Brandon’s side by side went by, then came back, then a cow went by, and I figured a cow was having problems. Then the pickup went by. And a four wheeler. Then Quinlan’s little silver truck. I was crafting away, but then I got curious. Everyone seemed to be over helping this cow, but it was taking a lonnnng time.
Curiosity killed the cat, remember? When I approached the shed door and Quinlan suggested maybe I didn’t want to come in… did I listen? Nope. I probably should have!
Poor Brandon was dealing with a dead calf, pulling it out of momma cow. I won’t give further details and I definitely took no photos, and, needless to say, it was disgusting.
After a bit, Megan and kids left to go get an another cow and calf that needed some attention and I stayed with Brandon. I can’t do much, but I can fetch and carry and clean! Finally, things were over and we cleaned up.
Why am I even telling just the outline of this story?
Because, to me, it means many things.
When ranchers get painted as cold and uncaring, I doubt those people would have made it in the shed door due to the stench. The big breech calf was past saving but the cow was treated as best we could. Many people would have called a vet in to do the dirty work!
When things get bad, the family shows up. The wife, the freshman boy, the sixth grade girl, and me… all willing to help in whatever way they can. That goes for Daniel’s family and other ag families. One guy doesn’t make a ranch, it’s a family affair and has been for generations. I think of my one grandma telling how she and her sisters helped clear stumps out of a new field with mules and axes… that’s hard work!
We are all grateful this is a very rare occurrence! Nothing like bonding over a bad experience!
And my last question… how do horrific smells seem to last so long?
Find me here!
