Sad Day on the Homestead

We experienced the unexpected loss of one of our favorite animals on the homestead. Penny the guardian livestock llama passed away. We didn't know it at the time but it seems meningeal worms are the culprit.

[@MasonFamilyFarm]

Having animals means loving them. You loved her. Sorry for your loss. It’s never easy.

[@vnthomas16]

No one should ever doubt the GFH's love and dedication to their animals. We have had lengthy conversations with them, and visited their homestead many times. Both Dan and Ashley deeply love and care for all their animals and their land. Videos are a great way to share experiences with the world, but they don't show the hours of care, worry, and hard work that go into raising livestock. We are so sorry for the loss of Penny.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thank you Virginia

[@josuenunoarandas1758]

Hey Dan, I just want to first of all day thank you for always showing not only the positive sides of homesteading but the negative ones as well. I also wanted to tell you that you have done an incredible job taking care of penny and you have given her a good life. Always remember that there will be people full of hate but don’t listen to them Dan, those type of people aren’t happy with themselves so they chose to try to put others down to make themselves feel better. I hope you and your family are doing alright. R.I.P Penny

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thank you Josue

[@dagnoliablossom1928]

There are not words to comfort you. We share your grief. Thank you for giving her happiness on your homestead.

[@onedazinn998]

*hugs* to you all. Penny had the sweetest disposition that's for sure...from what I saw in your videos...she never spit...and the best eyelashes ever :) Thanks for posting...I cried along with you.

[@CanadianFarmGirl1]

Just a reminder to everyone who loves and supports this channel that hateful or comments ment to bully and belittle others can and SHOULD be REPORTED. We are all adults here and the fact that Im seeing such a wonderful family being attacked in comments is disgusting. Im so sorry for your loss and for the way others have been judging your actions. These thing just happen. Sending our thoughts and prayers for your and Tess's family. Xoxo

[@lmd2454]

BareFoot BackYard I didn't know you could report comments. I'll try doing that now. Some people are unbelievable!

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thank you for your support

[@CanadianFarmGirl1]

The Grass-fed Homestead Your welcome.

[@tracischeelk29]

We don't need Jew-controlled censorship, which is what reporting comments is. He can block anyone he wants to, and censoring should NOT be to stop any truthtelling. Yes, mean and unwarranted hate is dispicable. But, so is encouraging censorship using Jew control to do it. Jewtube.

[@ibrahimefe2013]

R.I.P Penny. I will always remember you with your big beautiful eyes.

[@divyaarzaclothing811]

i too. miss you penny

[@LizZorab]

Oh Dan and Ashley, I’m so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute to a lovely animal. This is, without a doubt, the toughest part of homesteading. Sending you emotional gentleness across the ether.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thank you Liz

[@OFFGRIDwithDOUGSTACY]

1st thing is dehydration, we experienced this with the ALPACAS. You must make them stand even if you have to hoist them. Please do not count eating snow as water intake...

[@jeanettewaverly2590]

Good insight, guys! One of the local horses doesn't like drinking cold water and collapsed from dehydration a couple of winters ago. It took a veterinarian (and a $500 vet bill) to get him back on his feet.

[@RockyBrook]

Yes in the winter it is still very import to give fresh water. God bless

[@fallingleaves6951]

Agree that watching water intake and urine output is always important. In winter you deal with animals not wanting to drink cold water and in summer dealing with heat taking it out of them faster than they are willing to take it in. In winter, on the coldest days or after horribly fridget nights, I frequently will make warm mashes for everyone from chickens and ducks up to the goats and horses to make sure they are getting both some heat and some water. I have a heated waterer for the horses that the goats can also access, but also keep water in the house warming for the goats and poultry. Trade the buckets out every morning and evening.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

I don't think water was the issue. I've seen her drink plenty from our heated water tank in the past and she drank a lot of the tap cold water I gave her from the bucket after I realized she wasn't getting up. Llamas are from the Andes and are quite accustomed to cold conditions

[@OFFGRIDwithDOUGSTACY]

The Grass-fed Homestead The animals that graze in the high Andes - particularly in Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador - are used to the cold. they usually do pretty good in the cold, EXTREME cold for long periods will defiantly cause problems...not sure what your temps have been.. just a note from our experience..but getting them on their feet is a game changer, we save several, and rolling them because of bloat 👍

[@jred1838]

