Daisy, known affectionately as Daisy Long Legs, was one of the 159 Tennessee pigs when we first arrived here. She was one of the “big old girls” in what are now the Cabin Houses. Daisy was sweet and gentle and dominant. Don’t let her grandma face fool you. No one ever stole food from Daisy. She was respected by her people.
Daisy’s sister, Daphne, passed last year. Both girls became terribly arthritic in old age, as we often see, and we eventually had toy ease them over the finish line. We’d been lifting Daisy twice a day for at least 6 months, a a task we took on with quiet dedication.. Once she was up, she would truck right up the hill to the Bus Stop for her meals, and so we kept lifting her. Eventually, her old body showed signs of exhaustion with the routine, and so we altered it for her, but then her appetite declined, and we knew she was ready. That’s how it goes. We’re here witnessing most every moment of their lives, and we catch the decline as soon as it reaches the tipping point.
When she reached the end, we walked her tired body home with the assistance of our very compassionate on-site vet partner. Daisy passed peacefully in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her trusted caregivers. It’s the best we have to offer.
The first day we meet them, we allow ourselves to fall in love. We know we’re walking most of them home far before any of us will pass, yet we still choose to love them. We know goodbye will always come too soon. We always want more time.
Until we meet again, Daisy. We miss you already.