of happy cria prancing on her part, and the other crias took to her right away.
Please, please let this particular happy ending continue.
Gertie was not acting like Gertie at all this morning. She was lethargic, not eating all that much, and she was cushing with her back legs out to the side instead of underneath her. That's usually a sign that something is wrong. The lethargy and the lack of appetite I could assign to her grieving (alpacas do grieve for their young), but the legs-out cush was worrisome. Deb had Andrew the vet coming out in the afternoon anyway to do some blood work on four crias, so while he was here he had a look at Gertie.
He was concerned about her affect, too. She was very passive during his exam, which is not typical for an alpaca and certainly not typical for Gertie the Great. He suggested antibiotics if she didn't improve by evening. I talked to Dar at her dad's in Cape Breton and she was extremely concerned. She wanted Gertie to have the antibiotic and a pain killer/anti-inflammatory asap, so we got that done. I took her temp just a while ago, and she doesn't have a fever and she seemed more alert. I'm hoping that we caught whatever this is in time. Gertie is special to us all, but especially to Dar.
And speaking of Dar, her dad is much worse. I don't feel comfortable going into details, because that's Dar's to tell. Just know that she's distraught and preparing for the end.
The only light is that Satine and her baby, Willow, are back here with us. Deb and I brought them home this afternoon, and they've settled in very quickly. The baby got sniffed all over by everyone who could get close enough to sniff her. Satine was reunited with her sisters and former herd mates. Willow is enjoying having the run of the place - lots of happy cria prancing on her part, and the other crias took to her right away.
Please, please let this particular happy ending continue.
Willow and the herd
6 March 2010 17:46
( The crias say hello )
We've been having a series of sunny days, so we've been letting Willow (and Satine, her mom) out of their sheltered room so the baby can get used to the colder temperatures as well as give them both a chance to stretch their legs. As you can see, we still have a lot of snow, and the temperatures at night still get down to the teens(F) and -teens(C), so we bring them in towards the end of the day. I can barely wait until the temps moderate enough that we can leave them both out all the time. I know it's best for the baby, but it breaks my heart to have to lock Satine up every night. Cruel to be kind, I guess.
By the numbers
27 February 2010 22:301. I know of only a few people who are watching Caprica. Come on, people! It's the best show on TV right now. Intelligent, engaging writing, nuanced story telling, excellent acting, and cinematic production values. Really, what more could you want?
2. Willow is doing well. She's gaining weight just from nursing rather than from the addition of supplements, which has been the goal. Dar gave her the last of her antibiotics this evening, and her ulcerated cornea is clearing up, too. She should be home in another few days. Yay!
3. It's been snowing, snowing, snowing. I'm so ready for spring.
4. Been low on energy for the past few days. Killer fatigue, kids. Most unpleasant.
5. Dar isbrainwashing entertaining Martin and Joanne with S1 of True Blood. I don't think she'll rest until the entire world population has watched it.
6. It's going to be strange not to have the Olympics on TV. I think I'm finally getting the hang of curling! I can't say that I've seen most of the event coverage, but I watch a few hours every day, and I plan to be there for the big hockey match tomorrow. Go USA!
7. There were llamas on The Amazing Race last week. It doesn't get much better than that.
2. Willow is doing well. She's gaining weight just from nursing rather than from the addition of supplements, which has been the goal. Dar gave her the last of her antibiotics this evening, and her ulcerated cornea is clearing up, too. She should be home in another few days. Yay!
3. It's been snowing, snowing, snowing. I'm so ready for spring.
4. Been low on energy for the past few days. Killer fatigue, kids. Most unpleasant.
5. Dar is
6. It's going to be strange not to have the Olympics on TV. I think I'm finally getting the hang of curling! I can't say that I've seen most of the event coverage, but I watch a few hours every day, and I plan to be there for the big hockey match tomorrow. Go USA!
7. There were llamas on The Amazing Race last week. It doesn't get much better than that.