Sorry for the loss. You showed respect to her in death. It is a good example to your son. People think because we butcher our animals that we have no heart for them; they don't understand how wrong they are.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

indeed

[@sandyroberts5685]

Just recently started tuning in to your channel. I so admire homesteaders and their life work. I’m so sorry to hear Penny has passed. What a heartbreaking day for your family. After reading the comments, I must say thank you for inviting all of us in to share your daily lives. It’s wonderful to live vicariously through you, but also because it opens you up to sometimes harsh criticism. You are such a gentle, old soul. We all live and learn, often best through mistakes and heartache. Peace to all of you and blessings for honoring the incredible bounty of nature.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thank you Sandy

[@lmd2454]

Hey Dan, I'm so sorry, every loss is so hard. I can hear the feeling of failure and defeat in your voice and I know that feeling all too well. Animal husbandry has a steep learning curve and it comes with far too many "learning the hard way" opportunities over the years. From my failures I have developed a plan of action that I implement as soon as something seems "off" with any of my animals. First, I've realized that changes in behavior is the only way our animals can communicate that something is wrong. I've also learned over the years, that some species of animals instinctively hide their pain, so as to not attract predators, making the need to look for the most subtle changes even more important. So I've learned that those changes in behavior are a big red flag and should be taken very seriously. There were many times that like you, I noticed and was concerned but just didn't know what to do so I waited and watched, but that usually doesn't end well. That leads me to the next thing. When an animal is down, it's time to act quickly. If they're lying down in a situation they normally wouldn't, I try to get them up. If they won't, that tells me something is very wrong and it's time for quick veterinary intervention (or experienced intervention). If they do get up then I look for any other signs that something is wrong and observe them closely (hourly if possible) until I've determined if there is a problem or not. The third main thing I've learned is to act quickly as soon as I am relatively certain something is off. Once an animal is showing signs of something being wrong, they can go downhill very quickly. Usually because they don't show signs until something is very wrong. Sometimes the answer is as simple as a certain medication and it can turn the whole situation around. Being that veterinary care is so cost prohibitive, I have found two things that have helped significantly over the years. One is developing a close relationship with our livestock vet so that I can get phone consults and medications that I can administer myself. The other is to look for books on the care of that particular species that contain information specific to health, especially troubleshooting problems and how to treat as many of them as possible. I had a book like that for my horses that was a huge help! Over the years you'll go through enough of these instances you'll become quite versed in what to do, just like Tess. Hopefully these tips will help you have a better outcome in most instances. It's a tough life, but a very rewarding one. Don't beat yourself up over it. Blessings to you.

[@jeanettewaverly2590]

Lindsey, thank you for your sympathetic and constructive input. I recently lost a horse because I "waited and watched" for too long. Our livestock animals are the quintessential prey animals: They are genetically encoded to suppress their symptoms until they have two feet over the edge. It is indeed a steep and often heartbreaking learning curve, and those who are climbing is deserve our support, not our censure.

[@fallingleaves6951]

Absolutely excellent post, Lindsay Devoll. Best response, advice I have read.

[@lmd2454]

Jeanette Waverly thank you, I totally agree! I have been there and still live with regrets from situations where I didn't do enough because I didn't know. Hindsight is 20/20. All any of us can do is learn from our mistakes and pass the information along to others who are still learning.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thank you Lindsay. Access to livestock vets in our area is a real challenge but obviously a problem I need to solve. Tess is excellent for ruminant and horse care but I learned the reason she did not take my calls is because her phone got smashed and she had to get a new one. Bad timing

[@RS-jj7yj]

I'm so sorry for your loss on the homestead. It's very apparent that you are carrying a very heavy heart. Keep your chin up and know that you gave her a very happy and healthy life. Sometimes things like this just happen and rest assured that you took very good care of her. God bless

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thank you

[@karencoman6544]

Penny will be miss by all of us. She was loved and that's the best. I'm sorry guys.

[@flowerpixie76]

I'm so sorry for your loss of Penny! I know you must be hurting! My thoughts and prayers are with you all! 🌼

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thank you Misty

[@betty8173]

A beautiful animal, I am sorry for your loss. You are doing a good job on your homestead, thank you for sharing. Prayers for you and your family.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thank you Beth

[@MillaRaeDeshibeau]

Oh no...:-( Bless her protective soul. May she rest in the heavens. Penny was a beautiful llama. She will be watching from the heavens..🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@smokeyangelav]

So sorry to your family and Tess. I loved seeing Penny and know you enjoyed having her.

