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:
aw how sweet of you to do that for him! It is so hard to make a decision like that!
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.
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.
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!
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...
couldn't agree with ya more!!
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.
Aww I love old cows they are the best.
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.
BeaUtiful!! & well said! I wonder if he could handle keeping the skulls with the beautiful character of his mamas?
What lovely old gals!
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
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!
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?
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.
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.
Agreed! PETA sucks!
What beautiful cows. It is nice to know that some live long, happy lives and that someone will miss them.
Jen
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...
My husbands comment on Pe Ta is People eating tasty animals!!!!
I'm a vegetarian, but I still laugh everytime I see the PETA T-shirt - People Eating Tastey Animals. :-)
Jen
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!
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!
Great pics. Wonderful man you got there...
Lovely photos,the shadows look like they belong, makes the scene restful somehow.(word verification is ambint, close to what I was thinking; ambience!)
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
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!! :)
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