I am writing this post with tears in my eyes... It has been a long day but I finally have a few minutes to get everyone updated. I have had 3 hours of sleep in the last 48 hours and I apologize for the short, unedited post.
Charlotte started delivering her first litter of piglets around midnight. The first two came out fine, but then she needed help with the next three. Unfortunately piglet number 5 was stuck and after hours of trying to free him, we knew that he was not going to pass through and that Charlotte wasn't going to make it... We made the heartwrenching decision to euthanize her. It was tough, but we knew there were no other options. A c-section at that point wasn't possible. :-(
After she quietly passed, Dr. George and Dan worked quickly and took the remaining six more piglets from her. The one who was stuck in the birth canal had a broken jaw and needed to be put down. Altogether, we have ten surviving piglets that are now orphans and need to be bottle fed every 90 minutes...
They are doing well and are adorable. They are all different colors, red, black, pink, brown, some with white, some without. There is a special little solid red-haired female piglet in the litter that I am taking a liking to...
I am off to feed them now, then head to bed for an hour and go back downstairs to feed again. I will post as soon as I have time.
Rest in peace, Charlotte. We will always miss you...
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I am so sorry to hear about Charlotte-it is just heart breaking.
ReplyDeleteEvery 90 minutes, eh? You are now undisputably the most dedicated animal person I have heard about this year! Two rescue horses that needed round-the-clock care at different times and now 10 little piggies (just like the kid's story/song) to care for round-the-clock! My hat is off to you! And I am thinking that a barn sleep-over with lots of eager helpers may be a good thing to consider. :) Be sure to take care of yourself too.
I miss her soooo much!! I can't wait to see the ten new additions!!! Two weeks is way to long to stay away.
ReplyDeleteMay Charlotte rest in peace and forever be in our hearts!<333
<3Margaret<3
So sorry for the loss of Charlotte, I know she will be missed! You will have a lot to keep you busy though - May God give you strength and energy!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about Charlotte :( I've been busy moving the last few days and just read all of the posts about her this morning and was checking for hopefull piglet news, but this was not what I was expecting. I'm sure you and your vet did everything possible and at least she is not suffering or in pain. So sorry for your loss, may the 10 remaining piglets help ease the pain (after those feedings are all done!!!).
ReplyDeleteOh no! Julie, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Charlotte. After reading the whole story about how Charlotte came to be part of your family, this is absolutely heartbreaking. I'm sitting here in Colorado with tears in my eyes as well. Best of luck with the little ones, and God bless you for your dedication to take care of them! Hang in there, okay? -Scott
ReplyDeleteWe are so sad to hear of Charlotte's passing.She was quite a smart character and will be missed. We hope the little piglets are doing well, and that you are hanging in there. I am fairly certain there will be no peace and quiet at the barn for quite a while. We look forward to meeting the newest additions to Greenwood Stables.
ReplyDeleteThe Robinson/McManus Family
I'm so sorry you lost Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteDEAREST JULIE AND DAN AS TERRIBLE AS THAT DAY WAS I BELIEVE THAT THE WORK YOU BOTH ARE DOING IS TRUELY REMARKABLE.THE STORY YOU WROTE WAS SO VERY TOUCHING BUT I WISH YOU HAD ALSO LET PEOPLE KNOW THAT ON THAT SAME STRESSFUL NIGHT YOU WERE ALSO HELPING A LOCAL POLICE DEPT RESCUE A HORSE THAT HAD BEEN HIT BY A CAR.MAY YOUR LOVING AND KINDNESSES CONTINUE TO INFLUENCE THE MANY CHILDREN WHO LOOK UP TO YOU.GOD BLESS YOU BOTH
ReplyDeleteoh julie ;[;[ oh julie...it kind of is like charlettes web. only its the spider that dies to give her babies a good future. and wilber crying his eyes out..but is encouraged when 1 spider sticks around and keeps wilber company..i know it isnt much consolation now..but i hope it turns out the same as the story..and 1 darling piglet is like charlette.. may god and all his angels give you the streengh and energy and continued love and devotion that you have had in the past...im sure the kids would also be a huge help to you also.. god love you dan and julie ;];];];]
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry Julie, I know that you guys did everything possible to save Charlotte and the piggies. RIP Charlotte, you were loved an will be missed.
ReplyDeleteOh Julie I'm so sorry! My heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteLove from ChamoisWillow
julie i just started reading your blog, and already felt like i knew your animals. And i always loved to hear about Charlotte, and i'm very sorry that she passed away. But at least it was quiet with her family around her.
ReplyDeleteI hope your new arrivals are continuing to do well. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteI'm new to your blog, but I'm familiar with Faith's story. I am so sorry for your loss of Charlotte. I'm glad to hear that the babes are doing well. I have faith in the Rainbow Bridge, and mom is happy and at peace. Thank you so much for all you do for the animals that need and love us so much. Hang in there.
ReplyDelete