[@lindacummings6921]

Penny was a gentle and beautiful soul who had a good life, with people who cared about her and cared for her. That is what we all wish for during our days on this earth. Although your family is experiencing loss, find comfort in your good memories of Penny while she lived and served as a valued guardian on your farm.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thank you Linda

[@audreyabdo7719]

I am subscribed just now, but I feel your sadness on that day she passed. If it’s any comfort, she had been actively passing when her habits changed. You got great memories. My granny had a farm in Georgia but back in those days we didn’t have Llamas. They’re sweet.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thank you Audrey

[@Hatarue]

Often animals especially prey animals will hide their sysmtoms till it's too late for you to intervene. Sorry for your loss. Hopefully Tess will understand.

[@allisonsfollys7713]

so true

[@alexisfishinhuntinandfarmi2923]

They truly do. My hamster passed away not long ago. No symptoms of anything.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

She did. Thank you

[@jayheld7783]

Sorry to hear. The footage was a very nice tribute to Penny.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thank you Jay

[@jodyflores601]

Dan I'm so very sorry for your loss. Homesteading can be so heartbreaking at times. Your family will be in my thoughts and heart as you deal with her passing. Penny will be greatly missed.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thank you Jody

[@maddog8148]

Poor Penny. I know I’m late to this but I’m so sad right now. Your channel is so inspiring. God rest her soul. Penny you are so beautiful.

[@1870s]

So sorry for you family and flocks loss Dan. She was a sweet animal.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thank you

[@ncooty]

I imagine you've got quite a mix of emotions: loss, concern about what Penny experienced, concern about implications for your other animals, helping LB process it, concern about how Tess will feel, etc. You've got to know this, though, you're doing the best you can with what you've got. No one can ask more than that, and I hope you don't expect more than that from yourself. Those animals certainly have it FAR better than their wild cousins do. I'm sorry for the loss, and that this way of life has so much of it, but I suspect part of the reason you picked this life is to be closer to the visceral realities of life, not insulated from them or numbed to them. A hand on your shoulder from afar.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

thank you ncooty. It was a difficult call to Tess for sure. She was very understanding though and has assured me it was nothing I did or didn't do.

[@1wolfpup]

The Grass-fed Homestead God bless you and your family. This is a difficult thing to deal with for anyone that is caring for animals. We try do our best.

[@roundmott]

We all know they are just animals, but they all quickly become family. Sorry to hear of your loss. Thanks for sharing one more sobering reality of the homesteading life that we all need to be ready for.

[@oneproudnana3315]

So sorry, Dan. Your video was a lovely tribute to Penny. And also, you included a great compliment to your wife.

[@lmfarms4611]

In loving memory Penny 2017 Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... Author unknown...

[@lisabooker6405]

Dan I am so very sorry for the loss of Penny. For both you and Tess. Anyone with an ounce of brain can see how much you guys care for animals. Please keep your head high and your heart free from the negativity. You’re in our prayers. ~Lisa

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thank you Lisa

[@rezyness]

Oh dear. Bless you. It is tough losing an animal on your farm.

[@AshishSingh-rb8kv]

Made me cry looking at Penny. Sorry for your loss bud. God Bless

[@jeanettewaverly2590]

Dan, my heartfelt condolences to you and the family for the loss of Penny. Animals live; animals die (ourselves included, of course). As I've mentioned elsewhere, I recently lost a horse I was fostering and I know how if feels. You will learn from this experience, but please don't be too hard on yourself. You did the best you could with her and gave her a good life while she was with you. Thank you for sharing her passing with us in this beautiful and respectful manner.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thank you Jeanette

[@cynthiamantooth1201]

My heart goes out to you, Dan, Ashley, and Lil Buddy. This was a shock to all of you and us viewers alike. No one ever said homesteading is an easy life. Unfortunately, this was a loss that will be greatly missed. I'm sure you didn't sleep well these past three nights, knowing she was not acting right and not knowing how to help her. I'm glad she passed quickly, for her sake and for for your family.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thank you Cynthia

[@whitehouseonthehill]

Oh Dan... that’s rough. Penny was a cool cat.

