Friday, October 30, 2009

The Critter Ranch Needs us!! Giveaway!









Calling all phatties! We've got a phriend in a time of need. Sue from The Critter Ranch emailed me earlier in the week with some very sad news. One of her most beloved Llamas- Cover Girl lost her battle with a mysterious infection. This is an issue I've been seeing with several of the alpaca/llama ranchers I speak with regularly. Losing a productive animal is hard on the bottom line, but even harder on the heart.

Sue and other artist/farmers can expect to pay certain vet bills with the care of any fiber animal, even budget for emergency care in cases of illness or injury, but when situations arise where you need to go the extra mile for a beautiful animal and our economic situation being as it is, there are times when having a 'critter ranch' can be extremely stressfull and worriesome.

The following is Sue's account of the events that has taken place recently:

O.k. here goes back the end of August we where doing a general Herd health check up Cover Girl was two weeks post delivery of her baby boy (Merlin)… She seemed thin… The vet did a complete work up Blood tests, took samples of poop for testing. Test came back that she had some concerns so we treated her, blood tests said she had some sort of infection so we treated with antibiotics. And retested after three weeks…. Blood was same still showed infection & the other issues where worse!!! We then treated very aggressively giving her and her Baby extremely high doses of medicines…Treatment took a week to complete. Three days after we completed the treatment I took more samples. The Vet said first glance we might have this thing licked….But she had become so week & had continued to loose weight to spite my giving her all the grain & hay she could want. We added a Supplement called Jump Start on Friday morning three times a day My Husband & I hand fed her…even gave her water by hand… But She continued to get weaker … the Vets where called in an emergency on Saturday because she would no longer get up, but would roll onto one side to nurse her baby…This concerned me because she was giving him all she had…. Sunday she couldn’t stay upright would fall over flat on the floor, so we Propped her up with Bails of hay one on each side so she could stay upright……She would only eat her grain now. So we continued with the hand feeding in hopes that the Protein & energy booster would build her up…After 5 days of hand feeding standing her massaging her legs and seeing to her day & Night…Monday she seemed brighter even the Vet came by and said so… I became very hopeful for a complete recovery…But My Hopes where dashed when I came in The Barn Tuesday Morning (5am) to find her slummed over and in what seemed to be considerable pain… I called the Vet to come and do what I thought was the most humane thing…But before the vet could get here, She Passed in my arms with one last low llama Hum like she greeted me with each day. I became a wet puddle I was so devastated by this loss I couldn’t even speak to anyone. This was the first Llama I had to say good bye to. We had our first Llama Funeral which I couldn’t even attend. She was the Best llama I ever met she loved people, could be handled by my two year old Grandson & was never cross loved drinking from the hose played in the sprinkler…would talk to people, Llama talk but it seemed like she would carry on a conversation with you… I miss her.. Then The Bill Came now don’t get me wrong this llama was worth every penny of it & then some just in what she meant to me!!! But the Bill is here and now I have to raise the funds …With sales & Jobs to pay over $1000.00 Vet bill..


Sue would like to offer these batts for a giveaway. We'll be doing the giveaway all weekend so you can help us bring attention to Sue's situation and supporting small farms/ranches in general. It's so good to know that fiber you purchase from a small farmer like Sue was produced from a beloved and nurtured animal. Please visit Sue's shop, comment about something you like here, and a giveaway winner will be drawn on Monday. There will be 2 separate winners with 2 (2oz) batts each! One is a beautiful bright rainbow colorway and the other a rich, deep fall colorway.

Sue, our thoughts are with your farm this weekend!

50 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh, I am so sorry to hear about this difficult time. Sending good thoughts and wishes to Sue.

And, also, am in love with "In a Blue Mood". What colours!

KellieBelle said...

Oh my, this is it. This post just had me in tears and I think this is what I've been waiting for! I didn't get a box this month and have been debating on how to spend my fiber budget...going back and forth between a few phat shops and some knit picks I want. Couldn't decide but now my decision is made! I'll definitely be making a purchase this weekend! And I love the Wood Rose roving!

Unknown said...

