Bulls

A post from earlier this summer.

Today we had to put down a bull. He wasn’t a pet or anything special. He was part of our herd and played his part in keeping the operation going.

We checked the group he was in a couple days ago and he was accounted for and healthy. Enjoying the sunshine, grass and the ladies.

We went out today to check and found him flat, unable to get up. He was still alive but not well. Best we can figure is him and another bull got to fighting and he was injured.

This is the unglamorous part of agriculture. This is part of being a steward of God’s land and creatures. No one in this livelihood enjoys anything about this task.

We put our heart and soul into these animals. Our blood, sweat and tears goes into every critter. Having to let one go, even if it’s ending its suffering, is heart wrenching.

He’s not tame but he let me pet his face. He knew we were there to help how we could. Not how any of us wanted to help but nothing else could be done. I thanked him for everything he did for us over the years. I told him I didn’t want it to end this way either. I said a prayer for him. In his eyes, I could see he understood.

Today I cried over a bull that I had no sentimental attachment to.