[@akindofmagick]

Oh, Dan and Family. I’m so sorry. What a lovely tribute to Penny. Holding y’all in the Light.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thank you

[@heavenscenthomestead4242]

So sorry for you loss. Penny was so regal looking and you gave her some really good last years.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thank you

[@allisonsfollys7713]

is so hard when you lose an animal and you don't know why. when I first started out back in the seventies I had a year where I lost a 9 month old calf, a goat from birthing issues, her kid, I lost a dog from an unknown illness, and a cat who had leukemia, I was as well informed as I could possibly be using magazines and people around me. I wish there had been KZbin Network that is out there now but sometimes even when you do everything you can possibly can there are still losses. after that I sold my goats and got myself out of some of the homesteading that I was trying to do. we raise pigs every year after that so we didn't quit all together but those losses just threw me. I enjoy your Channel and I enjoy watching you learn . take heart and know that you're doing the best you can and sometimes it just is what it is. and like what one other person said in the comments, pray animals hide their illnesses until it's too late to help them. you're doing great keep up the good work. and working in that much snow that's hard work. I am so sorry for the loss of this beautiful animal.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thank you Allison. You described a lot of loss in a short time. That is awful. I'm glad you still are raising pigs though.

[@teresaplunkett6602]

Oh, I am so sorry for your lost! She will be missed by your viewers too. May she rest in Llama heaven of comfort and joy. ❤😢

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thank you Teresa

[@julisteck9548]

So sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful spirit.

[@harpolum]

Poignant. So much sorrow. I hear your pain. Every animal (sheep, goats, poultry, dogs, cats) have taught us painful lessons. We learn, we get more tuned in, quicker to know what to do. And sometimes, we just don’t know. Those are the hardest. R. I. P dear Penny. Blessings on uou Dan and your family.

[@wilmagregory8967]

I'm sorry to hear your sweet girl is gone. God rest her and keep her. Blessings

[@gailwalker6872]

Oh, I am so sorry. What a very hard day. My heart goes out to your family.

[@fatladyfarmer2025]

I'm sorry for your loss. Penny seemed to have such a personality. Some things on the farm are just harder than others. I'm so sad.

[@eppiedoodle9423]

I am so sorry to read of the death of your sweet Penny. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Ashley, and Buddy.

[@kaisenji]

I'm all chocked up. So sorry! Penny was awesome and gentle. Hugz

[@billherrick3569]

How sad; sorry for your loss. We feel your pain as we just had one of our 3 large dogs suddenly and unexpectedly die the morning after Christmas.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

oh wow...that is awful

[@kirstenwhitworth8079]

I am so terribly sorry for your loss. She was such an iconic member of the homestead, and a good livestock guardian. I'm sure you had reasons for not having a necropsy performed on her to determine the cause of death.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

yes, it's more than 3 hours away into Washington to have that done and the roads were in terrible condition from the snow storm. It was really bad timing

[@alyssanapoleon877]

Dan, I’m so sorry for your loss! I’m new to your channel and had just recently watched your Guardian Animal videos and a few more, including the loss of the piglets. I can tell you have such a heart for your animals, and their loss really hits you hard. I’m sorry you’re getting hate in the comments too, please know you’re a wonderful animal caretaker. Praying your year only gets better.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thank you Alyssa.

[@HeartinessApproach]

Oh Dan, That is so sad. We are so incredibly sorry. This is a terrible loss for your sweet family and for us who loved watching her.

[@genevievegreene1595]

This is the first of your videos I have seen so I don't know y'all but Penny was obviously very much loved. I am sorry for your loss. These things will happen no matter what we do. Hugs.

[@rigobarron8175]

Awww sorry for your loss. She will be forever missed.

[@katelynbray5531]

I'm so sorry for you loss, I watched everyday to see if you showed penny. She was my favorite

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thank you for your support. Penny was great and is missed

[@macywylie8563]

I'm very sorry for your loss. She will be missed by your viewers as well as by you guys.

[@FarmhouseTeas]

So sorry to see the news about Penny. I know it must be hard, you take such wonderful care of all of you animals! It's always hard to lose one.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thank you. It was really sad losing her. She was a nice part of our homestead

[@izzysmomtattoos8274]

This was the hardest part of farm life. Sometimes you will do whatever it takes to help them. But when it's their time, its their time.

[@NykkeyB]

What a way to start my morning. Sobbing on the kitchen floor. No doubt penny was loved and appreciated.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

She was. Thank you Nykkey

[@christiebetts4970]

Losing a loved animal is tough.They become such a part of your life and even though you're hurting now,i'm sure you wouldn't trade the experience of having Penny the llama in your life for anything.A good life and a peaceful passing.If we could all be as blessed as Penny yhe llama.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thank you Christie. Penny was a dear member of the homestead and she is missed.