I am so sorry to hear about your hard times it is never easy to loose an animal. hugs to you I really love the halloween batt in your store too gorgeous vbarton24 at gmail dot com

Flutter said...

This breaks my heart, but she should know that people are thinking fondly of her and her herd. She has a beautiful shop, and I'm loving the Carmel Candy batt.

Anna B said...

I'm so sorry about Cover Girl! I hope Merlin does alright...


I LOVE the frosted rose petal. Very pretty!

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InJuneau said...

Oh, so sad...

I love the Blue Bells wool. It's so lovely, I may just have to buy it now!

Patience Ann said...

Weepy now. So much llama llove. I am llusting after the Purple Rain handspun single. <3

isisonearth said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Cover Girl. Losing animals is so hard.

Frosted Roses is beautiful...I'm going to keep an eye on Critter Ranch.

katyquilts said...

So sorry about your beautiful "furry child". For an animal lover, holding one, while it leave us, is unbelievable hard. My heart goes out to you. And your Wine Country batt and Frosted Roses batt call out to me.

SJS said...

I am so sorry to hear about your loss! It sounds like she was very well cared for and lived a happy llama life.

Also, Wood Rose is absolutely gorgeous.

lissa in western pa said...

ooohhhh i love the wood rose roving :-)



i'm so sorry to hear about your loss and all the stress leading up to it. :-( hopefully merlin will be ok without him mama.

TinkerTots said...

The BeWitched batt is just gorgeous! So many things are, but I particularly like that one!

CptSnoopy on Ravelry said...

I am so sorry to hear about this loss. I know nothing I could say can help with this, but I hope that I can help with the vet bill.

I absolutey love the suri llama in the light violet colors and also the meet me at the fair batts in the purples. I just went ahead and bought both.

Kim said...

I am so sorry for her loss. Our animals become our best friends, and there's a hole left behind that can never quite be filled.

I really like the leicester locks featured in her store. They look springy and delicious

coexistlove said...

I love the beautiful and subtle pretty in pink batts. I can just imagine the delicious yarn they would spin into.

CinderLisa said...

Oh that is awful! I'm sorry to hear about Sue's loss. I hope she's able to raise the funds she needs, that can certainly be difficult!

I have to say I love her Frogs and Pollywogs roving. Beautiful!

Turtle said...

goodness, hopefully things will turn around for the better! we need more small farms around!!

love the bewitched batt

Melissa said...

Coral Reef roving. Yes please.

Cindy said...

This is calling me...
Fiber batt...Sangria Punch...Llama, Mohair and Alpaca 2.3 oz citrus and wine punch yay

Becca said...

I'm very sorry for your loss. Hope the baby is doing well. I absolutely love the candy corn! My son's favorite color is orange, and I bet that spins up beautifully.

spinsandknits said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, during such a sad time. She was family, too.
Have a good friend who no longer has her white llama, who meant as much to her as well. I'm fortunate to have some of the last of the wonderful white fiber.

Your Fiber Batt... Midnight Sky... Hand Dyed Llama and Wool 2oz really caught my eye. The colors are incredible and would make a stunning yarn.

Kate said...

I'm so sorry :-(. It's so hard when we lose animals, they are like members of our family aren't they?

I love your Dragon Fly batt. Your handspun yarns are beautiful too.

:-) Kate

Jan L said...

I love all the batts, but today the Halloween batt really caught my fancy.

GlowGirl Fibers said...

So sorry to read of your loss. It had me in tears too. I also know the pain of vet bills all to well...

In A blue Mood Bat is beautiful.

Thanks

deb@glowgirlfibers.com

Beki said...

My heart goes out to Sue and her farm.

On a brighter note the locks I've found on her sight are going on my "must buy" list.

Leicester long locks...Flower Garden

The Spinning Daisy said...

Best wishes for Sue and her critters.

This visit to her shop I noticed a lot of colorways I hadn't noticed before. Western NY in the Autumn, In a Blue Mood, BeWitched, and Dragon Fire. And I do remember from before loving the Big E roving. So pretty.

Laurel said...

I'm so sorry to hear about the difficult times you are facing. I am a brand new spinner, so I'll be sure to visit the etsy shop when my beginner fiber runs out. (I'm sure it will be soon!) I love the tropical roving. :o) (They are all beautiful....)

