Saying Goodbye

Today we said "goodbye" to our dear friend and farm mascot Charlie P.  It was her time to leave us.  Charlie's sudden and severe illness came as a huge shock.  Donkeys are supposed to live until 40 years old; we thought that we had many good years left.

We will miss Charlie's boisterous braying which you could hear throughout the entire neighbourhood.  We will miss her silky muzzle nuzzles, her crazy zoomies, her epic dusty baths, and the donkey rides she was always willing to give the boys.  I will miss her warm heart beat, how she always gave our farm sitters so much trouble, the excellent job she did protecting her sheep and chickens from foxes and coyotes, and the amazing camaraderie she had with Ava, her fellow farm protector (in training).

I have spent many hours sitting with Charlie though her illness over the past several days.  I can guarantee that she knew that she was loved fiercely.  She will forever occupy a place in all of our hearts.  Charlie is now in greener pastures under the watchful eyes of my father, Grandpa Ed and our Baby.  Charlie promised me that she would give Baby a special ride upon her arrival.

Keeping Charlie company.

Charlie will be sorely missed by Abbott, her best friend and companion.

Our hearts are broken and our tears flow freely here on Gael Glen Farm today as we mourn the loss of our beautiful and beloved donkey, Charlie P.  May she rest in peace.