[@candicechristensen1753]

I'm glad you had a neighbor to help a little. Loss is emotionally exhausting

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

We are very grateful for his help

[@KahlestEnoch]

I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs. Everyone will miss her including the sheep

[@JoshFugate]

Sorry for your loss. It’s never easy when we lose one of our animals...

[@anitapaulsen3282]

How sad, I'm so sorry. She was so gorgeous.

[@martinezfrederic1]

Wow, I so sorry for you loss. She was a beautiful llama.

[@martinezfrederic1]

Jean Peters, first of all if you watched the vid Dan mentioned he tried calling Tess on several occasions and she never returned his calls. Second, Dan has mentioned in the past vids if you are a subscriber to Dans vids he has mentioned that there aren’t any farm veterinarians close by where he lives. Third, if there are any problems regarding Penny’s death it’s between Tess the owner, and Dan. It’s none of our business, not yours not mines, not anyone else’s. All I know that in the pics and past vid It showed that Penny was taken care of, and was loved by Dan and his family. Sometimes these animals are sick and they don’t show it until the last moment. In a homestead raising animals is always a challenge no matter how you are educated you are in animal husbandry, things happen. Where there is New life there is also death in a homestead that’s just a part of life. Dan sorry for your loss for Penny.

[@JasmineCherie]

I’m so sorry for your loss. I deal with a lot of snow too and I learned a trick many years ago. If you lay a heavy duty tarp down on the truck bed (attached to the tarp are two pieces of 2x4) these keep the tarp stretched out, run the wood from driver to passenger directions, attach a rope from corner to corner on the tailgate 2x4, winch or ratchet strap to a strong tree, snow falls and once done , hop into truck and pull away slowly, it acts like a winch to empty the bed. No need to shovel.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Clever idea! Thank you!

[@dianecharles881]

So sorry! Glad you have the special memories! Hugs!

[@hisimagenme]

Again it's so hard to "like" videos like this, content is great but it's so sad, I don't "like" the occasion. Heart felt prayers to you guys, Penny was special, she will be missed and remembered. You all have had a hard year of losses, pig, chicken now Penny, I'm so so sorry. Hang in there. Blessings...

[@hisimagenme]

Jean Peters Question: how does one become experienced? Hard lessons for sure, but from what I see they are learning. I say start where you can. He had some guidance and help. These deaths could have happened with all these things in place that you mentioned. I think encouragement is always better than criticism that tells one to quit. I see no neglect on their part. I would agree with you if the situation was with a grossly neglectful owner.

[@fallingleaves6951]

Jean, when you live out in the boonies, getting good vet care is often close to impossible. Generally there are vets in town that take care of family pets like dogs and cats. And then there are livestock vets that are generally out on the road seeing after cows and maybe horses. I can't find a vet for over 170 miles that would attend to one of my goats. In Oct. one of my horses injured a leg and the vet who is 70 miles away was 60 miles away in another direction seeing after some cows. Another vet only 50 miles away agreed to view photos and a video of the injury and I was able to get antibiotics and an anti-inflammatory from him, but no actual site visit. He has continued to oversee treatment and therapy via video, but won't come see the horse in person. Big ranchers don't necessarily like seeing smaller outfits coming in and bringing in more exotic livestock. Especially if they fear diseases that might impact their cattle operations. A number of vets share some of their concerns and/or they just don't want to or have the time to learn about the treatment of other types of livestock. Most Vets don't want to be held professionally responsible if they misdiagnose or mis-treat a species they are not familiar with so they will not treat them at all. It isn't always as easy as you want to make it.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

thank you Lisa

[@everything1070]

Poor gal. I hope she went peacefully. Rest In Peace, Penny.

[@diannt9583]

Penny was special. I'm so sad for your loss.

[@lcrread]

A nice tribute of Penny, the llama. Sorry for your loss, she was beautiful too.

[@sathiskumar7594]

It's a great loss for you and Tess. She lived a best life. Hope whatever the disease she had, it doesn't spread to goats....

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thank you Sathis

[@Guildbrookfarm]

Oh no Dan. I am so terribly sorry. ❤️

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thank you Jaime

[@adammiller9073]

dang man this video made me sad, seeing all the pictures and videos she was well loved. rip penny.

[@hisimagenme]

Hey Grass fed homestead, hope you're hanging in there. Don't give up, prayers and thoughts...