Sue said...

Hi everyone Happy Halloween!!

I just wanted to say thank you to Jessie and all of you. I am both very Touched in my Heart…by the speed in witch the wagons…sob sob have circled for me… Also amazed!!! You All ROCK!!! I am more than Halfway there Thank you all sooo much.
I wanted to give everyone an update on Merlin He is Three Months old on November 5th & is over the worst hurdle has gained weight and remains strong & playful. He reminds me so much of his Mom, so he just may never leave.


Thanks Much
Sue
The Critter Ranch

Kitten With a Whiplash said...

This Roving...Muddy Roses...Wool, Llama And Alpaca Kettle Dyed 2 oz Braid is really striking.

Kitten With a Whiplash said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, Sue. I've posted to my blog.

http://kitten-with-a-whiplash.blogspot.com/2009/10/intarsia.html

Michelle aka halloweentango on RAV) said...

I read the story and my eyes welled up. I had to regain my composure so I could look at all the yummy fiber goodness on her site! The candy corn look so yummy I want to take a bit!
Sending good vibes your way Sue!

One Sheep said...

I'm sorry for your loss and glad the little one is doing well. I love this Fiber Batt...In a Blue Mood...Hand dyed Llama, Alpaca and Firestar 2.5oz colorway/

Anonymous said...

So sorry about Cover Girl. :(

The In a Blue Mood is gorgeous! And the Tropical Morning. Ooh, and the Candy Corn! Awesome!

Jen

Anonymous said...

I like the Somewhere over the Rainbow bat.

Rachelle said...

I love the Wine Country batt, gorgeous colours. Sorry to hear of the loss of your friend, it's always hard when your animal family is reduced.

TJacobson said...

I am so sorry to hear about Cover Girl. How hard it is to lose a cherished animal.

The Dragon Fly batt is lovely, but then again, so are many of the ones you offer.

Unknown said...

Ahh, losing a sweet animal is so hard on the heart. I am sending positive thoughts Sue's direction.

Sue's shop is really great. My favorite is "Some Where Over the Rainbow" batt. It made me think of Cover Girl and crossing rainbow bridge to be in a peaceful place.

ikkinlala said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Cover Girl.

I love the Painted Pony Show batt.

Heather said...

What a sad story -- I'm so sorry to hear about your loss.

I love the color combo in Indian Summer.

Shelley Voight said...

Well Sue has very beautiful batts and roving on the site. I think the best part is that her animals are all loved and provide such beautiful fibers.

Anonymous said...

Fiber Batt Long Stem Roses...I mean what's not to love about Long Stem Roses? Romantic name, beautiful fiber. I'm going back to buy it!
Hazel
KniLa on Ravelry

Ann Ryan said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Animals are members of the family.

I love the Flower Garden locks. I could have some fun with those!

Renee J said...

I'm so glad Merlin is doing ok. My heart goes out to you during this difficult time.

Monti Carlo is lovely and will be a wonderful part of my next project!

rmj8373(at)gmail(dot)com

LeiLaniSue said...

Wine country is my favorite batt! I love that Sue uses her own fibers! Best wishes at this difficult time!

TuttleDB said...

So sorry to hear of your loss. Had me all weepy. Sending good thoughts your way and hoping Merlin will be alright.

I love the locks offered in your shop. Can't choose a favorite, though because they are all gorgeous!

Little Miss S. said...

So many great colors. I really like the roving with colors chosen by her son Cameron (Camerons Creation) - he's got great taste ;-)

Anonymous said...

My condolences to Sue.

I loved the Fiber Batts, Roses in the dark. And was able to get the last 2.

Kenlynn said...

Your Tropical Morning roving is gorgeous

PenelopeRose said...

I just wanted to add a not to Sue and say that I am so very sorry for your loss. Our animals mean so much to us that when we loose one we don't loose a pet, we loose family. My heart and prayers are with you through this most difficult time.

Minou14 said...

I've been lucky enough to work with llamas as a vet tech and I know what wonderful animals they are. I'm thinking of Sue. I tried to help a little and just ordered three batts from her shop - all in shades of blue.