Only Change is Certain

It was inevitable that, as soon as I committed to posting once a week, the website went down. I'm here now, in the midst of a busy and exciting fiber season. There are many things on the farm to look forward to: lambs any day that will be offered for adoption, more festivals, our first demonstrations and workshops, and beginning a podcast.

We experienced a tremendous amount of loss on the farm last year. This year has had its share of sorrows - Rapey was attacked by a fox and lived, Sam suffered an attack of bloat and died - but we are hopeful that 2015 will, overall, be a year of excitement and growth. In updating the website this afternoon I was able to bring myself to remove Champagne and Tucker from the Ballyhoo Critters page. It's a milestone in my grief process. Both dogs were enormously influential in my personal journey and in the origin story of Ballyhoo Farm. But nothing lasts forever; it is not disrespectful to acknowledge their contributions and make room in our hearts and lives for creatures who will shape our story going forward.

When Champagne died people tried to console me by telling me that a new dog would come along when I was ready. I found that insulting. I do not believe in replacing loved ones, each dog I've had has been more than a canine companion, has indelibly shaped my worldview and my Self. I do not want a "new" dog anymore than I want a "new" Aunt Judy.

Nick has never had a dog of his own. I told him when one of the dogs died he could look for his dog. Though he began searching while Tucker was still alive, he didn't settle on anyone. He has always wanted a beagle. A few weeks ago I found a female, not much older than Zeke, who seemed like she'd be a good fit. She's sweet, social, and like every animal on Ballyhoo Farm has a sad backstory that left her just a little bit different. We're going to meet her tomorrow. If everything goes well, she and Nick will begin their journey together, and Zeke will no longer be an only dog.

This is a fruitful season, a time of rejuvination and exploration. Who better to explore with than a beagle?