[@arlenejohnson9597]

So very sorry. It's always so sad to see a beloved pet go.

[@bingren1792]

RIP Penny! I will always remember you!💔💔😭😭😭

[@nellie2m]

Ahhh, that sucks. Im so sorry. I know you guys did a great job of taking care of her. I guess sometimes things just go wrong.

[@tammyshepherd9069]

Oh Dan I'm so sorry to hear that Penny passed away that video made me cry. Again I'm truly sorry for your loss.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thank you Tammy

[@barbarastout1228]

I am so sorry about your loss of Penny😢I know she will be missed

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Yes, she was a cool llama and we really liked having her here.

[@kenlee5015]

So sorry Dan. Penny was such a great part of your homestead.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thank you Ken. Yeah, we really liked her. She was a cool llama

[@stevethecountrycook1227]

I just stumbled across your channel and the title intrigued me so I watched. We humans have a way of getting very attached to animals, I have been there and done that myself. Life on a farm has life and on occassion death like this familys llama. It is all part of the circle of life! None of us are guaranteed tomorrow and that goes for our animals also! I found your heart felt story quite inspiring! I also saw one of Doug from off grid with Doug and Stacy, He lost a Sheep I think it was in birth, lost both actually. He was very moved by the loss just like you. I know you both knew this kind of thing was going to happen eventually but you carry on, and where possible learn from it. That is all I have to say. Keep on keepin on my young friend.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thank you Steve. I appreciate the comment

[@montanawardog]

Sorry to hear about Penny. Losing solid helper animals is tough.

[@aslhavardhomestead155]

So sorry for your loss. It is sad and a part of farm life.

[@LadyEnyalus]

Oh no, not Penny.. So sad.. so sorry for the loss.

[@hargersadventures]

So sorry for your loss! Such a sweetie. You need to frame the 2 pics of you and her in your green hat. Those are so cute!

[@moniqueslikkerveer6158]

I think Dan and Tess are one of the most animal-loving creatures on earth. Sorry for your loss. Penny RIP.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thank you Monique

[@jerrybeaver3216]

I'm without words ,Praying for your family -Jerry

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thank you Jerry

[@lizzyg9672]

Penny!! 💔

[@StrawFamilyFarm]

So sorry for your loss there are so many things that could have happened from twisted gut to impacted gut to parasite issues to bacterial issues ..... Don't get bogged down with the why as you may never know and it will just drive you crazy trying to figure it out

[@TheSunnites]

I'm sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful creature.

[@joanhendrix5967]

I'm sorry Dan and Family. The worst part is not knowing how or why. RIP Penny. You were so appreciated. You won't be forgotten. ❤✌

[@belle5471]

We lost one of our top show ewes due to pneumonia and it just seemed to just happen. One day she was fine the next day she was going downhill fast. RIP Friendly and Penny.

[@the.vinodd]

That's soo sad... But with raising animals...you are bound to come across. I can feel your pain brother...

[@TheApprenticeFarmer]

Dan, so sorry for your loss. I know how it feels (lost my best ewe this year). Don’t despair though. It’s not your fault. Some animals do drop dead no matter how well we take care of them. Stay strong! I cover with lots of wood chips and let them compost. It cuts back on the amount of work you have to do and goes back to nurture the soil.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Yes, I like the compost idea. Of course our woodchips are buried and frozen under snow

[@pattispencer8503]

I know that she had the best of care. I’m so sad and I hope little Buddy is ok...

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Little Buddy is ok. Thank you

[@peewees6199]

Sorry for your loss. God bless!

[@maine_life_207]

That's too bad its always rough when that happens. Could have been a number of things. Things like that make you stronger. 🌲🙏✌

[@daniellesduckheadhomestead3127]

Oh no. So sorry to hear that Penny passed. That’s so sad. I loved seeing her. A sad reality of Homesteading :(..... I feel for you.

[@TheGrassfedHomestead]

Thank you

[@mickburgess624]

That’s so sad 😞 bro.... keep your chin up gotta move on I no it’s hard when you loose something or someone special... that’s part of life unfortunately... thoughts are with you bro❤️

[@justaddwater674]

Sad day indeed. Pet and livestock loss is disheartening.

[@gerrymarmee3054]

It makes you think about pioneer times. If you were way out in the wild and list your chickens and cows, there wouldn’t be a way to get another. Gives you some perspective. Sorry for the loss.