Monday, August 12, 2013

Saying Goodbye is Never Easy…

July-2013

Lofty Pine Fusion
April 22 1996-August 10 2013

Fusion….he came as a package deal over 11 years ago and was the best kid trainer ever! Oh sure, the kids thought they were the ones doing the training, but it was really him! He knew the drill and would only pretend to be learning as each new 4H’er had him as their project. He’d follow you to the ends of the earth and back if asked!

It was 6:17 pm, I was in Cincinnati when I got the call that Fusion was down and when made to get up, his left front leg hung limp. Maybe it was just sprained, maybe he slipped on the barn floor, I thought….praying it wasn’t anything worse.

Lloyd called the vet who came out and confirmed his suspicions… it was broken at the Radius, just below his shoulder. HOW on earth could this have happened??!! We’ll never know, he was 17, and as any geriatric, he could have had brittle bones.

I made it home just after Dr. Kari had given him ‘the shot’ and was able to hold his head on my lap for quite some time before he finally breathed his last. I stroked his head and told him what a good boy he’d been all these years, how I was SO GOING TO MISS HIM… it was dark, the rest of the llamas were scattered around the field, kushed for the night… an owl called from a nearby tree….. Go aheadgoit’s okay, I told him….. several more breaths and he was gone.

I wish we’d had time to gather all the kids that had taken him through the years so they could say good bye too. He finished his 4H career at the Ohio State Fair and the Champaign County Fair just days before, and as always, did an excellent job.

I know I have tons of pictures, but chose a few from over the years…..

FusionCarmenPWparade02

Carmen and Fusion were the same age! Here, for the Children’s Parade at Pony Wagon Days, I used Kool-Aid to dye his fiber.

FusionCarmenPWparade2

FusionSouthbrook

Greeting residents at Southbrook and McAuley Center

McAuleyCenter1

McAuleyCenter2

FusionLeviTrophy 04

FusionLevi 04

LeviFusion

I always loved this shot of Levi and Fusion….the gentle touch on the lead, yup, that was Fusion.

SOLACFusionCarmen05Carmen

KaitlinFusion-limbo

JaredState

State...08

State-08State..08

State08

JohnFusion Shm

PaperLeadHeather

Paper lead? No problem!

PerfCam1 lg

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

His last Ohio State Fair and
Champaign County Fair

LeahCostume1

LeahCostume6

ShwmnshpGabrielGabrielTrophy2

Jr-PK-Gabriel2

Pen6

Pen5

Pen16

Queens2

Before1

Obst3

Even led by royalty! The fair queen took him through the obstacle course, for the first time handling a llama….almost flawlessly. Way to go, Fusion….you made her look so good!!

Obst11

Obst13

Obst14

~*~*~*~*~*~

Reunited with his pals that have gone on… each one is special, some just a little more than others.

You will be missed………….

13 comments :

Jan Marie said...

:'( What a lovely tribute to a very special creature that the Lord gave to you (or perhaps He gave you all to Fusion to take care of!) Tears, prayers and hugs are with you as you mourn the loss of the dear four-legged family member. Someday all things will be made new! Our Lord has promised and He is faithful!

Marilyn said...

So sorry for your loss, I just know your heart must be breaking. I have had to say goodby to 4 of my very best friends and it is so hard. He was a beautiful handsome boy and he will reside in your hearts forever.
I love the pictures you post of your wonderful Llamas and I will miss seeing him too.Take care and my thoughts are with you and your family.

charlene merrick said...

How very sad; my heart hurts for you and your loss. You have lots of good memories

Kecia said...

Dawn, you have my deepest sympathies. Losing any living being is hard. May you find comfort in the wonderful life you helped give him. What a wonderful tribute here.

Donna Nuce said...

So sorry for your loss of such an amazing animal! It brought tears to my eyes to read about Fusion. Thank you for sharing Fusion with us!

Roxie said...

Fusion was certainly a beautiful animal and I know he'll be missed. I liked the photos of him with the seniors, the one lady looked thrilled to be with him and I'm sure he made her day.
I do hope animals go to the same heaven so we all get to meet up with our pals again some day.
Hugs to you!

Joyce said...

How sad. Loved seeing the pictures. How we love our animals. I was reminded of my favorite vacation ever....to Ohio, touring the Amish country.

ThreadBear said...

Sorry Dawn...I'm glad for you that you were able to be back home for the end.

Traci S. said...

Oh Dawn--

My heart feels scrunched up for you and the people who loved Fusion, also. I'm glad you were home in time to tell him again how much you loved him. I know how thst moment feels.

I pray you feel His loving and comforting arms around you. And, that He will heal your pain.

You gave Fusion a wonderful send off with this post. Showing how gentle and helpful he was to so many...but especially with you.

His,
Traci Starkweather

Brenda (LadyofCards) said...

Dawn, I am so sorry for your loss. It is never easy, regardless if it is a family mbr, friend or pet. Find comfort in knowing Fusion was special and he touched many. You gave him a wonderful memorial. Thank you for sharing with us. Take care... Hugs 'N Blessings

Unknown said...

So sorry for you loss Dawn. Thank you for sharing beautiful pics with us so we can see why you miss Fusion.
Hugs,
Jasmina

Sandy said...

so very sad - wonderful pictures but it breaks my heart too. I know how I love my animals so I can just imagine how much you loved (and still love) Fusion, a very handsome boy indeed!
Sandy

Turtle In The Sand said...

Hugs Dawn. I have been thinking of you.