Thursday, July 9, 2009

PETA Can Suck It!

Maybe the title is a little strong. But I'm not fond of PETA or any other animal rights activists that say rodeo animals are abused. They are so cared for and loved. With that out of the way, I wanted to share a few pics I took.

My rent-a-husband asked that I take some pictures of his very old cows. He was having them put down because he knew they would decline in the harsh summer temps. He wanted to keep them from suffering. I believe they were some of his first rodeo cows. The ones he started his herd with so they held a special place in his heart. In fact, he couldn't even take them to be put down. He had to get someone else to come and get them. Nor was he at home when they loaded them.

I hate that the only time I could get over there to take the pictures was mid-day so the lightening was not favorable. And of course, the old girls wanted to stay in the shade. I had to apologize for the shadows.


But the old gals worked with me pretty well.

I ordered the prints for him and they are having them framed in a collage barnwood frame. I was glad that I could be a part of perserving his memories. And that he thought enough of me to ask. Granny and Memaw will live on.

26 comments:

Bekah said...

aw how sweet of you to do that for him! It is so hard to make a decision like that!

Emma Rose said...

The pictures are beautiful and that is such a neat thing to do for him.
I just have to say that your title is not too strong. Last year PETA found homes for only 1 out of every 300 pets in their shelters. The other 299 were killed. They are concerned about money and political issues, not animal welfare.

Tami Weingartner said...

They look really good. That must have been a hard decision for him. I have friends that have retired 3-day horses that are in there late 20's and I know the day is coming for them. And it's going to be tough.

Sherry Sikstrom said...

Beautiful old dollies! Great photos for your friend. As far as abuse , whatever ,I am increasingly bored by these activists standing around in thier leather shoes , snarfing a burger and complaining about rodeo, or other uses of livestock!!they need to get off the High horse and political agenda and find out the real facts about agriculture and rodeo!

Jocelyn said...

My FIL is big tough ranch guy, and do you think he could put his animals down?

NOPE........

Boozy Brown the 35 year old Appy should have been put down many times but always miraculously recovered ;)LOL

What I nice thing you did for him...

C'est la Vie said...

couldn't agree with ya more!!

gtyyup said...

I'm right there with ya on the PETA thing...grrrrr...

Those old gals still looked great, but I'm sure the extreme temps would be tough on them.

The photos are beautiful and the collage will be perfect for lots of good memories.

Unknown said...

Aww I love old cows they are the best.

threecollie said...

The pictures are stunning...you really caught the atmosphere and the personalities of the cows.
And I absolutely echo your sentiments on PeTa. They care nothing for animals and everything for power over other people.

GreenRanchingMom said...

BeaUtiful!! & well said! I wonder if he could handle keeping the skulls with the beautiful character of his mamas?

Libby's Library said...

What lovely old gals!

Paige said...

What a great idea, and how good of him to take such good care of them.

How old is an old cow anyway?

The brindle is gorgeous

Faithful said...

I am in total agreement. I used to teach my 4H-ers when they were upset about letting their animal to to slaughter.."You gave them the best life they could have ever had by taking such good care of them while you had them." I doubt some old 'people' get as good as care as Granny and Memaw!! As usual you did those old ladies justice ..they sure look pretty!

Welcome To Wilmoth Farms said...

AMEN! I hate PETA too!!!!!!!!!!!
You go girl!
I understand about the cows though, it was a sad day I'm sure cause like you said they are well loved and cared for! We lost one yesterday and dont know why, a young heifer. It is such a nice thing you did for your husband! Does he know or is it a surprise?

georgie said...

Those are gorgeous photos. It can't be easy to get cattle to stay still and pose. A wonderful way for your friend to look at and remember two special animals.

Pony Girl said...

You got some great shots, I am sure he will treasure them! How old are the cows? I don't know what is "old" for a cow! My sister knows a couple of horses in her neighborhood, one is 35, one is 40! Yikes! They are not looking good at all, though.

Never Say Never Greyhounds said...

Agreed! PETA sucks!

What beautiful cows. It is nice to know that some live long, happy lives and that someone will miss them.

Jen

City girl turned Country Girl said...

Oh I had a friend a few years ago that passed away but he was the same way...So sad and sweet at the same time. That is a great thing you did for him! Lighting issues aside you got some great pictures, I'm sure he will treasure them...

lisa said...

My husbands comment on Pe Ta is People eating tasty animals!!!!

Never Say Never Greyhounds said...

I'm a vegetarian, but I still laugh everytime I see the PETA T-shirt - People Eating Tastey Animals. :-)

Jen

Paula said...

You have to wonder if the people in charge of PETA have ever really cared for an animal of any type.

We had to put a horse down and did the same things. I'm sitting here looking at his picture right now.

Your pictures are beautiful!

Reddunappy said...

Ya PETA sucks!!

When I worked at the feed store I took a gals credit card that had a big PETA logo, I had to bite my tongue, because it was work, I so wanted to shove it back in her face, she seen me look at it too!

Suzanne said...

Great pics. Wonderful man you got there...

Shirley said...

Lovely photos,the shadows look like they belong, makes the scene restful somehow.(word verification is ambint, close to what I was thinking; ambience!)

Reddirt Woman said...

I don't think you ought to worry too much about the shadows on them because that's the way your friend saw them all the time. I think he will be pleased with how natural the settings are and what a beautiful job you've done on capturing them for him. One thing about cowboys I love is their hearts.

Thanks for sharing.

Helen

Andrea said...

Those ladies look like they had wonderful lives. Well fed fat old girls. You did a great job capturing them. They look so wise. I love those wild flowers!! That last one is awesome!!

And yes, PETA has no clue. They should spend more time on neglected animals than rodeo animals. Stock Contractors LOVE and take awesome care of their livestock. I often thought that some of them got fed better than some of the roping and barrel horses!! :)